When you think of Southampton, what comes to mind? A bustling container port, a world-leading cruise hub… and, for many sailors, a place best avoided due to its heavy shipping traffic. But take a closer look, and you’ll discover that navigating these waters is well worth the effort. Beyond the big ships and busy channels lie historic landmarks, charming marinas, and hidden gems waiting to be explored.

We spoke with the experts at Ancasta International Yacht Sales to bring you the best tips for cruising Southampton Water and making the most of your visit.

Navigating Southampton Water

Southampton is a major commercial port, so staying clear of the main channel is key. Instead, use the small craft channel to the east and always remember that even under sail, large vessels have priority. Keep an ear on VHF Channel 12 (Southampton Vessel Traffic Service) for real-time updates on ship movements.

As you approach Dock Head, rejoin the main channel near the Weston Shelf starboard-hand buoy and slow down to the six-knot speed limit within the harbour. Now, the adventure begins!

Image: Mingming Ouyang on Unsplash

 

Landmarks & Sights Along the Way

Netley & Hythe: History on the Water
Sailing past the BP Terminal and Fawley Oil Refinery, look to starboard and spot the Great Dome of Netley in Royal Victoria Country Park. This chapel is all that remains of the once-grand Royal Victoria Military Hospital, which treated wounded soldiers from the Boer War and both World Wars. A little further on, you’ll see Netley Abbey, the most complete surviving Cistercian abbey, dating back to 1239.

To port, the long pier of Hythe comes into view, home to the Hythe Ferry, which runs to Southampton Town Quay. Nearby, Hythe Marina Village offers a locked marina with visitor berths—perfect for a stopover, especially if you’re heading to the Southampton International Boat Show at Mayflower Park. Call ahead on VHF Channel 80 to arrange entry.

Up the Itchen or Towards the Cruise Terminal?
At this point, you can either turn starboard into the River Itchen or continue straight past the cruise terminals.

Past the Cruise Ships & Historic Docks
Continuing ahead, you’ll pass the Ocean Terminal, where the Titanic departed from on her fateful maiden voyage. Beyond that, the vast commercial docks and container terminals dominate the skyline—an awe-inspiring sight up close.

Just past the Ocean Docks, Town Quay Marina offers the closest moorings to the Boat Show. However, with frequent ferry movements to Hythe and Cowes, small craft must request permission from VTS on VHF Channel 12 before entering. Look out for the derelict piers on the southwest side—these were once the landing stages for the Princess flying boats of the 1920s.

On your port side, you’ll spot Marchwood Military Port before reaching the container port, where you can admire the sheer size of the towering cargo ships. At the very end lies the Eling Channel (which dries at low tide), home to Eling Tide Mill—one of only two surviving working tidal mills, over 900 years old.

Image: Simona Marinkova on Unsplash

 

Exploring the River Itchen
If you choose to turn starboard and enter the River Itchen, you’ll first pass Empress Dock on your port side before reaching the Itchen Road Bridge (23m clearance). Here, you have several options for stopping and exploring:

Ocean Village Marina (port side) – A lively marina with bars, bistros, and charter companies. A great spot for the boat show or catching a Southampton FC match at nearby St. Mary’s Stadium.

Itchen Marina – No visitor berths, but fuel is available.

Shamrock Quay – Rich in history, this marina is built on the old Camper & Nicholson yards, where J-class racing yachts like Shamrock V were constructed.

Image: Hasan Karaman on Unsplash

 

Why Southampton Water is Worth Exploring

Despite its industrial backdrop, Southampton Water offers sheltered sailing, fascinating history and convenient marina stopovers. Whether you’re visiting for an event, exploring maritime heritage or just passing through, this waterway has plenty to offer—if you know where to look!

So next time you glance at Southampton on the chart, don’t dismiss it too quickly. Take the time to navigate its waters, uncover its secrets, and experience a side of this port city that many sailors overlook.

The post Exploring Southampton Water: A Hidden Gem for Sailors appeared first on All At Sea.