On the River Hamble in the heart of Britain’s boating community the first pile has been driven in the rivers most ambitious construction scheme to date, the creation of the Prince Philip Yacht Haven.
The Royal Southern Yacht Club and its close neighbour, the RAF Yacht Club, have worked together for several years to reach this milestone.
The scheme will change the face of the Hamble waterfront with the construction of a large quarter-deck over the water in front of the Club, linking it with a replacement pier and providing facilities that will also benefit the local community.
The need for this major construction project arose as a direct result of the deteriorating condition of the Royal Southern’s sea wall but, looking to the future, the Club decided to make a virtue of necessity and improve its berthing facilities.
The result is a crucial construction scheme that will:
- stabilise the waterfront land for generations to come
- provide some 70 walk-ashore berths at all states of the tide
- flood protection for the shoreside facilities
- a slipway for launching Optimists and other dinghies
Incorporated into the design are facilities to enable sailors with severe physical disabilities, including those who are restricted to wheelchairs, to have direct access to boats afloat.
The Yacht Haven project has brought the RAFYC and the RSrnYC closer together in co-operation and understanding while maintaining their individual identity. The Clubs have been equal partners in the planning stage and are financing their respective proportion of the construction.
The finished Prince Philip Yacht Haven will bring enhancements to both Clubs This complex project, in an environmentally sensitive area, is being managed by Marina Projects Ltd. The principal contractor is Raymond Brown Construction Ltd