29th September – Monday – Southampton to Chichester Harbour

25 miles in 5 hours 11:00 – 16:00.  We had reasonable wind on our side so sailed half the way, motor-sailed the rest.

Sparks marina is actually on Hayling Island, where neither of us have been before.  The channel from the sea is well buoyed and relatively easy to traverse, however beware of the sand bar which has a tidal height of only a few metres.  Good tide timing is essential.

 

We entered at high water and were once again amazed as the tide lowered to reveal a lot of land very close to the marina.  The picture shows the boats at the edge of the marina and the dried out land in the background.

Info: The marina is relatively small but has modern facilities.  Hotel hairdryers and no plugs meant hair-drying in the laundry again.  The marina gave us a map but unfortunately did not mark on the local shops which we managed to circumnavigate (miss).

We walked along the seaside which was reminiscent of Camber Sands, and found a chippy for a quick bag to bolster our walk back. 

30th September – Tuesday

Returned to Southampton, Hythe marina.  Good wind assistance and interesting shipping meant an enjoyable trip back.

We have not really given Hayling Island a fair look around and will re-visit in the future.  The weather and tides meant that we were better leaving earlier than planned as we could get stuck behind the sandbar with unfavourable tide times.

Hythe marina is purpose built marina village and is entered through a lock from Southampton Water.  It comprises 3 basins which are surrounded by luxury houses and has its own shops and restaurants. 

1st October – Wednesday

Walked into Hythe town centre, which is a charming small town only 5 minutes from the marina. 

There is a pier on the water front where you can catch a small ferry to Southampton.  To get to the ferry you ride on a small train (above), which looks like it has been there for many years. 

There are nearly as many charity shops as proper shops on the high street, just like most small towns at present.  I found a great bag sewing book for 50p.  There is also a traditional bakers shop too, where pasties were sample and scones purchased.

The marina has a fabric shop, (no kidding) New Forest Fabrics, so I spent a little time staring the spots off the fabrics and managed to only buy 4 fat quarters (small pieces of fabric).

2nd October – Thursday

Walked to Tesco in Dibden.

Lovely sunny evening.

Back to Southampton tomorrow.