The night before 

Arrive and pick up your Sunsail 41.0 well equipped charter yacht. You will have a thorough yacht hand over with the base team.

Start your holiday by staying in Port Solent. There's a huge choice of restaurants, bars and a cinema. 

Alternatively, if you want to head off immediately, please simply arrive in time to be berthed for the night one hour before sunset.

Head to Haslar Marina, Gosport Marina or book into Gunwharf Quays where there are plenty of excellent restaurants and a night club.

If the tides are right you could make it to Bembridge Harbour before dusk.

Day one: Port Solent to Southampton 

20nm  - approx 4 hours Sailing 

All our sailing charter trips leave from our Port Solent Base down Portsmouth Harbour. There's lots to see with the busy Naval Port, the dramatic Emirates Tower and the stunning buildings around Old Portsmouth.

Southampton is an exciting first destination for your sailing holidays. On the way stop at Stokes Bay. It can be a great place for a sheltered anchor and swim if it’s warm enough. Then there’s gentle inshore sailing all the way up Southampton Water where you can explore the city.  Book a berth a one of the three city centre marinas, Town Quay, Ocean Village Marina or Shamrock Quay up the River Itchen.

Another option is to berth at Hythe Marina and take the foot ferry over to the city centre and main high street.

Day Two: Southampton to Yarmouth 

17nm - approx 3 hours sailing 

Enjoy the scenery as you sail back down Southampton Water passing the mecca of yachting that is the Hamble River. Then head down the Western Solent towards the Yarmouth Harbour. If the weather is nice you could stop at Newtown Creek on the way. Anchor just inside our outside to see this stunning nature reserve.

Yarmouth is a super little harbour and formerly active Isle of Wight port. You can book berths ahead on the Yarmouth harbour website, or call up on the VHF as you arrive. The harbour team are always happy to help berth new arrivals. Aim to arrive in time to enjoy the village shops, walk down the river or do a little bit sight seeing. And be sure to visit one of the many excellent hostelries or restaurants such as The George or The Bugle.

Day Three: Yarmouth to Lymington (via the Needles) 

Minimum 3nm and 1 hour sailing 

From Yarmouth, head out of the Needles Channel. Enjoy the impressive Hurst Castle and the spectacular geographic feature of the infamous Needles themselves. The famous Alum Bay is another lovely spot for a peaceful swim and anchor for lunch, in front of the colourful cliffs.

Alternatively, take the opportunity to sail into Christchurch Bay or out into the open channel for a short while, and get the feel of venturing outside the Solent.

When you’re ready, come back in and head to the charming market town of Lymington. Berthing at one of the two modern marinas is a great option, either Lymington Yacht Haven or Berthon Marina. The well-maintained Town Quay has recently been extended and offers finger pontoons. Here, you can tie up in the heart of Lymington itself and watch the world go by.

Day Four: Lymington to Cowes 

10nm - 2 hours sailing 

A great day for a sail as you start to head back east down the Solent. You could slip in to the Beaulieu River for a quick trip up the river. Call into the Master Builders or visit the Maritime Museum at Bucklers Hard before heading into Cowes for the night.

With three large marinas in Cowes you are spoilt for choice. It's wonderful place to reflect on your sailing trip in the very heart of British yachting. And the Cowes high street is packed with interesting shops and eateries.

Day Five: Cowes to Port Solent 

14 nm - 3 hours sailing 

For the last day of your UK sailing holiday, perhaps head into Osborne Bay for a swim and an ice cream.

Alternatively, stay in Cowes and explore on the Isle of Wight. Osbourne House is an easy walk up from the chain ferry to East Cowes. Take a look around the Classic Boat Museum or walk up the side of the Medina River to Newport.

Whichever you prefer, it’s an easy sail from Cowes back to Portsmouth Harbour, in time to hand the boat back. It's an interesting voyage on the way up into the Harbour and up the river to Port Solent. And there will easily be time to sail up to the Napoleonic Forts and watch fun fair and the hovercraft land on Southsea beach.