Universal Marina 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 in the upper reaches of the River Hamble that is a yachting centre of considerable importance.

Located inside the protected waters of Southampton Waters about two miles upriver, the marina offers complete protection. Although it can be safely accessed night or day, and at any state of the tide for most vessels, it is best that newcomers visit during daylight.

As visitors are accommodated on the berths of absent resident berth-holders it is advisable to make contact in advance of any intended stay.

Keyfacts for Universal Marina

Position and approaches

Haven position

50° 52.443' N, 001° 18.495' W

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

What are the key points of the approach?

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How to get in?

Located on the east bank of the river, approaching two miles within its entrance, Universal Marina is the river’s fourth marina. It is set in 68 acres of tranquil, environmentally protected surrounds, providing it with a peaceful rural and secluded feeling. The marina has 250 berths and can accommodate yachts of up to 24 metres in length with up to 4.5 metres draught. The River Hamble provides a draft of no less than 2 metres chart datum up to Universal Marina.


Universal Marina holds no specific visitor berths and accommodates visiting yachts on the berths of resident holders that are away. It is therefore advisable to make berthing arrangements in advance by contacting the marina on VHF Ch. 80 call sign [Universal Marina] or P: +44 1489 574272, E: info@universalmarina.co.uk




The Solent and Isle of Wight coastal description provides approach details. Vessels navigating the six-mile length of Southampton Water should keep a listening watch for Southampton VTS, on VHF Ch 12/16, especially around the docks, and give priority to commercial traffic. Vessels converging on the entrance will find nothing in the way of local hazards by staying in reasonable soundings and following the Solent’s ample marks. The entrance to the River Hamble is made known from a great distance by being almost opposite to Fawley Power Station in Southampton Water. Fawley's 198 metres high chimney makes a conspicuous mark throughout the central Solent and beyond.

The approaches and run up the river as far as the Bursledon Bridge, the effective head of navigation for most sailing craft, are covered in the Deacons Marina and Boatyard entry.




Berth as directed by the marina office. As with all the River Hamble’s marinas the helmsman should be mindful of the tide state when berthing at Universal Marina. A great measure of care is required to deal with strong cross currents that could be encountered when passing between the marina’s pontoon heads. This is especially the case on Springs when the ‘river effect’, of a very fast initial tidal drop, is amplified by the Solent’s double high ‘tidal stand’, that only provides the ebb 3 - 4 hours to complete its cycle. This creates a disproportionately sudden and strong ebb flush that requires particular attention from the helmsman.

Why visit here?

We are currently out and about finding Havens and talking to sailors like you. By popular user request we have posted this marina in advance of our local area research in order to surface its presence, pontoon arrangement and our dynamic weather, charting and tidal data.

We will return presently to complete our full write up. Keep coming back to see our progress.

What facilities are available?

The pontoons provide power and water. All domestic requirements up to and including WiFi can be found within the marina area. A launderette is open 24 hours a day. Gas cylinders are also available from the local chandler. The marina provides 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’ of MDL’s Port Hamble Marina passed down river, or at Swanwick Marina self-serve fuels berth pontoon ‘F’ a ½ mile upriver.

The marina offers extensive shore-side facilities. It has a slipway, a 75 tonne travel lift and a number of companies both on site and locally offering a wide variety of specialist services ranging from sail makers to engineers. Besides this there is a well-stocked chandlery and it has a fully-licensed bar that offers breakfasts, lunches and dinners.

Sarisbury Green, about a 15-minute walk away, has a One Stop shop that offers basic provisions. It also has a cashpoint. Alternatively Swanwick post office is also within walking distance of the marina. The closest large supermarket is Tesco, an hour’s walk or 15 minutes by taxi, at 3.2 miles from the marina at the top of Hamble Lane.

Located on a bend of the Hamble River, just beyond the A27 Bridge, road access and parking is very convenient. Bursledon railway station, on the West Coastway Line, is a 35 minute walk from the marina. It offers an hourly service between Southampton Central and Portsmouth Harbour each day of the week, with additional trains at peak periods.

Any security concerns?

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

With thanks to:

Michael Harpur S/Y Whistler. Photography Michael Harpur.