Hamble
The highest density of yachts in the world
June 16, 2022
16 Jun '22. HM 195. The River Hamble - containing the highest density of yachts in the world.
Entering "The Solent" filled me with more trepidation than the most dangerous seas I had faced so far .... I was now in the home of yacht design and the heartland of seriously experienced "Yachties".
To control this epicentre of egos takes a very strong character, and Jason Scott is that man. After a career in the Royal Navy which included being a bomb disposal diver, a wartime mine hunting commander and finally the Captain of an Aircraft Carrier.... controlling the 400 vessels that pass his office window each hour in the high season is a doddle.
As you can imagine I had a lot to ask him and our 15 minute meeting stretched to over an hour and half learning about his action packed career including the difference between minesweeping (from behind the ship) and mine hunting (conducted ahead of the ship).
As well as home to 3,200 yachts and numerous other speeding watercraft, the salt marshes of the Hamble are an internationally important habitat for rare birds - in particular the Dark Bellied Brent Goose and Blacktailed Godwit. One of Jason's more unexpected jobs was to host John Craven and his Countryfile team filming in the estuary. 64% of these habitats have been lost to marina development and Jason is heavily involved in protecting the remaining habitats which involves understanding ten different acts of parliament.
The interpretation of law comes easily to Jason, who hands out a carefully worded "Red Card" official warning to any river user who breaks speed limits or drives dangerously on his patch. International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea (known as COLREGS) apply equally to users of jet skis and skippers of oil tankers. Did you know a HM has the power to give you a criminal record? The window of Jason's office (photo 7) is perfectly positioned to catch any culprit on The Hamble!
Thank you Jason - I learnt so much about a very wide range of subjects visiting your famous river harbour.
@riverhambleharbourmaster
Entering "The Solent" filled me with more trepidation than the most dangerous seas I had faced so far .... I was now in the home of yacht design and the heartland of seriously experienced "Yachties".
To control this epicentre of egos takes a very strong character, and Jason Scott is that man. After a career in the Royal Navy which included being a bomb disposal diver, a wartime mine hunting commander and finally the Captain of an Aircraft Carrier.... controlling the 400 vessels that pass his office window each hour in the high season is a doddle.
As you can imagine I had a lot to ask him and our 15 minute meeting stretched to over an hour and half learning about his action packed career including the difference between minesweeping (from behind the ship) and mine hunting (conducted ahead of the ship).
As well as home to 3,200 yachts and numerous other speeding watercraft, the salt marshes of the Hamble are an internationally important habitat for rare birds - in particular the Dark Bellied Brent Goose and Blacktailed Godwit. One of Jason's more unexpected jobs was to host John Craven and his Countryfile team filming in the estuary. 64% of these habitats have been lost to marina development and Jason is heavily involved in protecting the remaining habitats which involves understanding ten different acts of parliament.
The interpretation of law comes easily to Jason, who hands out a carefully worded "Red Card" official warning to any river user who breaks speed limits or drives dangerously on his patch. International Regulations for the Prevention of Collisions at Sea (known as COLREGS) apply equally to users of jet skis and skippers of oil tankers. Did you know a HM has the power to give you a criminal record? The window of Jason's office (photo 7) is perfectly positioned to catch any culprit on The Hamble!
Thank you Jason - I learnt so much about a very wide range of subjects visiting your famous river harbour.
@riverhambleharbourmaster