Navigation
The Beaulieu River is centrally located on the Solent, close to the sailing centres of Cowes, Lymington and Southampton.
Getting here by boat
When approaching from the east, keep the lit south cardinal to starboard off Stone Point and steer to the vicinity of a lit, yellow special buoy close to the bearing to run in on. The bearing to run in on is 324º guided by the transit marks, the front mark is port post No.2 and the back mark is Lepe House.
The Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour is a pleasant 3.5 nautical mile cruise upstream.
Visitors are welcome to enter the river at any time, day or night, but please remember marina berths are only available if you have booked in advance. Report to the Harbour Master’s Office on arrival using VHF channel 68 and call sign Beaulieu River Radio.
Sailing distances
Cowes | 2.6 Nm |
Lymington | 5 Nm |
Hamble | 5.5 Nm |
Portsmouth | 10 Nm |
Chichester | 18 Nm |
Poole | 25 Nm |
Weymouth | 45 Nm |
Navigating the bar
Some people are concerned about navigating the bar at the entrance to the Beaulieu River. Author and sailor Tom Cunliffe says it’s the ‘friendliest bar’ he knows!
Watch his video for some great advice on how to navigate your way into the river and up to the marina.
Getting here
