Mercury Yacht Harbour is situated on the south coast of England within the River Hamble that flows into the northeast side of Southampton Water. It is a modern marina centrally situated in the River Hamble, which is a yachting centre of considerable importance.

Located inside the protected waters of Southampton Waters and a mile and a half upriver, the marina offers complete protection. It can be safely accessed night or day, at any state of the tide and in all reasonable conditions.

As visitors are accommodated on the berths of absent resident berth-holders it is advisable to make contact in advance of any intended stay. The marina's pontoons are exposed to very strong tidal currents so a great measure of care is required to deal with the cross currents when passing in between the marina’s pontoon heads. Newcomers are advised to only approach at slack water.

Keyfacts for Mercury Yacht Harbour

Position and approaches

Haven position

50° 52.256' N, 001° 18.556' W

This is situated on the head of the second southern most 'B' pontoon.

What is the initial fix?

This is located 80 metres southward of Hamble Point South Cardinal buoy Q(6)+LF1. 15s and on the line of bearing of 352°T, in the white sector (351°-353°) of Hamble Common Light-beacon.

What are the key points of the approach?

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What's the story here?

Located on the west bank of the river, 1½ miles within its entrance, Mercury Yacht Harbour is the river's third marina. Owned by MDL, the marina is situated in a scenic, peaceful, and sheltered wooded area where the shallow waters of Badnam Creek meet the River Hamble. Originally built by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, it is renowned for its scenic and peaceful setting.




The marina has 360 berths and can accommodate yachts up to 24 metres in length, with a maximum draught of 4.5 metres and a beam no greater than 12 metres. The River Hamble provides a draft of no less than 2.3 metres chart datum up to Mercury Yacht Harbour.

Daily Visitor Berthing [2025]):

• • Up to 12.5m: £5.35 per metre


• • 12.6m – 18m: £6.75 per metre


• • 18.1m – 24m: £7.50 per metre


• • 24.1m +: Price on Application (POA)

Short Stay Berthing (Up to 4 hours):

• • Up to 15m: £12.60


• • 15.1m +: £18.55

Electricity is not included in the daily visitor berthing rates. Visitor berths should generally be vacated by noon on the day of departure. It is good practice to inform the marina if you expect to arrive after 5 p.m..




Mercury Yacht Harbour does not have designated visitor berths and guests are accommodated in vacant berths of resident holders. It is therefore recommended to arrange berthing in advance by contacting the marina on Ch. 80/M [Mercury Yacht Harbour], +44 23 8045 5994, mercury@mdlmarinas.co.uk or the MDL web form .

How to get in?

Western Approaches to The Solent and the run-up to Southampton or the Eastern Approaches to The Solent and the run-up to Southampton provides tidal guidance and pilotage to the river entrance, where Navigating the River Hamble completes directions to the marina.




Mercury Yacht Harbour is the third marina encountered when travelling up the river, approximately 1.5 miles upstream from the river's entrance on the west bank of the River Hamble. It is situated about a ½ mile further upstream from the village of Hamble (Hamble-le-Rice) in a sheltered, wooded area where the shallow waters of Badnam Creek meet the main channel of the River Hamble. It lies directly off the river fairway.




Berth as directed by the marina office. Pontoon letter A to E ascends in order as you travel upstream, berth numbers ascend as you move out from the main walkway along each pontoon, odd numbers on the downriver side, even on the upriver side.

Significant caution is needed when berthing in the Hamble River on the ebb. This is particularly true during Springs when the 'river effect', caused by a very rapid initial tidal drop, is intensified by the Solent's double high 'tidal stand', which allows only 3-4 hours for the ebb to complete its cycle. The combination of the 'stand' and 'river effect' results in a disproportionately sudden and intense first ebb flush that is best avoided when coming alongside, or if the skipper chooses to proceed, requires close attention from the helmsman.




Likewise, be alert for strong cross currents when passing between the marina's pontoon heads. These currents will not remain constant as the depth decreases into the marina area, and in some cases, the tidal flow may even decrease. It is helpful to know the berth orientation in advance; if there is a stream, it is easier to approach against the tide. Therefore, having prior knowledge of the berth orientation or requesting a more straightforward berth to approach is advisable.

Why visit here?

Mercury Yacht Harbour is named in honour of the area's deep-rooted connection with the Training Ship Mercury (T.S. Mercury), a distinguished part of British maritime history. The story of the T.S. Mercury and its long-standing association with the River Hamble is a fascinating chapter in the education and training of young sailors.




Founded in 1885 by Charles Hoare, a renowned banker and philanthropist, and Captain Charles Arthur Richard Hoare, a retired Royal Navy officer, the T.S. Mercury was established to prepare boys for careers in both the Royal Navy and the Merchant Navy. The school's original location was on the River Thames at Greenhithe, where the old HMS President, renamed Mercury, served as its floating base. The curriculum was demanding, focusing on discipline, seamanship, and the development of strong character.




