A Sailing Weekend
Ideal for Stag and Hen Dos, Families, Friends and Group Celebrations.
The Weekend
The yachts are generally available from 18:00 on Friday evening. The boat owner will show you around the boat and help settle you in before you head out for a meal in one of the local restaurants (always good to pre book the restaurant). The skipper joins the boat Saturday morning. After a safety briefing , we depart for a day’s sailing (Stag groups often enjoy some informal racing if there is more than 1 yacht).
There are several bays to anchor in for lunch (and maybe swim) – Osborne Bay, Alum Bay, Newtown Creek or Beaulieu River to mention a few. Many groups enjoy the option of diving off the boat to swim in a bay. Most boats have a warm shower on the stern platform to rinse off the salt water. We often sail to Cowes for Saturday evening – a quaint but international and lively centre for ‘yachties’. There are other options depending on tide such as Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth.
At the end of the day when you are safely in the marina, it is quite special to sit in the boats enjoying a few drinks before going out for a meal and general celebrations. Cowes is a popular destination and has a good range of restaurants (so good to book in advance). The Anchor pub with its live music is always worth a look in.
On Sunday, when everyone is ready to set sail we depart Cowes (or wherever) and head back to the home port to arrive no later than 1600. It is usually a more relaxed sailing day on Sunday – depending on weather and tides and how people are feeling.
As skipper, I will ‘teach’ as much or as little as is wanted or needed. The skipper is there to ensure you stay safe but we also very much want you to enjoy the weekend. You may get the ‘sailing bug’ or just enjoy the weekend – being able to spend time with friends away for the normal hectic lifestyle we all lead. Even if you don’t want to be active you are still very much part of the group and you don’t miss out on in the conversation. There really is something for everyone in sailing.
Do read the ‘sailing myths’ page – you really don’t have to know anything about sailing to enjoy a day or weekend on a yacht. You can be active or you can simply relax and soak up the ambience of ‘life on the water’.
Food & Drink
People usually eat ashore on both evenings so you only need to bring food for lunch when we may be at anchor rather than ashore. Its also good to bring snacks whilst on board and breakfast (although you may choose to eat/get that ashore). Please bring drinks too including tea, coffee, milk, soft drinks and alcohol. Boat water is usually ok but many people like to bring bottled water.
Yachts have a fridge, gas oven and hob plus basic pans, plates, cutlery etc. Some yachts have glasses, some plastic.
There are various pubs and restaurants in Cowes, Hamble, Lymington and Portsmouth to meet personal budgets. The pubs and restaurants in Cowes, Hamble and Portsmouth are all within easy walking distance. Lymington is circa 20 minute walk but there is a good restaurant in the marina. Early booking is essential for restaurants.
Accommodation & Creature Comforts
You will be sleeping on board both nights so you will need sleeping bags, pillows, towels and wash kit (maybe ear plugs etc).
Typical yachts have 3 double cabins and 2 berths in the main saloon. You can minimise costs by filling every berth ie 8 people on an 8 berth yacht which means sharing – usually 2 to a cabin. If preferred, you can have less people so less sharing and some people may have their own cabin. There is more storage space also. There are larger and smaller yachts available. Some can sleep 12 or even 14 but even then storage is limited.
Most marinas have good shower/toilet facilities and hairdryers.
Yachts have a fridge, gas oven and hob, plus basic pans, plates, cutlery etc. Some yachts have glasses, some plastic.
They have hot water and toilet. You only have electric when plugged into shore power in a marina so bring car phone chargers as well as normal chargers.
Bring soft bags (not hard suitcases) as storage is limited and hard cases can damage the boat,.
Stag Dos & Hen Parties – Sailing Weekends on the Solent
Sailing is an outstanding format for stag and hen weekends. It is an activity but allows time to chat and relax. Whilst it can be exciting, it is also relaxing as you focus on the immediate and enjoy the Solent scenery and its micro climate. You don’t have to know anything about sailing either!
Family and Friend Trips, Special Occasions & Celebration Events
A great activity for friends and families either as a get together or a celebration event. The Solent is a beautiful destination with its own micro climate. It involves everyone to the extent they wish and you don’t need to know anything about sailing.
Find out more with link to respective pages and testimonials