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Sunsail's Port Solent base

From our base in Port Solent just outside of Portsmouth, the stunning sailing ground of the Solent is only a short sail away. Home to our UK head office, Port Solent is a relatively new development of waters edge entertainment with restaurants, bars and shops lining the boardwalk looking out onto the marina.

Cruising notes

Portsmouth Harbour
Once aboard, a short motor will take your yacht through Portsmouth Harbour on your way out to the Solent. For a contrasting experience moor up at Gunwharf Quays and mix the old with the new. Head to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to discover the world famous historic ships HMS Victory, the Mary Rose and HMS Warrior, then wander back to Gunwharf Quays to shop at over 85 designer outlets, eat at one of 20 cosmopolitan bars and restaurants, be entertained at the 14-screen vue cinema or bowl at the 26-lane Bowlplex!

Dominating the skyline as you approach Gunwharf is Portsmouth’s newest attraction the Spinnaker Tower. Elegant, sculptural and awe-inspiring, the Spinnaker Tower is set to become a new national icon. Soaring 170 metres into the sky above Portsmouth’s historic harbour, walk out onto one of three viewing decks and soak up a 23 mile view! For the braver souls, why not cross the largest glass floor in Europe and walk on air?

The New Forest
Sail up he Solent past Hamble River and the picturesque Hamble village and moor your yacht in Hythe, one of the many nautical, New Forest villages.

Hythe
Situated at the extreme east of the New Forest, Hythe is a picturesque waterfront town with a bustling Tuesday market. Hythe pier is home to the oldest continuously operating dedicated pier train in the world and just along from the pier is a picnic area and the yachting marina. Sir Christopher Cockerell (inventor of the hovercraft) lived in the village until just before his death in 1999 and Laurence of Arabia worked at the British Powerboat Company in the 1930's. Close by is Dibden golf course as well as Lepe Country Park, Calshot Castle, Exbury Gardens and Beaulieu Village.

Lymington
Mentioned in the Doomsday Book as ‘Lentune’ in 1086, Lymington's main industry up to the 19th century was salt workings which stretched from Lymington bridge to Hurst. The town was sacked and burned by the French in the 14th and 16th centuries and at Buckland Rings, just North of the town centre, is the remains of a hill fort dating back to between 500 and 100 B.C.

Lymington was well known for smuggling due to the winding river and many subterranean passages from the quay. It is now a haven for yachting enthusiasts who enjoy the advantages of the double tides. The marina is edged with shops full of sea faring clothes and houses plenty of places to eat and drink. Cobbled streets and 17th century homes make Lymington a must for visitors. The High Street is full of interesting shops with a busy market on Saturdays, and a short walk along the river leads to the open air sea water swimming pool, children's sandpit, play area and a boating pool. Whilst in the area why not try a visit to Spinners Gardens or a brisk walk to Hurst Castle?

Christchurch
This historical market town is bordered by the towns of Bournemouth and Poole to the west and the New Forest town of Ringwood to the north. Visit the Norman Constable's House at the edge of the Mill Stream which, although now in ruins, has one of only five Norman chimneys in Britain as well as one of the earliest examples of a toilet or ‘garderobes’! Just behind the Norman House are the ruins of the Castle Keep and Motte where you can climb to the top of the mound and enjoy the views - if you are feeling energetic. There is a regular Monday market, Thursday County Fayre of local crafts and worldwide gifts and Dorset Farmers market on the first Friday of every month – the perfect place to pick up home grown produce.

If you have the time, Highcliffe Castle set in impressive cliff-top grounds is well worth a visit. Although the castle was severely damaged by fire in the 1960's, it has now been extensively restored and contains some unique mediaeval stonework. Tutton’s Well in Stanpit was the source of ‘The Christchurch Elixir’ sold around the country renowned for its medicinal virtues!

The Isle of Wight
A couple of hours sail from our Port Solent base is the beautiful Isle of Wight. Renowned as a sailors haven, there are many coastal villages perfect for a night ashore.

Cowes
Best known as the world's premier yachting centre, Cowes is the Island's main port. Yachtsmen from all over the world participate in the season's prestigious sailing events, of which the best known is August Skandia Cowes Week. Cowes and East Cowes grew from a huddle of fishermen's shacks to the thriving resorts they are today. The towns are linked by an old-fashioned chain ferry and in 1854, the Royal Yacht Squadron moved into Cowes Castle, the former Tudor fort, and the name of Cowes has been synonymous with yachting ever since.

Shopping in the narrow pedestrianised High Street is a delight, with some excellent shops, many catering for the yachting fraternity. The town also has an array of fashionable clothing shops, gift shops, delicatessens, cafes, restaurants and lively pubs. East Cowes is where you will find the magnificent Osborne House, former seaside holiday home of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert and preserved much as it was when the Queen died here in 1901.

Yarmouth
Today the picturesque Port of Yarmouth mainly serves ferries bound for Lymington on the mainland. An impressive feature of the town is the unique 700ft long Grade II listed timber pier. The annual Yarmouth Old Gaffers Festival is one of the largest events held on the Isle of Wight with more than 100 Old Gaffers - gaff rigged boats - participating in the event supported by lively shore based entertainment!

Yarmouth Carnival is held in the Town Square every August and includes a procession throughout the town with floats, music and parades. The local Yar estuary attracts walkers and bird watchers, and the Hamstead walking trail runs for seven miles from Yarmouth to Brook across the picturesque Downs to the South.