Spinnaker Training Weekends

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Using this sail can often seem quite daunting without experience. Over the weekend we aim to give you the opportunity to become familiar with spinnaker preparation, hoisting, setting and dropping.

Once the initial training is completed on Saturday morning, we will set out into the Solent, keeping an eye on wind direction so that we get to maximize the use of the spinnaker. Where we stay on Saturday night will also depend on wind direction!

Ideal conditions for early spinnaker use are Beaufort Scale Force 2-3. It’s use at sea will become limited if winds are greater that this over the weekend, although basic training can still take place in the Marina.

What is included?
The cost of our weekends includes your accommodation on board your yacht, breakfasts, lunches and our now famous homemade cake. We eat ashore in the evenings so that everyone can stretch their legs (this cost is not included) or you can cook for yourself on the boat if you wish.

Our yachts are generally vegetarian. Breakfasts and lunches will be warm, tasty and filling but will not contain meat! By eating ashore in the evening a non-vegetarian diet can be catered for.

The only additional cost is a proportion of mooring fees which are split between those aboard. These vary between nil- £5 per night depending on where we stay. We have waterproofs to borrow if required, which are free of charge.

Upon booking you will receive your Joining Instructions which provide a suggested list of what to bring. Sailing waterproofs are an important item, whatever the time of year, as they keep you warm and dry. We have these for you to borrow, free of charge. You are likely to have most other items on the list and we encourage clients to travel light because of the limited storage room on board.

Your Joining Instructions will also detail where to find us. We sail from Royal Clarence Marina in Gosport which is easily accessed by road (it is 20 minutes from the M27 at Fareham) or by train to Portsmouth Harbour (from Waterloo).

We look forward to sailing with you!

Dates, availability and costs