Speedbird Offshore Yacht Club
Try us first

A day on the water before you decide

A full day sailing the Solent with a qualified skipper and a friendly crew. No experience needed.

Curious about sailing but not ready to commit? Spend a day on the Solent with us first. We call these Potential New Member Days, and you need no sailing experience to come on one.

What to expect

You will join a scheduled trip on one of our yachts from Mercury Yacht Harbour on the River Hamble. A typical day might mean sailing across to the Isle of Wight, anchoring for lunch in a quiet bay, and coming back in the afternoon.

Get involved as much or as little as you like. Take the helm, trim a sail, or sit back and enjoy the ride. You will sail with a commercially qualified skipper and an experienced crew, so you are in safe hands from the moment you step aboard.

What it costs
The standard day rate: £56. PNM days run in the summer season only, so the winter rate never applies to one.
When
May to September. We keep them to the warmer months because of sea temperature and less settled weather either side.
How long
A full day, usually leaving mid-morning and back late afternoon.
Where
Mercury Yacht Harbour, Hamble. SO31 4HQ for the sat nav.

What to bring

You don't need any special equipment, just a few sensible things. The boat carries lifejackets and safety harnesses for everyone aboard, so you don't need your own, though you are welcome to bring them.

Clothing

The main thing to get right is layers. It is almost always cooler on the water than ashore, even on a sunny day, so bring one more warm layer than you think you will need. A windproof jacket is ideal, and waterproofs too if you have them. You don't need to buy dedicated sailing kit yet: a decent waterproof coat and a warm fleece will do.

In summer, bring a hat and high-factor suncream. The glare off the water burns quickly, even under cloud.

Pack a change of trousers, socks and shoes. Cockpit seats can be damp and there is always a chance of a splash, so something dry for the drive home is worth packing.

Footwear

Sailing shoes or deck boots if you have them. If not, trainers with clean, non-marking soles work fine, the sort you would wear on an indoor sports court. On cold or wet days, sea boots are a good option.

Please check the soles are free of mud and stones before you step aboard. Wellingtons are not suitable, as they are slippery on deck.

Food and drink

The skipper will provide tea, coffee and milk. Bring a packed lunch, plenty of water, and any snacks you would like.

Sometimes the skipper will suggest lunch ashore at a harbour or marina, and they will let you know in advance so you can plan.

Seasickness

Most people are absolutely fine. If you have never been on a boat, though, it may be worth taking something as a precaution.

Ask your pharmacist before taking any medication, and read the instructions: these often need taking well before you sail rather than on the day.

How to arrange one

Getting on the water is straightforward.

  1. Email us to say you are interested.
  2. We will send you a short form and match you to an upcoming trip.
  3. Turn up at the marina and enjoy your day.
No experience needed

Come and see

Tell us you are interested and we will find you a day on the water.

Arrange a day →