In 1892, due to increasing industrial activity on the Thames, the school relocated to the quieter, more suitable waters of the River Hamble near the village of Hamble-le-Rice. There, the Mercury continued its mission, eventually replacing its original vessel with the HMS Gannet in 1914, a retired Royal Navy sloop that was also renamed Mercury and mainly used as a floating dormitory on the river. For decades, the school played a vital role in local life, with its uniformed cadets a familiar sight in the community and its band a highlight of local events. Several notable figures passed through the Mercury, including Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India; Sir Alec Rose, the famous solo circumnavigator; and the actor Sir Dirk Bogarde, who reportedly disliked his time there.




By the mid-20th century, the demand for training ships lessened as naval education moved to onshore institutions. The Mercury school closed in 1968. After its closure, the site retained its maritime heritage: initially through the Hamble School of Yachting, and today via the Hamble Warsash Maritime School (part of Solent University), which continues to train future sailors on the same historic waters.




Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, celebrated for becoming the first person to sail single-handed and non-stop around the world in 1969, played a pivotal role in the development of Mercury Yacht Harbour on the River Hamble. After his historic circumnavigation aboard the yacht Suhaili, Knox-Johnston left the merchant navy and turned his attention to marina development, making a significant impact on the British boating scene. He was instrumental in the original building of Mercury Yacht Harbour and other marinas such as St Katharine's Dock in London and Troon Marina in Scotland, further cementing his legacy as a key figure in British yachting infrastructure. His work in marina development complemented his ongoing contributions to sailing, including founding the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race and promoting sailing opportunities for people of all backgrounds.




Mercury Yacht Harbour provides a tranquil and scenic setting, with everything you need just a short walk ashore. The popular Gaff Rigger, previously known as Waters Edge or Waterside Restaurant, overlooks the marina and river with a small outdoor terrace. It is open throughout the day for food and drinks and is well-loved by both locals and visiting boaters. Dogs are welcome on the ground-level terrace. You can explore further along the banks via riverside paths, enjoying peaceful water views and the activity on the river. A leisurely twenty-minute walk along scenic routes leads directly to the centre of Hamble-le-Rice village, as mentioned in the Port Hamble Marina entry. This picturesque English village exudes charm with its narrow lanes, historic buildings, and a variety of traditional pubs and quaint shops. It's the perfect place to soak up the maritime atmosphere, dine, or watch the world go by from its quay.




From a boating perspective, Mercury Yacht Harbour provides a tranquil river retreat in a strategic location, placing you within easy reach of Southampton Water and the wider Solent, allowing for further nautical adventures if you wish to cast off. The combination of excellent marina facilities, rich historical context, and immediate access to picturesque riverside paths makes Mercury Yacht Harbour an ideal choice for both experienced sailors and those seeking a relaxing coastal escape.

What facilities are available?

The pontoons supply power and water. All domestic needs, including WiFi, are available within the marina area. A launderette is open 24 hours. Gas cylinders can be obtained from the local chandlery. The marina offers general waste disposal and full recycling facilities. Arrangements can be made for the disposal of waste oil. Diesel and unleaded petrol are available at the fuel bay located at the head of pontoon B at MDL's Port Hamble Marina, ½ a mile down river.



The marina offers extensive shore-side facilities. It has a slipway, a 20-tonne travel lift, and several companies both on-site and nearby that provide a wide range of specialist services, from sailmakers to engineers. Ashore, there is a hard-standing area, including winter storage for over 100 boats. Additionally, there is a well-stocked chandlery, and the marina's fully-licenced bar and bistro features a lovely balcony with stunning views over the marina and river. A 20-minute walk, with a shortcut through parkland during daylight hours, leads to Hamble village, officially Hamble-Le-Rice, which offers numerous restaurants and pubs, as well as a useful Co-op where provisions can be purchased.

Access to the marina by road from the M3 is via the M27 eastbound towards Portsmouth. Exit at junction 8 of the M27 for Southampton East/Hamble, taking the B3397 to Hamble. The B3397 is the only main access road serving the Hamble Peninsula. Approximately 3 miles long and running straight through the village, it experiences high traffic volumes, including daily congestion and slow-moving queues.

The village is served by Hamble railway station, which offers services to both Southampton Central and Portsmouth Harbour. These run once an hour in each direction. From Hamble station, a local bus operates to Hamble village. It is also connected by ferry to Warsash, and has bus services from pre-dawn to late at night / early morning to and from Southampton and Eastleigh.

Any security concerns?

The marina has 24-hour manned security, and is monitored 24-hour's a day by CCTV and has secure access control.

With thanks to:

Michael Harpur S/Y Whistler.