Entering the Solent from the west you have a choice of either the Needles Channel or the North Channel which rounds the Shingles bank close to the shore. In the latter case the white lighthouse on Hurst Point is a useful mark in poor visibility so long as you bear in mind that the green North Head Buoy which you must leave to starboard to enter the channel is further in towards the shore.

Once in the Solent, Lymington is easily identified on its north shore by the forest of masts. To gain the entrance channel either follow the ferries or find the initial beacon known as Jack in the Basket by virtue of its basket shaped top mark. The channel is quite shallow but take comfort from the fact that if the ferries can use it so can you.

There are three main berthing options in this big yachting centre. First up is Lymington Yacht Haven which is gained by leaving the channel at the prominent east cardinal Harper’s Post. It’s a large and quiet marina, rather regimented in layout with serried ranks of boats along lengthy pontoons but efficient and comfortable and with lovely views of the Solent and the hills on the IoW. There’s an on-site restaurant and basic supplies at the chandlers. This being Lymington, “basic” includes items such as wild boar pate and at least two brands of champagne.

Berthon Lymington Marina is about half a mile further on opposite the ferry terminal, rather closer to the town centre. Like the Yacht Haven it has all facilities including splendiferous new showers. Beware, however, of the full length mirrors. As one punter commented, why would I want to share a shower with that fat bastard?

It is also possible to raft up against a pontoon at the Town Quay, space permitting. The channel up to the quay shoals in places which may give deeper draft vessels problems around LW but there is plenty of water at the quay itself and toilet and shower facilities are available.

Onshore, Lymington is one of the prettiest towns in the area with a delightful Georgian High Street and a wide range of restaurants including two recommended by Michelin. To stretch your legs there are lovely walks along the Solent through the Lymington-Keyhaven Nature Reserve starting at the Yacht Haven.

About 2 miles further west of Lymington just off North Point lies the entrance to Keyhaven. Best water is (or was) to be found on a bearing of about 283º and deeper draft vessels will need something close to HW to gain the channel. Anchoring in deep water is possible just behind the point, or there may be a private mooring to borrow higher up, but there is little space and few facilities. The main appeal is to smaller craft which can take the ground.

© 2009 Yachtpilot