Experience the thrill of sailing around the infamous 60 mile course, which circles the Isle of Wight aboard an exciting, proven Ocean Race Yacht.  

This trip provides the perfect opportunity to take these Ocean Race Yachts into the open water for which they were designed. Whether you take the helm as we speed past the Needles, or change sails on the front of the yacht whilst she crashes through the waves of St. Catherine’s Deep, this is a trip that will leave you with unforgettable memories. It is a long, but exhilarating day and well worth it!

Join the yachts at the 8am for a quick safety brief, before we motor down Southampton Water to the beginning of the course off Cowes. Then we will hoist the sails and power up the Solent towards the Needles.

It will be hands-on as you take part in all aspects of crewing these exciting vessels from helming to sail changes and trimming. A fast but fun day out, there will be lots to do, although there is also normally time to sit on the high side and enjoy the ride. By the end of the day you should be working as part of a slick and efficient racing team.

Useful notes:

Sails from: Hamble

Event time: 8am to 7pm (the finish time can sometimes be earlier – weather permitting!)

Maximum participants: 12

Boat: Clipper 60 Taeping and Whitbread 60 Blueprint

When: Selected midweek dates from April to September, approx twice a month.

You must be at least 16 to come on this day and if you are 16 or 17 you must book with a parent or guardian. There is no upper age limit, however you must have a reasonable level of mobility in order to move around the yacht unaided.

Most frequently asked question about this trip:

Do I have to have previous sailing experience to come on a Round the Island Day?

No, but we do recommend it! The Round the Island Day can last up to eleven hours, which is a long time if you find that you don’t enjoy sailing, therefore we recommend participants have some previous sailing experience. However if you enjoy a challenge and you like being out on the water, then you may well enjoy the Round the Island Day as your first trip out on a yacht!!