Moorings on the Solent

The Solent is the storied stretch of water between mainland England's south coast and the Isle of Wight — and arguably the most concentrated yachting destination on Earth. Around 40 kilometres of sheltered tidal water lined with marinas, harbours, sailing clubs and boatyards, the Solent is home to Cowes Week, the Round the Island Race, the Fastnet start line and a year-round community of cruising and racing sailors. For boat owners, the choice of long-stay moorings is unmatched: Hamble Point, Mercury, Port Hamble, Universal, Swanwick, Haslar, Gosport, Port Solent, Lymington, Beaulieu, East and West Cowes, Yarmouth and many more, with options ranging from premium serviced pontoons to traditional swinging moorings. Mooring availability is competitive and pricing reflects the Solent's premier status, but the cruising rewards are exceptional — the Beaulieu River, Newtown Creek, Chichester Harbour, the Needles, Studland Bay and the wider south coast all sit on the doorstep. Liveaboards thrive here, with full marina facilities, vibrant pubs and restaurants, sailing schools, chandleries and excellent rail access from Southampton, Portsmouth, Lymington and the Isle of Wight ferries. The Solent suits sailing yachts and motor yachts of all sizes; double tides, heavy commercial traffic at Southampton and the busiest leisure water in the country mean a competent skipper is essential, but the support infrastructure is the best in the UK.