Where to Meet:

Saltmakers House, Hamble Point Marina, School Ln, Hamble-le-Rice, Southampton SO31 4NB is where we will meet. Anytime after 6 pm, we’ll be in the bar. If you want to get the train to Southampton and then the connecting train to Hamble Le Rice, you can then get a 5 min taxi to the Marina.

Meeting:

We will NOT set sail until Saturday morning so you can come down early Saturday if you desire but you MUST be there by 9 am. We aim to return to Hamble Point by 5 pm on Monday 31st May. 
 

Car Parking: 

It’s free finally! BUT in the interest of the environment, please look to buddy up – we will help using the WhatsApp group, click here to join the group.

Buddying up:

Each cabin has a double bed and therefore you will be sharing with 1 other person. We highly suggest you come to one of our social events if you don’t have someone to share with – next week we have 2! Meet the Crew Drinks 🍻 and Thames hike and lunch 🍽️

We will also have a few single berths in the saloon if you don’t want to share. 

COVID:

We would like anyone who is not fully vaccinated, to get a Lateral flow test (they are free in all boroughs and counties) no less than 48 hours before joining the trip. We will be in close confines and although the incidence of COVID is at its lowest level, taking a FREE test is simple and easy.

What to bring:

Travel Bag:
Pack in a soft duffel-type bag to maximise space on the yacht, no hard suitcases! These are small cruising yachts.

Bedding – you will need to bring a sleeping bag or duvet plus linen plus a pillow

Food:
Each boat and its skipper will be responsible for provisioning. There is a local Tesco extra and each person can have some input into what we purchase. We expect to eat ashore 1 or 2 nights depending on the itinerary. Breakfast and lunches will be on board and the yachts have great cooking facilities and fridges.

Insurance:

Sailing can be a dangerous activity. Lifejackets (provided) will be mandatory at all times but for the experienced traveller and adventure traveller you should look at insurance that covers you in the UK as well a very detailed safety briefing will be done on Friday, again when we depart and each morning. Safety is really key in the UK with cold water and fast moving currents.

General sailing:

Everyone will have time being in charge and on the helm, so read up on how a yacht works and expect to learn a lot over the weekend. But don’t fret we have experienced people who have been doing this for many years and will help guide you whilst your skipper behind the wheel

Apparel:

• Deck shoes or non marking trainers, flips-flops/sandals
• Sunglasses x 2 and a hat x 2 (essential)
• A warm jacket (2 in case your 1st one gets wet)
• Warm trousers and/or salopettes
• Waterproof jacket (it may rain)

Toiletries:

• High factor sunscreen & Aftersun
• Cleansing wipes & Lip balm (with SPF)
• Anti-nausea medication if you get seasick

Essentials and nice to have’s:

• Phone charger and battery pack
• Your own water bottle to minimise plastic use
• A book for downtime
• Earplugs and an eye mask
• Towel

Health issues:

If you have any serious health issues that affect your physical ability you MUST advise your skipper before we depart.

Itinerary:

UK sailing is very different to the Med due to weather and tides and in that regard, our exact itinerary will be confirmed a few days before when skippers consult. We’re aiming for Poole (weather and tides allowing) but also Yarmouth on Iow and hopefully a visit to the Needles and the old gum battery for some history. It is likely we will be on anchor some nights, which will mean tranquillity but no immediate access to land (although we will have a dinghy so you can explore until darkness).

Attitude:

Our focus is on fun and our Med trips are suited to independent travellers. Our trips are not catered and you will be expected to ‘muck in’ with all duties on a yacht. You also may encounter people of different backgrounds, age groups and interests. This is what Sailing the Med is all about – making new friends and having new experiences. Please ensure you come with the right attitude to make the weekend GREAT!