ON THE WATER

YACHT CHARTER | KEELBOAT RACING | RIBs | JET BIKING | FISHING | KAYAKING

YACHT CHARTER

Experience the thrill of sailing some of the most demanding waters in the world, and from an internationally recognised sailing venue with a private yacht charter.

A variety of yachts are available ranging from Sigma 38's for easy cruising to a brand new, state of the art 45ft Racing Yacht where all your crew will get involved to the 70' Global Surveyor.  This impressive yacht has 5 cabins accommodating up to 12 passengers and 2 crew.  The large flush deck area enables you to enjoy a more relaxed sailing environment and fine cuisine can be served in the large hospitality lounge.

With skippers on board and their wealth of experience of racing, both inshore and offshore, you will be in the best hands to take your first voyage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to bring?
We will provide 'oilskins', which are basically waterproof jackets and trousers, and life jackets are available on board each craft. You will need to wear warm clothing and shoes with a non-marking sole. If the weather is looking brisk then you may wish to bring a woolly hat too!

What happens if it's raining?
You will still go out if it is raining and get wet, but you will have waterproofs on so shouldn't get too soggy.

I have never been sailing before, is that a problem?
No, all of our yacht charters are with a fully experienced skipper, but you may be asked to get involved to crew your boat under their supervision - it's all part of the fun!

How many people do the yachts take?
You can try a Sonar keelboat which takes 3 crew plus skipper for some fun match racing. Our yachts take between 6 and 12 people each depending on the type.

Do we get off during the day?
Yes, we always moor for lunch, the location on the day depends on the tides and wind. Whether you stay on board and have a picnic, or go to the nearest pub for lunch depends on the package you have booked.

Can we do some racing?
If you have a larger group and have more than one yacht out we can arrange some informal racing in the afternoon after everyone has become familiar with sailing in the morning. This will usually take the form of 'see who gets back to the marina first!'. More serious racing can be arranged in advance depending on your group, and if there are any regattas on we can also arrange entry if you book well ahead.

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with any questions and we will post them up here for you to see our answer

KEELBOAT RACING

You will be sailing 21ft Sonar yachts which take a crew of 3 plus skipper. We provide the skipper, you provide the crew and experience is not necessary as you will taught all you need to know on the water. If more than one boat is out you can enjoy the thrill of match racing in the Solent. These are popular so get book up very quickly.

FAQ

Racing sounds a bit serious .. we just want something a bit more relaxed

Our expert says
Match racing can be very serious, but with our breaks we want you to have a fun day which means all starting together and see who finishes first! Each boat will have a skipper who is there to help the crew, whether novices or experts, and there is no pressure to do anything else than enjoy yourselves.

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with any questions and we will post them up here for you to see our answer

RIB'S

Rigid Inflatable Fast power Boats, or RIB's are fast boats with a rigid base and inflatable hull. Like a big dinghy with a massive engine on the back! The 4x4 of the sea.

Passengers either sit on a central 'pommel horse' type seat, or on the side of the boat. Because it is lightweight and powerful boats can reach very high speeds on the water and tend to 'bounce' across waves giving a thrilling ride at sea.

All of the trips will be within the Solent or Southampton Waters and go from either Cowes in the North of the Island, or Yarmouth in the West.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when we go out?
If you have just booked to go out for a trip on the Solent for a morning or afternoon your skipper will tell you about the boat and take you out on the water to see some of the sights and landmarks around the Island. Once everyone is familiar with the boat there may be the opportunity for everyone to have a drive.

If your group has booked one or more boats some fun on the water Team Challenges and Navigational Treasure Hunts can be organised as part of your package, with a stop at one of many waterside pubs for lunch.

How many people are in a boat?
The boats we use are licensed to take between 6 and 8 people, maximum, each. A skipper always drives the boat and goes out with each group.

Is it comfortable?
It can get very bumpy out on the water and may be uncomfortable for people with back problems. When the boat is traveling at speed you may need to stand up and hold on tight so you can brace yourselves over the bumps! Not recommended for people with bad backs!!

Is it dangerous?
Everyone will be given a lifejacket and should feel confident about being on the water. To ensure the safety of everyone your skipper will give you a safety brief prior to getting on board. If the Solent is particularly rough or windy then we will not take you out as it is then that go out on a RIB would be dangerous.

Will we get wet?
Most probably, from the sea spray when you are at sea. Waterproofs are provided to help you stay dry but you may find your shoes may get a little wet so bring a dry pair! and make sure you have warm clothing.

MAIL US HERE
with any questions and we will post them up here for you to see our answer

JET BIKING

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to bring?

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KAYAKING

Try a unique way of seeing some of the Island's outstanding areas of natural beauty with your own, personal watercraft.

The Isle of Wight has a network of rivers and streams all feeding out to the sea, and you will be able to get onto the water and learn some of the basic paddling techniques with a day or half day of Kayaking.

After a short safety brief and demonstration of all the kit on dry land at the water sports centre, we will take you off to a river where you will take to your kayak and spend some fun time on the water.

Instructors work on a ratio of 1 to every 6 people so you can be assured of individual attention.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to bring?
We will provide wetsuits, spray tops, buoyancy aids, helmets and a kayak each. You need to wear shoes you don't mind getting wet and muddy, and bring a towel - showers are available when you return to the centre after your activity.

Where will we go?
All your kayaking will be on inland waterways which are flat and calm - no rapids on the Isle of Wight, sorry! The actual venue on the day will depend on the weather.

Will I get wet?
Yes, definitely, and probably muddy too as you get in and out of your kayak. This is why you need to wear shoes you don't mind getting a little soggy!

What about lunch?
If you are out for the day a picnic or pub lunch, depending on your package booked with us, will be included.

What do we do in a day?
After a briefing and introduction you will spend your first session on the water learning basic paddling techniques and, depending on your instructors, how to 'Eskimo roll'. Later on you will all play some games on the water just for a bit of fun.

Do I need to swim?
No, you don't, but you must let us know in advance so the instructors know on the day so you can be taken extra care of. With a small instructor to student ratio and very safe waters we hope to allow everyone to try.

FISHING

Sitting just a couple of miles off the South Coast, the Isle of Wight is perfectly placed for a spot of Sea Fishing in and around the Solent and the South of the Island.

A number of commercial fishing boats still operate from the Island and supply many hotels and restaurants with fresh fish all year round so you will be in good company on your day.

With a range of fish available to catch just a short distance from the Island, and no experience necessary this is a fun day out for all.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included?
All your fishing equipment - rods, lines, hooks & bait is included. If you are already a keen fisherman you can also bring your own equipment. Lunch is not organised, but can be arranged by u us when you book. The only gear you need to bring is something warm and waterproof to wear in case the weather is a bit unsettled.

How long is the day?
You will need to be ready for an 8.30 start, and the boat leaves from Yarmouth. The day will finish around 4.30 - 5.00 and we can arrange transfers for you on the day as part of your package.

What will I catch?
The type of fish around depends on the time of year and the tides, however, you could be fishing for Mackerel, Skate or Bass.

Can we keep what we catch?
Yes! However, you will need to check with the hotel whether or not they will cook or store it for you! In the Summer we can arrange BBQ facilities for group bookings so you can cook your catch and eat it at your leisure.

How many people can go out?
The group will be a maximum of 8 people on the day. Fishing is really open to anyone as well, whether you have experience or not - no fitness required!

MAIL US HERE
with any questions and we will post them up here for you to see our answer