The Night Before 

On arrival:

You'll complete a thorough yacht hand over with the base team and get settled in on your Sunsail 41.0 yacht.

Evening options:

Eat locally at Port Solent where there is a great range of bars and restaurants.

Or you can set sail and head to one of the local Portsmouth Marina's so you are ready for a prompt get away into the Solent in the morning.

Day One: Port Solent to Cowes 

14nm - approx 3 hours sailing 

We suggest a gentle first day sail while you get used to your boat – after all, you’re on holiday! So – how about a trip to Cowes Harbour with its yachty environment, sailors pubs and excellent choice of restaurants?

Perhaps a stop in Osbourne Bay for lunch and a swim on the way.

A good shake down, while you get familiar with the yacht. With the added opportunity to pick up any missing supplies for the next couple of days or enjoy some holiday shopping.

Day Two: Cowes to Lymington

10 nm - approx 2 hours sailing

Set sail up the Western Solent. No need to rush – there’s plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and perhaps stop for lunch at Newtown Creek. When you’re ready, head in to the busy town of Lymington. You can berth in the large Lymington Yacht Haven or Berthon Marina, which are in easy reach of the town.

Or choose the well-maintained Town Quay, where you'll in the heart of Lymington itself and watch the world go by. It’s a great place to practice a bit of pilotage as you negotiate the Isle of Wight ferry and the fleets of colourful sailing dinghies racing in the river.

Day Three: Lymington to Poole 

24 nm - approx 4 hours sailing 

You may need an early start to catch favourable tides through the Needles Channel. Lymington always provides a stunning sunrise and views of the Solent. And you can’t help feeling a lift of excitement as you pass the Needles and head out into the open water across to Poole.

Look out fors dolphins as you sail down to Poole, entering the stunning natural harbour by the narrow Sandbanks Channel. Poole Quay Marina is in the heart of the Old Town, with Georgian houses. Don't miss the local Poole Museum, and explore the towns local history based in four different but connected buildings. 

Day Four: Poole Harbour & Environs 

Sailing - optional 

It’s worth spending a day exploring Poole because there's something for everyone to do. There are beaches and nature trails to explore> Or even try out some kitesurfing and other water sports in the shelter of the harbour when the wind is at its calmest. It gives you the best learning conditions!

The shallow draft of your Sunsail 41.0 means you can explore some of Poole Harbour under sail. In the evening take advantage of the local restaurants and nightlife or stroll through the old town.

Another great option is picking up a mooring off Studland for swimming and snorkelling. Be alert to the anchoring requirements and restricted zones in Studland Bay. There are major efforts to protect the rare seagrass and seabed from anchor damage. A mooring buoy is the best option. 

Day Five: Poole to Yarmouth 

21nm - approx 3.5 hours sailing 

With luck you'll have a nice South Westerly breeze across Christchurch Bay to the beautiful seaside town of Yarmouth. The busy harbour bustles with ferries and the lifeboat.

Many sailors stop here before leaving for France or further afield and it is often the first port of call on return. The cheerful Yarmouth Harbour staff are on hand in their boats to guide you into the right berth.

Once in, the tiny town has several excellent bars and restaurants and is a great place to start a walk round some of the Isle of Wight’s most beautiful coastline. Or follow the old railway line beside the River and walk across the Freshwater Bay.

Sunrise and Sunset always seem to sparkle more brightly here and it’s worth getting up in the dawn to enjoy the morning. 

Day Six: Yarmouth to Beaulieu 

11nm - approx 2 hours sailing 

A short sail takes you across to the stunning Beaulieu River. As you approach the river from the Solent the yachts appear to sail on land as they glide up the protected waters behind the spit of land that shelters the entrance to the river. 

The small marina at Buckler’s Hard is right by the legendary Master Builder’s Hotel and restaurant. Stepping off the boat is a little like stepping back in time.

The Beaulieu Motor Museum is nearby and it is a wonderful place to enjoy a walk in the peace of the New Forest.

Day Seven: Beaulieu to Port Solent 

20nm - approx 4 hours sailing 

Time to think about returning to Portsmouth. Remember to check the sailors guide to entering Portsmouth Harbour to avoid any ships and ferry traffic.

It’s a satisfying sail back from Beaulieu. Crossing the busy shipping zone at the entrance to Southampton Water and negotiating the notoriously shallow Bramble Bank is a real achievement.

It gives your whole crew a chance to reflect on their experiences and how much more confident and knowledgeable they feel by the end of a week.

Then, as you sail back up the river to Port Solent you will realise that you’ve truly had an amazing adventure.