Solent Yacht Charter – Sailing the Solent
The Solent is regarded as one of the best yachting destinations in the world and Solent yacht charter is the ideal way to enjoy the freedom of your own boat without the financial outlay of actually owning it. Whether you choose bareboat yacht charter or prefer to have a professional skipper taking the helm for a day, weekend or longer, you’ll be guaranteed some exhilarating sailing alongside the stunning coastline of the Solent. An ideal location to start from is the Beaulieu River where you’ll find Solent yacht charter at a reasonable price. From there you’ll have a wide choice of destinations to explore.
Solent sailing destinations
Beaulieu River
A great place to begin your Solent yacht charter is Buckler’s Hard on the banks of the Beaulieu River in Hampshire. This historic 18th century village is in the heart of the New Forest and the place where many of the ships of Lord Nelson’s fleet were built. The Marina offers full yachting facilities among its picturesque and tranquil surroundings. Once you’ve left the river, you can set out toward the many famous Solent harbours including Cowes, Yarmouth, Poole and Portsmouth.
Cowes
Just one hour’s sail from Beaulieu River you’ll find the location of the biggest sailing regatta in the world. Cowes on the Isle of Wight is often referred to as the ‘home of world yachting’ and over a thousand yachts and one hundred thousand spectators each year head to the prestigious ‘Cowes Week Regatta’. The event usually takes place in the first week of August and mixes thrilling competitive sailing with exciting social and leisure activities across the eight days. Cowes has an easily accessible estuary entrance to its numerous marinas where you can find temporary mooring to take in the town, grab a bite to eat at a vintage pub and visit the many designer shops. If you choose to stay on the water, you can take a leisurely cruise up the River Medina toward Newport.
Yarmouth
Heading to the western side of the Isle of Wight you’ll find the charming port of Yarmouth and a natural harbour that attracts many yachts looking to take advantage of the estuary of the River Yar. Henry VIII’s Yarmouth Castle guards the harbour entrance to a town which is bustling and active with its varied shops, pubs and restaurants. Yarmouth is a great stop-off point before heading toward Alum Bay and the world famous ‘Needles’.
The Needles
At the westernmost point of the Isle of Wight is sandy Alum Bay; home to ‘The Needles’. These three iconic chalk stacks rise from the sea with a 109ft 18th century built lighthouse clinging to the base of the most westerly rock of the group. The name ‘Needles’ derives from a fourth stack to the north of the central rock which collapsed in 1764. Known as ‘Lot’s wife’, it had a tapered needle shape and it’s stump can be seen at low water.
Poole
For those wanting to experience a longer passage you can sail further west and head toward Poole. This large coastal town is a popular tourist and yachting destination due its large natural harbour. Along with Sydney, Cork, Rio de Janeiro and Halifax in Canada, Poole has one of the largest natural harbours in the world. Described as the ‘Cote d’Azur of the South Coast ‘, Poole is a magnet for water sports enthusiasts with its azure blue waters and three miles of sandy beaches. Visiting boats can head to Poole Quay and find a temporary mooring allowing you to step ashore and see the local attractions or dine at one of the many restaurants offering superb views out into the harbour.
Portsmouth
If you choose to sail East from your starting location of Buckler’s Hard, Portsmouth Harbour awaits you. Portsmouth Harbour is a busy commercial and Naval port with plenty of activity along the shipping channels so an experienced skipper is recommended to navigate these waters. However, once you’re safely in the harbour you’ll be greeted by the Spinnaker Tower and HMS Warrior to your right. A leisurely sail north and you’ll pass the historic Naval dockyard and if you’re lucky see the current fleet of Royal Navy aircraft carriers and destroyers. At the northern most point of the harbour you’ll find Portchester Castle – a well preserved Roman fortification from the latter 3rd century AD. Head back to the harbour entrance and take a temporary mooring at Gunwharf Quays where you’ll find designer outlet stores and restaurants looking out on to the hustle and bustle of the harbour waters.
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