Joining Instructions
These joining instructions apply to all courses run from our base in Hamble Point Marina. For custom courses, your joining instructions will be sent by e-mail.
Meeting Time and Place
Meet ready for an 0900hrs course start at the Sailing Logic/tastetheblue Training Classroom, which is on the 2nd floor of the central marina building, above the Marina Office and Banana Wharf.
What’s included:
Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided. Please be aware that lunch isn’t, although there is a cafe and a restaurant on site, as well as a Co-op in Hamble Village just a few minutes’ walk away.
Accommodation is not included. If you need accommodation, there are a number of B&B’s within Hamble Village; please see details below.
Finding Us:
You will meet in the Sailing Logic/tastetheblue training classroom, in the heart of Port Hamble Marina, 500m from the centre of Hamble Village, which is located on the South Coast between Southampton and Portsmouth.
As you enter the marina, you will see a white building which has the Marina Office on the 1st floor and our classroom is on the top floor. If you're a what3words user, you can head to the steps at ///finally.implies.allows, go up, walk around the marina office, inside the last door, and up the indoor steps.
If you plan to drive, we can provide a parking permit for you. This entitles you to free parking, although doesn’t guarantee that a space will be available, especially during peak summer periods. On arrival please park in the Pay & Display Area and obtain a free ticket from the machine for 3hrs. You can collect your permit from the instructor. Detailed driving directions are below.
By Rail and Air:
Hamble is well served by a number of stations within 15-20 minute taxi ride. Please be aware that Hamble Station is about a 45 minute walk from the marina and taxis are only available with pre-booking.
• From London. A regular direct service runs from London Waterloo to Southampton Central. Most trains stop at Southampton Parkway (Airport) Station. Journey time is approx. 1hr 10 mins. From Airport parkway, Port Hamble is about 15 minutes taxi ride.
• From anywhere else arriving into Southampton Central, Port Hamble Marina is about 20 minutes taxi ride.
• From Southampton Airport. This is the nearest international airport and a taxi to the marina from the airport takes about 15 minutes (c£25)
• From Heathrow Airport, there is no direct train connection, so we recommend either the National Express Coach from Heathrow to Southampton (2hrs) or coach from Heathrow to Woking and change to the train to Southampton Airport Parkway (2h15). Alternatively consider hiring a car or using a private taxi company www.plane-link-private-hire.co.uk (preferential rates for Sailing Logic clients) c £100 one-way.
• From Gatwick Airport, there is a direct train to Swanwick (GTW – SNW) which is 15 minutes taxi away, or a private car costs around £120 one-way.
If arriving by taxi from the station, please be sure to ask for Port Hamble Marina (NOT Hamble Point which is a totally different marina!)
Taxi telephone numbers:
• Radio Cars (Southampton) 02380 666666
• Private Airport Car (for Heathrow or Gatwick) www.plane-link-private-hire.co.uk or 01489 559214
Driving Directions to Port Hamble - By Road
From all directions: A3 or M3, M27 - exit Junction 8.
• Exit M27 at Junction 8 following signs for Hamble /A3024
• At the roundabout take the 2nd exit next to Tesco superstore signposted Hamble
• Stay in the right hand lane, and cross straight over the mini roundabout (2 nd exit).
• Stay in the right hand lane and continue straight over another mini roundabout (2 nd exit).
• At the 3rd roundabout, take the left hand turn to Hamble, along Hamble Lane.
• Continue along Hamble Lane, through Hamble village and just after the main square, turn right into Marina Drive – clearly signposted Port Hamble Marina.
Insurance:
tastetheblue ltd holds full Public Liability Insurance. This does not cover you should you cancel, sustain an injury or damage or loose personal equipment, therefore WE STRONGLY advise that you check any annual policy covers you for this activity. If you do not already hold a suitable policy consider something like the Yachtsman Policy by Topsail Insurance.
