
Set within The Solent, it is a well-protected anchorage from most weather conditions, but it has to be classed as tolerable owing to wash waves that roll the boat through the night. Access is safe and easy as The Solent is a protected waterway with plenty of marks, and there are no outlying dangers on the approach.
Keyfacts for Ryde Roads
Facilities
Nature
Considerations
Protected sectors
Approaches
Shelter
Last modified
March 13th 2025 Summary
A tolerable location with safe access.Best time to enter or exit
The Eastern Approaches to the Solent and the run-up to Southampton WaterFacilities
Nature
Considerations
Position and approaches
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Haven position
This is about 700 metres off the shoreline and north of a small port marker.
What are the key points of the approach?
Use Eastern Approaches to the Solent and the run-up to Southampton Water
as your guide for sailing along the eastern and northeastern shores of the Isle of Wight.
Not what you need?
Click the 'Next' and 'Previous' buttons to progress through neighbouring havens in a coastal 'clockwise' or 'anti-clockwise' sequence. Below are the ten nearest havens to Ryde Roads for your convenience.
Ten nearest havens by straight line charted distance and bearing:
- Ryde Harbour - 1.2 nautical miles ESE
- Wootton Creek (Fishbourne) - 1.2 nautical miles WSW
- Stokes Bay - 2.6 nautical miles NNE
- Osborne Bay - 2.9 nautical miles WNW
- Seaview - 3.3 nautical miles ESE
- Folly Inn - 3.7 nautical miles W
- Island Harbour Marine - 3.7 nautical miles WSW
- Priory Bay - 4 nautical miles ESE
- Haslar Marina - 4.1 nautical miles NE
- Bembridge Harbour - 4.2 nautical miles SE
These havens are ordered by straight line charted distance and bearing, and can be reordered by compass direction or coastal sequence:
- Ryde Harbour - 1.2 miles ESE
- Wootton Creek (Fishbourne) - 1.2 miles WSW
- Stokes Bay - 2.6 miles NNE
- Osborne Bay - 2.9 miles WNW
- Seaview - 3.3 miles ESE
- Folly Inn - 3.7 miles W
- Island Harbour Marine - 3.7 miles WSW
- Priory Bay - 4 miles ESE
- Haslar Marina - 4.1 miles NE
- Bembridge Harbour - 4.2 miles SE
Chart
What's the story here?

Image: Michael Harpur
Ryde Roads is a sheltered area situated off the northeast corner of the Isle of Wight, adjacent to the main naval anchorage at Spithead. It lies close west of the prominent Ryde Pier, which extends 800 metres north of the town and immediately south of the Solent's principal fairway between Ryde and Gilkicker Point.

commercial traffic
Image: Michael Harpur
This area offers an easy access drop-in anchorage for a tide with an overnight stay that is naturally protected by its location. The only problem is the wakes from the commercial traffic plying their trade in this busy waterway.
How to get in?

shallower sands showing through
Image: Michael Harpur

Image: Michael Harpur

Image: Michael Harpur

Image: Michael Harpur
Better landings can be found inshore of Ride West Sands to the east of the pier, just under a mile by tender from the anchorage. On Spring tides, the beach is covered, so draw the dinghy up and secure it. Otherwise, at high water, the beach is steep too, but at half tide and low water, there are many rocks that must be avoided on approach.

Image: Michael Harpur
The easiest way to approach is from the position of a new and very attractive beach chalet set above the beach, where the footing is reasonably clear.
Why visit here?
This is a lovely, quiet anchorage in southerly conditions save for the sudden appearance of wash. Although it involves a lengthy dinghy run, it is very much removed from the busy town of Ryde and overlooks a charming forested shoreline dotted with pretty townhouses. This allows you to enjoy the advantages of the town while keeping its bustling seafront somewhat at arm's length.
Image: Michael Harpur
Ryde Roads offers an opportunity to anchor off the grand old Victorian seaside resort that became known as the 'Gateway to the Isle of Wight' - Ryde Harbour
As Ryde dries entirely, Ryde Roads provides an opportunity for boaters whose vessels need to remain afloat and who wish to visit the area.
What facilities are available?
There are no facilities in Ryde Roads's secluded anchorage. However, a 45-minute sail to Cowes, Portsmouth, or the River Hamble provides almost any conceivable marine service or facility a vessel could require.Any security concerns?
Never an issue known to have occurred to a vessel anchored off West Ryde.With thanks to:
Michael Harpur, S/Y Whistler, Southampton, UK.Add your review or comment:
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