
Solent Yacht Charter Itinerary
7 days
•75 nautical miles
Solent Yacht Charter
The home of British sailing, with a proud naval, commercial and leisure yachting legacy, the Solent is a wonderful place for a yacht charter a bit closer to home.
Sail to Cowes, host of the iconic annual Cowes Week regatta, beautiful Lymington in the heart of the New Forest, and explore Poole's sandy beaches and Georgian Old Town.
This sample itinerary is based on a 6-day trip from Portsmouth or Hamble, exploring some of the highlights of the area, and can of course be adjusted to suit your preferences.
Sailing Itinerary
DAY

Day 1: Hamble
DAY

Day 2: Cowes (6.3nm)
DAY

Day 3: Yarmouth (9.2nm)
DAY

Day 4: Poole (21nm)
DAY

Day 5: Lymington (23nm)
DAY

Day 6: Hamble (15nm)
The Sparkling Solent


Arrive in the afternoon to settle into your yacht and go through the briefing before spending your first evening exploring the pretty sailing village of Hamble-le-Rice. You're spoilt for choice for classic British pubs - The King and Queen is a legendary drinking hole in the sailing world, and The Bugle even features in the Michelin Guide. Parts of the 1980s TV show Howards' Way were filmed in the area, too.



Set sail from the base for an easy sail south across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and the world-famous town of Cowes. Anchor off Osborne Bay for lunch and a swim underneath Queen Victoria's favourite residence, Osborne House. Cowes offers a range of restaurants, pubs and eateries that belies its size. During regattas, the High Street is full of sailors and landlubbers alike soaking up the atmosphere (and a few beers). Walk up the hill to Northwood House and Park, or hop on the chain ferry across the River Medina to East Cowes and visit the Classic Boat Museum, a wonderfully chaotic assortment of historic craft and memorabilia from over a century of going to sea in boats.



One of the jewels of the south coast, Yarmouth is a picturesque town that offers plenty to do, from walking the cobbled streets to visiting the famous Needles landmark. You'll find a range of quaint cafes, shops and galleries tucked away in the town's many little alleyways. Reserve a table at The Hut in Colwell Bay, a wonderful place to go for a truly special meal. Only accessible by boat (or collection from Yarmouth marina), The Hut is a smart seafood restaurant with a relaxed, beach club vibe, looking out over the Solent.


Squeeze out through the Hurst Narrows, dodge the shifting Shingles bank and plot a course for Poole Harbour via the Needles Channel. Studland Bay is a great place to stop off en route. As you enter Poole Harbour, you'll pass the exclusive Sandbanks area and the amazing Brownsea island, the birthplace of the Scout movement. Poole is an intriguing mix of old and new, with Georgian buildings jostling for high street space with modern flats and shops.



Time for the longest sail of the week, as you cross Christchurch Bay again, sailing past Bournemouth Beach en route to the impressive Hurst Point, with its 16th-century castle and strong tidal overflows. Tonight's port of call is delightful Lymington, a classic English town in the sumptuous New Forest. A thriving market town, Lymington is dotted with independent shops and designer boutiques. We highly recommend hiring bikes to explore the New Forest and meet the wild ponies. The Ship, a short stroll from the marina, is an excellent pub.


The final day sees you heading downwind with the prevailing SW breeze filling your sails as you cruise the 15nm back up the Solent to base in the River Hamble. Make sure to stop off for one last relaxed lunch in idyllic Beaulieu or the nearby Buckler's Hard.
Begin your Adventure
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