A boater’s paradise at the heart of the Solent, Haslar Marina is tucked away just inside the south-west corner of Portsmouth’s famous historic harbour, where everyone is welcome and where everything is taken care of by a team of passionate boaters.
National boating business, boatfolk, which runs Haslar Marina, is on a mission to reinvent the modern marina by creating great places for everyone who wants to be in, on or by the water.
From the experienced boater to the curious dabbler, boatfolk’s vision is to create inclusive communities to serve a new generation of boater and make its 11 UK marinas the first choice for people to spend time with friends and family.
Built by Dean & Reddyhoff, boatfolk’s founders, in 1993 and benefiting from more than £4.5 million of investment over the past three years, the marina boasts excellent facilities including two exceptional on-site restaurants, 11 premium hotel rooms, luxurious washrooms and toilets, laundry rooms and free car parking.
Blazing a trail for a more sustainable future, Haslar was the first marina to win The Yacht Harbour Association’s new Sustainable Marina award last year. As part of its green initiatives, the marina has installed a Biohut cage system under the pontoons in partnership with The Seahorse Trust and the University of Portsmouth, to provide a safe home for the UK’s native seahorse species and other vibrant marine wildlife.
FACILITIES & BERTHING
Following a significant redevelopment, which was completed in 2023, the 650-berth marina caters for boats up to 45m and provides a safe and sheltered location, which is freely accessible at all states of the tide.
The modern, purpose-built pontoons offer walk ashore berths with generous layouts, providing ample manoeuvring space and access. The redevelopment also included the installation of an additional 36 deep water berths, a new motorboat service centre, enlarged boatyard, full service boatcare team, on-site boatpoint boat brokerage office and the introduction of a boat subscription offering.
Haslar’s team of shipwrights, engineers and finishers provide a one-stop shop for all boat repair and maintenance tasks as part of its boatcare service, with the specialist powerboat yard offering storage ashore and slipway launch and recovery. Lift and launch services are also available for motorboats up to 10m at the powerboat centre, and the SeaLift3, an eco-friendly floating dry dock designed to safely lift and hold boats of all types up to 19m long, 7.6m beam and 3m draft, allows the team to spray off, antifoul, cut and polish the hull.
For those looking to buy or sell a boat, boatfolk’s dedicated boat sales business, boatpoint, is on hand. As the UK’s largest boat broker and dealers for global boat brands including Jeanneau and Elan, as well as the UK exclusive dealer for Ryds, Quarken powerboats and Sasga, there is sure to be the right boat for you.
Other facilities include:
- Beyonder – a boat subscription service providing a more accessible way to enjoy the boating lifestyle without the barrier of boat ownership
- Fuel – petrol and diesel is available from a fuel berth just the other side of the Gosport Ferry
- Berth holder only pump out boat – creating a hassle-free solution, each pump out is charged at £5, with every penny going to Coastline Deadline
- CCTV and access code gates
- Free use of WiFi
- Water and electricity (metered)
ACCESS
Getting to Haslar Marina is simple, whether travelling by sea, road, rail or on foot.
When arriving by road, follow sat nav directions for Haslar Marina, Haslar Road, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 1NU. The car park is clearly marked by two big green buoys.
If arriving by train, turn left out of Portsmouth Harbour railway station, following the signs to Gosport ferry (two-minute walk). After taking the Gosport ferry (four-minute crossing), turn left out of the ferry terminal and follow the footpath south, towards the marina. Enter the marina via the North gate (three-minute walk) or continue along the footpath until you reach the marina office (eight- minute walk).
When arriving at Haslar Marina by boat, all vessels under 20m must enter and leave the harbour through the Small Boat Channel on the western side of the harbour entrance. When approaching from the west, boats should approach the harbour through the Swashway (also used by ferries and commercial vessels). This runs 49 degrees (true north) on the right-hand edge of the prominent block of flats, in transit with the War Memorial.
If approaching from the east, beware of the submarine barriers which run due south from Southsea seafront to Horse San Fort – please note, this is a hazard to all craft. There are two passages through the barrier – the inner passage approximately 200m off the beach (marked by green and red piles) and the outer passage approximately 0.8nm off the beach (marked by a quick flashing red dolphin and a green pile).
