Join us on this hands-on, exciting day out aboard a proven Ocean Race Yacht. Designed especially for newcomers to the sport you can experience the thrill of sailing, in a safe, relaxed environment, whilst really getting involved in the crewing of the yacht. You will have the opportunity to take the wheel of this 60ft yacht as she powers through the Solent and feel the buzz of working on the front of the boat whilst she crashes through the waves.

When you arrive you will have an opportunity to look around the yacht, before the Skipper gives a short safety brief about the day. Then we will slip lines and motor out to the Solent where you will help hoist the sails and enjoy your first taste of sailing as we head towards the Isle of Wight.

The exact course for the day will depend on the tides, but the Skipper will introduce you to lots of sailing maneuvers and give you the opportunity to learn some basic sailing skills. You will normally be served a racing style baguette lunch under sail and this provides a great opportunity to sit back and enjoy the sailing before we return to the marina.

Useful notes:

Where we sail: On the Solent, from Southampton in 2010 (Hamble in 2011)

Event time: 10am to 3pm

Maximum participants: 10

Boat: Clipper 60 Taeping

When: Selected Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from April to October.

You must be at least 12 to come on this day and if you are 12 to 17 you must book with a parent or guardian. There is no upper age limit.

There are a number of steps and a ladder inside the yacht, if you think you might need assistance to move around, we would ask you book with someone who can give you a helping hand.

Most frequently asked question about this trip:

How is this day different from the Ocean Race Yacht Experience?

The Introduction to Sailing is an hour shorter than the Ocean Race Yacht Experience, it is also only available on midweek dates, which is why it is a little cheaper. Both events are very hands on, although our staff will give more instruction about the principles of sailing before carrying out maneuvers on the Introduction to Sailing Day. However if you are a beginner on any of our sailing days, our staff are always happy to answer any questions you may have about sailing.