West Solent Sea School

19/05/2026

How well do you know the River Medina?

The Medina, starting at Cowes and stretching south to Newport is a glorious stretch, punctuated by opportunities to stop and explore. From Cowes to East Cowes, from The Folly to Island Harbour and Newport, there’s something for everyone! 🐮

There is a large section to help navigate the river and each mooring spot along the Medina in Solent Harbours, by Tim Stickley, available on Amazon. 📖

16/05/2026

Do you know what these ‘day shapes’ mean?

The ball shape shows a vessel at anchor. Very useful to determine this from a distance. Vessels showing this should be commended for their seamanship; especially powerboats that find it more challenging to find a place to display it.

The inverted cone shape shows a vessel motorsailing. Useful to be able to determine their expected speed better, and define their status for COLREGS purposes. The vessel is considered a motor vessel for the purposes of collision avoidance. This shape is seldom used however, and is often known as the ‘RYA Examiner Onboard’ shape!

11/05/2026

RYA First Aid course last week! All about ‘making people better’!

An excellent course, delivered by a fantastic instructor. It covers all the first aid aspects usually covered in a one-day course, but considers all situations from a maritime perspective.

We can deliver bespoke courses if the date you were hoping for isn’t on our website.

11/05/2026

There is just ONE copy of Solent Harbours left at Lymington! Luckily, they have just ordered more to arrive very soon. 👍🏻

Incidentally, that one copy is the only signed copy currently available anywhere in the WORLD! 🌍

07/05/2026

Solent Harbours, in stock now , Lymington and , Gosport!

To expand your horizons afloat in the Solent area 😎

28/04/2026

Good to have the WSSS training RIB afloat once more after a winter of work. She’s looking great! 👍🏻

⚙️ Full engine service with
💨 Brand new windscreen from
🧽 Tube clean with
☀️ Tube UV protect with
⚪️ Stain removal with
🎨 Antifouling paint from

Ready for a season of work, with our next available course in mid July… get in touch to book ✅

28/04/2026

Ever been to Langstone Harbour? Discover the hidden gem of the Solent.

Solent Harbours (published by ) enables easier exploration of new places, including the gloriously quiet and secluded Langstone Harbour. Thanks to authority, the harbour remains beautifully unspoilt and a truly gorgeous place to visit.

Pick up a copy of Solent Harbours, by Tim Stickley, on Amazon, or follow the link in our bio.

22/04/2026

Always visiting the same places in the Solent? To have the confidence to explore further, Solent Harbours, by Tim Stickley, is available on Amazon.

It takes you to plenty of secluded locations around the Solent, with stunning aerial photography and Imray chartlets to help you navigate your way in.

12/04/2026

All At Sea with the press release!

Solent Harbours - Tim Stickley

From the commercial bustle of Southampton and the historic dockyards of Portsmouth to the racing heart of Cowes and the peaceful creeks of Chichester Harbour, Newtown and Beaulieu Rivers, this book is a handy, small-format guide to the harbours and anchorages of the Solent.

Inside you’ll find:

⚓️ Detail on approaches, tides, pilotage, facilities, local highlights and the character of each harbour and anchorage
📷 Stunning drone footage and sea-level photographs
🧭 Familiar Imray plans for useful navigational guidance
🌱 Accompanying information celebrating Solent’s rich maritime heritage, dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife.
⛵️ Clear guidance to help plan safe, rewarding passages for day sailors, powerboats and cruising yachts alike

🖋️ Written by RYA instructor and experienced offshore sailor Tim Stickley, who grew up sailing these waters, this guide is an essential companion for anyone cruising the Solent.

FB Imray has announced the next titles in its 2026 cruising guide programme, spanning the English Channel, the Solent and the Adriatic. Published during April and May, these new editions bring together trusted pilotage, updated cruising intelligence and fresh perspectives, supporting sailors prepari...

09/04/2026

Solent Harbours - Tim Stickley

From the commercial bustle of Southampton and the historic dockyards of Portsmouth to the racing heart of Cowes and the peaceful creeks of Chichester Harbour, Newtown and Beaulieu Rivers, this book is a handy, small-format guide to the harbours and anchorages of the Solent.

Inside you’ll find:

⚓️ Detail on approaches, tides, pilotage, facilities, local highlights and the character of each harbour and anchorage
📷 Stunning drone footage and sea-level photographs
🧭 Familiar Imray plans for useful navigational guidance
🌱 Accompanying information celebrating Solent’s rich maritime heritage, dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife.
⛵️ Clear guidance to help plan safe, rewarding passages for day sailors, powerboats and cruising yachts alike

🖋️ Written by RYA instructor and experienced offshore sailor Tim Stickley, who grew up sailing these waters, this guide is an essential companion for anyone cruising the Solent.