CRUISING
Haslar Marina is perfect for a weekend getaway or longer stays, with so much to see and do both on and off the water. Cruising from Haslar allows easy access to the Isle of Wight, where you can discover fine beaches, the famous Needles rock formation and a pace of life that recalls the golden age of the British seaside town.
For a longer cruise, the picturesque town of Lymington is highly recommended, with its nautical charm, cobbled streets and a fantastic choice of eateries and pubs. Nestled against the stunning backdrop of the New Forest, it is the perfect setting to simply enjoying the sunshine and discover the magnificent views as you explore the sheltered waters of the Solent, beautiful Dorset coastline and beyond.
OUT AND ABOUT
Haslar’s local area has beautiful beaches and fantastic walks along the waterfront and in the wild grounds of Alver Valley. For some relaxed shopping, Gosport town centre is conveniently located approximately 200m from Haslar Marina, with an interesting blend of smaller shops and cafes, as well as major high street names. For a full day of shopping, you can hop over the water to Gunwharf Quays for some serious retail therapy.
Whilst in Portsmouth, a visit to the Historic Dockyard, home to the Mary Rose, HMS Warrior and HMS Victory is a must. As is Old Portsmouth, with its beautiful buildings, interesting pubs and Henry VIII’s Southsea Castle, where you can enjoy a walk along the fortifications. You may even be able to spot your boat from the top of the Emirates Spinnaker Tower, with spectacular views over Portsmouth Harbour and along the coast.
Back at the harbour, Haslar Marina offers two restaurants on-site, The Creek and The Lightship. The Creek, with its unique charm and sweeping views over the marina, offers relaxed modern dining with the food and overall dining experience taking inspiration from its waterside location.
The iconic 1940s Lightship offers exquisite dishes and an exceptional view with a menu boasting local produce and seafood to offer a unique fine-dining experience. With friendly service, great food and fabulous views, The Lightship at Haslar Marina offers the perfect setting for a light lunch, celebratory meal with friends and family, or a well-deserved sundowner or two.
BUSINESSES AT THE MARINA
- Alex Thompson Racing Team – headquarters and UK centre of excellence for ocean racing.
- Gentoo Racing Team – headquarters for Vendée Globe 2024 hopeful, James Harayda
- Andrew Simpson Yachting – a Training Centre of excellence delivering a wide range of RYA training courses.
- Four Seasons Yacht Charter – Solent yacht charters and sailing school offering skippered sailing, bareboat sailing, racing and classic power.
- Ocean Electronics – marine electronics specialists.
- Kelley’s Hero Charters – fishing charters for experienced or novice anglers offering a full range of trips from half day to five days, between Alderney and Dieppe.
- Haslar Yacht Club – welcome to anyone who enjoys boating in the locality, promoting friendship, safety and greater confidence on the water.
- XW Rigging – well established and highly regarded yacht rigging specialists.
- Gosport Model Yacht and Boat Club – one of the largest and most active clubs in the UK.
- Rubicon 3 – adventure sailing.
PERSONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
“We have had a boat in Haslar Marina for over 15 years now, the current one being a Princess F55 flybridge ‘Mango’, which heads up our Charter Solent business. The obvious appeal of Haslar is quick and easy access straight out into the Solent at all states of tide. The marina is well designed and maintained with a wonderful team who are always happy to help out and ensure things are in order when we are many miles away back at home.
“Facilities are constantly being updated and this has recently included a new restaurant ‘The Creek’, a complete overhaul of the iconic Lightship bar and restaurant and also provision of new hotel rooms and a conference area. The latter proving useful for charter guests either pre or post events. Car parking has also been extended, the slipway refurbished and boatyard areas developed for smaller craft.”
Henry & Sharon Firman
Marina Manager: Ben Lippiett
Marina Tel: 02392 601201
Email: haslar@boatfolk.co.uk
SatNav/address:
Haslar Marina
Haslar Road, Gosport
Hampshire PO12 1NU (entrance clearly marked by two green buoys)
VHF: Channel 80
