Universal Marina
Universal Marina is ideally situated for those wishing to spend less time travelling in the car and more time boating on the Solent, in one of England’s most sought-after destinations.
Established in 70 acres of stunning woodlands and salt marshes, filled with a variety of wildlife, this picture-perfect location is exceptional for boating and is a unique working environment. Enjoy a multitude of leisure activities and picturesque walks along the shoreline.
The community at Universal Marina is bound by their passion for the water and dedication to create a vibrant, dynamic leisure facility; a hidden gem, slightly off the beaten track but close enough to give easy access.
The ethos of the marina is paramount to this third-generation family run business. MD Avia Willment’s vision of the bigger dream for future growth is one of sustainability; committed to being responsible guardians of this outstanding natural habitat in which it resides.
They will also help you get afloat if you are buying a boat but do not have the confidence to go to sea yet. Aboard Boat Coaching will assist with own boat tuition to build knowledge, confidence and boating experience.
Plus, in 2019, Universal Marina is launching Boutique Berthing, giving customers the opportunity to enjoy the exclusive marina lifestyle tailor-made to suit each individual’s requirements.
FACILITIES
Universal Marina offers a variety of amenities and waterside services with various other on-site suppliers.
This summer sees the opening of the luxury berth holder’s facility with marble tiles, members’ lounge, kitchenette, laundry room, TV and IT services, underfloor heating and family and individual shower and bath amenities catering for all ages. This gives a meeting place for fellow boaters to enjoy a coffee and relax in a different area of the marina.
Other facilities include free WiFi, the restaurant Bistro 8, car parking, security, trolleys, laundry, wellness centre, paddle board and kayak tours, trout fishing lake and hospitality events.
The marina’s hoist can lift up to 75 tons and offers pre-race scrubs, power wash and block off, giving annual berth holders the opportunity to use their complimentary three weeks’ storage ashore.
Set back from the marina, there is a lively commercial community of more than 35 companies, utilising workshops and office complexes.
BERTHING & STORAGE
The marina accommodates berthing, dry stacking and hard standing for more than 450 vessels.
All yachts and motor cruisers receive free electricity, water and WiFi whilst enjoying their stay on the river; the marina can accommodate vessels up to 26m with a draft of up to 2.8m. There are fully and semi-tidal berths, mid-river pontoons and a designated RHIB park, as well as a dinghy area for those wishing to transit to and from their mid-river moorings.
The dry stack embraces 138 motorboats from 5m to 10m, weighing up to four tonnes. The marina has a new, large forklift which will be arriving shortly, giving two forklifts to service this facility. All customers using the dry stack receive unlimited lifts and launches with a two-hour notice period for the launch.
ACCESS
The marina is situated on the east bank of the River Hamble, not far from the M27/M3 with easy access by flight or train.
By Road: Leave the M27 at Junction 8. Then at the roundabout take the third exit onto the A3024. At Windhover Roundabout take the first exit on to the A27. After approximately two miles you will pass a cricket pitch on your right-hand side, immediately after this turn right onto Barnes Lane. Take the first right on to Holly Hill Lane. Turn right onto Crableck Lane, and this will lead you down to the marina. The postcode is SO31 7ZN.
By Water: Once in the Hamble River call channel 80 (VHF) or telephone 01489 574272. They recommend pre-booking when possible.
By Train: Fareham – 6 miles, Southampton Parkway – 8.1 miles, Swanwick – 1.9 miles, Burseldon – 1.1 miles
By Air: Southampton Airport
CRUISING
The marina is located in the heart of boating’s Mecca. Universal Marina offers the perfect base from which you can sail to the Channel Islands, cruise to Europe or enjoy a short trip to the Isle of Wight via picturesque coves, stopping at boutique beach cafes on the way.
The Solent and surrounding waters have so much to offer the ardent seaman looking for adventure, and equally the family who wishes to spend their vacation having fun on the water.
Universal Marina are members of TransEurope, which means all annual berth holders and dry stack customers receive their own membership, giving up to 50 per cent discount on five consecutive nights stay at any of the TE marinas which stretch from the Solent across France, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Croatia and Greece.
LOCAL EATERIES
Why not try some of the local restaurants:
Bistro 8, Universal Marina www.bistro8.co.uk
The Hut, Colwell Bay www.thehutcolwell.co.uk
The Beach Shack, Ventnor www.thebeachshack-steephillcove.co.uk
The Little Gloster, Gurnard www.thelittlegloster.com
The Coast, West Cowes www.thecoastbar.co.uk
The George, Yarmouth www.thegeorge.co.uk
Salty’s Restaurant & Bar, Yarmouth www.saltysrestaurant.co.uk
The Ferry Restaurant & Bar, Burseldon www.ferryrestaurant.co.uk
THINGS TO DO
The marina is host to a variety of exciting leisure sports.
WeSUP have come from Gylly Beach in Falmouth, opening another vibrant stand-up paddleboard and kayak club. You can enjoy a variety of paddle boarding styles, take your dog on the water, de-stress whilst participating in a yoga lesson on the river and make new like-minded friends. www.hambleriver.wesuphq.com
EBB & Flow Yoga are shore-based Yoga classes conveying tranquility and teaching flexibility whilst allowing you to wind down from everyday life. www.ebbandflowstudio.co.uk
Principle Pilates and Physio. In the next few months they will be launching fitness classes, set in the beautiful grounds, woodlands and pebbly shore of the site, facilitating both profssional and amateur keep-fit enthusiasts.
www.principlepilates.com / www.principlephysio.com
Bistro8 is the perfect place to retire to after all the exercise, when it is time to indulge. www.bistro8.co.uk.
Hidden in the woodlands you will find Five Oaks Trout Fishery, a two-acre tranquil lake, stocked with Brown, Sandy and Blue Trout with prolific wildlife in the surrounding grounds. The luxury lodge hosts the perfect fishing retreat and event. Whether you wish to fish for the day or stay for a weekend, the friendly staff can accommodate all your requirements. www.fiveoaktroutfishery.co.uk
MORE INFORMATION
Universal Marina
Crableck Lane, Sarisbury Green
Hampshire SO31 7ZN
01489 574272
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