Dedicated Sportsboat Centre at Universal Marina

Work is nearing completion on an exciting new customised facility for the benefit of owners of sportsboats, who base their campaigns along the South Coast, to train and compete in and around the Solent. This new facility for sportsboats is well under way with HYS at Universal Marina providing an efficient dry sailing programme.

The location is within easy reach of the M27 and Southern England motorway network, so it is also a great base for those who want to compete further afield in Europe, with cross Channel ferries from Portsmouth, Poole, Weymouth.

With full back up support from Hamble Yacht Services, the new Centre will be fully operational by the middle of May, ready for the new season catering for the smaller and mid size keelboats in the 20 – 40’ LOA range.

Launch and lift of boats will be carried out by a new custommade negative lift fork lift, which will enable a fast and efficient service to be provided from trailer to berthing dock. The larger vessels are to be launched by the conventional HYS travel hoist.

The Universal Sportsboat Centre has dedicated berthing and dock area to accommodate all requirements, along with ample hard standing either on block paving or on a concrete base area. All remaining areas are being resurfaced to provide a working area for raceboat preparation, as well as a trailer storage area and car parking for crews.

The South Coast Sport Boat Centre has new storage containers on site, a regular sail collection service from major sailmakers, and trailer servicing available for owners. Throughout major events Hamble Yacht Services and service partners of the Universal Sportsboat Centre will provide emergency repairs as and when required.

The on-site Lulworth Café provides a wide range of meals and refreshments from early to late (0830 to 2100 ) or at other times for specific events and on request.

There is Wi-Fi for those who wish to check on weather and regatta news whilst having breakfast.

Universal Marina is already an established UK base for the International 6 Metre, 8 Metre and 12 Metre classes.

Sportsboat Benefits at HYS Universal Introductory Offer:

Contract includes:

• 7.5% discount on all new Dry Sailing contracts signed by 1st June 2008
• Price hold until 2010!
• Storage ashore for boat on trailer
• Berthing at weekends
• Hamble River Harbour Dues
• Car parking
• 26 launches & recoveries for sportsboats up to 9 metres
• 12 launches & recoveries for sportsboats above 9.1 metres

• Lulworth Café on site for meals and packed lunches
• Wi-fi at the Café
• Easy access to M27 and motorway network

For further details on the competitive package prices being offered to sportsboat owners please contact Kim Lundy or Steve White, telephone 0845 025 0845, email