Two miles from the mouth of the River Hamble, Mercury Yacht Harbour is protected from the prevailing winds. Its tranquil rural setting makes this marina particularly popular with cruising families and those who enjoy a more gentle pace of boating. There is unrestricted access to Southampton Water and many of the peaceful bays and harbours around the Solent. The sheltered waters of the Isle of Wight, with its bays, beaches, creeks, harbours and marinas, make this an ideal location for boating of all kinds. Mercury Yacht Harbour was completely rebuilt in 1991, and now offers wide jetties and individual finger pontoons, to ensure secure mooring. Well trained and professional staff are on hand 24 hours a day.

You can experience a wealth of exciting sailing from Mercury Yacht Harbour. Try the rural setting of the River Hamble, yacht racing and cruising on the nearby Solent, sheltered sailing round the Isle of Wight or one of the many attractive destinations within a day's round trip.

The international yachting centre of Cowes, on the Isle of Wight, is only a short distance away. Newtown Creek to the west is a quiet haven for wildlife lovers. Picturesque Wootton and pretty Bembridge on the eastern side reveal other charming aspects of the island. The enthusiast will enjoy exploring a host of other delightful spots.

West of the Hamble, take a rewarding trip up the Beaulieu River to Bucklers Hard, a pretty hamlet with 18th century Georgian terraces flanking the broad main street. As its Maritime Museum will testify, the town was for many centuries an important centre where sailing and war ships were built. Or sail further west past the ancient port of Lymington and the Needles to Poole Harbour - the second largest natural harbour in the world. Portsmouth Harbour, to the east of Southampton Water, offers a fascinating array of historic and modern ships.

If coming by car, take the M27 motorway to junction 8, then follow signs to Hamble, going due SW up a short dualled hill to a big roundabout, take the second exit A3025 past the Tesco superstore, over two mini roundabouts and one set of traffic lights, still going due South towards Hamble. After a plant nursery on the left take the first exit at the next roundabout, then immediately left into Satchell Lane about 50 yards past the roundabout. Over a railway bridge and round several sharp bends, after about 1/2 mile look out for a left turn signposted Mercury Yacht Harbour, next to a holiday caravan site. Go down a short narrow rough road for about 200 yards and turn right through large wire gates into the large free car park. Close to the river on the corner of the main building is the harbourmaster's office, with luggage trolleys nearby and the yacht on berth C6 just in front.