Sea Survival/World Sailing Specific Information
What to expect:
This course is classroom and swimming pool based and includes both theory and practical demonstration of techniques. The instructor will check your understanding throughout the day, and World Sailing Candidates will be asked to complete two written assessments.
Please ensure you bring clean wet weather gear, and suitable under-garments for use in the swimming pool. Footwear is not needed in the pool, and you are able to either use your own lifejacket, or one of ours.
The pool is a short drive from the classroom, and whilst there are usually enough attendees with vehicles, a car share cannot be guaranteed. In this instance, participants will be expected to group together and share the cost of a taxi to and from the pool.
At the end of the course your will receive a certificate of course completion. RYA Sea Survival has no expiry, however the World Sailing Certificate will be valid for 5 years. The course usually finishes around 1700hrs on each day.
VHF Short Range Certificate Specific Information
What to expect:
This course is classroom based and includes both theory and practical demonstration of techniques, including use of our training radios. The instructor will check your understanding throughout the course, and there will be a formal exam conducted by an external examiner (this is subject to a fee).
Prior to the course you will be sent a copy (eBook or printed) of the RYA VHF Handbook. This must be read and understood prior to commencement of your course, as it makes up a significant amount of the instructional time.
At the end of the course you will recieve a temporary pass certificate. Full certification will be issued by the RYA on behalf of the MCA. The course usually finishes around 1630hrs and the exam around 1800hrs.
RADAR Specific Information
What to expect:
This course is classroom based and includes both theory and practical demonstration of techniques, including use of our simulators. The instructor will check your understanding throughout the course, and there may be an informal quiz based on the RYA RADAR Questions.
At the end of the course you will recieve a Course Completion Certificate. The course usually finishes around 1630hrs.
Shorebased Navigation (Day Skipper and Yachtmaster inc. Ocean)
What to expect:
This course is classroom based and includes both theory and practical demonstration of techniques. The instructor will check your understanding throughout the course, and there will be formal exams authored by the RYA.
At the end of the course your will receive a certificate of course completion. The course usually finishes around 1700hrs on each day.
First Aid Course Specific Information
What to expect:
This course is classroom based and includes both theory and practical demonstration of techniques. The instructor will check your understanding throughout the day, although there is no exam and therefore no pass/fail element.
Please wear loose and comfortable clothing as you will be required to crouch on the floor during some of the practical sessions. Skirts or dresses are not recommended.
At the end of the course your will receive a certificate of course completion which will be valid for 3 years. The course usually finishes around 1700hrs.
Accommodation:
Accommodation is readily available in Hamble, and with a range of properties to suit all budgets. There are no hotels, but here is our selection of recommended B&B’s and homestays.
1. Farthings B&B 023 8045 2009. Friendly host, smart accommodation, cooked breakfast included. 5 minute walk from Port Hamble. Off-road parking available
2. Compass Point B&B. 07850 775020. Right in the heart of Hamble village. Beautiful accommodation with very high standard throughout with cooked breakfast provided or full use of kitchen available. No daytime parking. 3 minute walk from Port Hamble Marina.
3. RAF Yacht Club. office@rafyc.co.uk 023 8045 2208. Basic rooms in central Hamble approx 2 minutes walk from Port Hamble
4. Tall Oaks Homestay. 02380 452225. Talloaks50@hotmail.co.uk Single, double or twin rooms. Satchell Lane
5. Sailors Retreat. 07779 596275 theresarept@icloud.com 19 The Bartletts Hamble SO31 4RP, Twin ensuite or King. Easy walking distance from the marina
6. Fig Tree Cottage. 02380 458230/07899 851354. Twin and double rooms. Satchell Lane.
7. Landfall. 07745 617132. Newly renovated on High Street. Highly recommended.
8. Boatel. Stay on a comfortable Oceanis 37 yacht in Port Hamble Marina. Email Gordon on gh55@sky.com or visit the Facebook page to book.
Further options in Hamble are available if you search on AirBnb and Google.
Please mention you are with tastetheblue at the time of booking.
If you have a car you could also consider options in Warsash or Southampton.