Sign of the times Mid River Moorings Hamble

IanR

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Occasionally I have notice people asking about Hamble moorings. I was surprised to hear that there are still some mid river contractors moorings available on the river. If you want a spot for the summer, now could be a good time to ask about.

I guess that this is a barometer of the times, the waiting list for the marinas has gone too
Perhaps its time for the return of Jack Rolfe and a Howard's way remake

No connection other than a river user.
 
I think most years thewre are contractors moorings available, of course they're twice the price of a Harbourmaster's mooring. They do after all have to pay the Harbourmaster and then do the groundwork before making any money. I got onto a piles/pontoon mooring last year, two years earlier than predicted. I attributed this to several causes. So many new sailors have more money and won't consider anything under thirty-odd foot as a starter boat (many river moorings are restricted to 32 feet). Also, those who can take up an expensive hobby can also afford to pay for a marina berth. In this recession, a lot of cash can be saved by moving up to the other end of Southampton Water, particularly if you can use a semi-tidal swinging mooring.

I would still be up at Woolston if it were not for my encapsulated lead fin keel - I dare not stay on a drying mooring for too long or it will wear through the GRP and wick up into the hull structure!

There are so many moorings in the river and so poorly serviced by car parking and public slipways suitable for a tender. Even if you can afford to use the river taxi, they clock off way before you'd want to be returning on a fine Summer's evening!

Rob
 
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