Suggestions for Solent weekend away.......

[richardjawilson]

Hello all.

I am after some launching/hotel/marina suggestions. I am planning to

1) tow boat from london to solent
2) launch it on audi estate friendly slip way
3) leave car on mainland
4) find suitable marina on isle of white
4) spend 1/2 nights at b and b or hotel on Isle of white within walking distance of marina.
5) sometime in may or june

So was looking to leave car and trailer in a relatively secure area, shying away from public car parks. Hotel price range not too OTT and on north side of island, near civilisation.........ie near shops for Mrs W to spend money in etc etc

Any suggestions greatfully recieved!!

regards richard

[Tim M]

Tow boat to Portsmouth. Launch at the Camber slip. Store trailer in the trailer park, store car in the public car park (quite a safe area). I would aim for Cowes for the over-night bit. Lots of shops for Mrs W, plus lots of good pubs etc. I belive the Anchor does B & B - it's a very nice pub for food etc. Lots of marinas to choose from, so getting a berth shouldn't be a problem. Being in Cowes means you are nice and central to explore the rest of the Solent.

[Andy Moore]

Richard

Can I suggest you head for Cowes and more in Cowes Yacht Haven.

For somewhere to stay, can I suggest Rawlings Hotel. It is a short stroll from the Marina, past the shops, pubs, Indian, and has -in my opinion- a shabby-chic, old world, bolt-hole, kind of charm.

I am in no way connected to said establishment...

[havener]

Hamble Point Marina's worth investigating, good secure parking (24 hour security) and excellent wide concrete ramp. IOW easily accessible.

[C2 RIBS]

Agree with Havener, Hamble Point slip very user friendly, about £30 for use includes both ways. Parking secure with chandlery and sea start and pub/food but you will need to pay a Hamble River day fee which I recall is less than £10 for a 6.5 boat. I use this slip for 6.5 off the back of my van but use a rope to keep wheels of van dry. On a springs low the bottom of slip is just in view so leave half an hour each side of low, but friendly and nice place to launch. Opposite Hamble Point is public slip of Warsash but with your car I would probably avoid as a gentle slope and a pig at some tides

[Rogue Wave]

40 kwid to slipway launch your boay you might as well go to aq boat yard and have a crane launch and leave your car and trailer there. Drivers Wharf is southampton is good also look at staying at Bembridge after you've been to Cowes or Yarmouth is good. also sea breeze is a great palce to launch and leave your vehicle very secure and points straight at cowes.

if you wanted to go as far a poole I think rockley park is a fantastic place to day trip out of

[Into The Blue]

Rockleys a great location, spent many years launching and storing boats there but the parking is frankly awful. And there have been instances of car damage in the car park if you leave it over night.
You'd have to be a bit careful on the slip, last itme I was there is was covered in sand as the crew there didn't seem to like cleaning it off.
If I was going out of Poole, go to Cobbs, more expensive but so worth the extra.

[richardjawilson]

Thanks for suggestions. Portsmouth is near by and looking on boatlaunch the slip is ideal and parking etc. Have looked at the 2 pubs/hotels in cowes and are not too expensive. I may take 1 night in lymington as well.

Now just need to sort out when to go.

[Richard B]

Originally Posted by richardjawilson

I may take 1 night in lymington as well.

Yarmouth is much more RIB friendly than Lymington. Harbourmaster @ Yarmouth is friendly (Lymington h'master downright unhelpful in my experience) and it's generally a very pleasant experience staying on the IOW.

[richardjawilson]

I had considered Yarmouth but as I have been to Lymington before it would be familiar territory. However a unfriendly harbourmaster is never the best situation. Perhaps 2 nights in Cowes will suffice....less moving about of gear etc

thanks again

richard