Sailing Activities – Fun ways to get afloat as an individual – without going it alone!

Going sailing as single person does not need to be a solo experience when taking part on one of Universal Yachting’s Activity Weekends.

These informal, fun and highly sociable weekends ensure that you can simply step aboard and go, with no hassle.

All the boat preparation is done, a fully qualified professional skipper, essential provisions and planning are all provided, along with fellow crew members.

Recognising that going sailing as an individual can be a challenge, especially if you lack a suitable boat or a sailing buddy who shares the same sense of adventure to get afloat, Universal offer a variety of two day and long weekend cruising activities.

The Solent Sailing Weekend or adventure Round the Isle of Wight are an easy way to enjoy a fantastic couple of days sailing, and meet other like-minded people, under the guidance of your skipper.

The round the island trip is a circumnavigation of the iconic course sailed for the inaugural race for the America’s Cup back in 1851. Joining the boat in Hamble on the Friday evening, the trip normally heads east around the Island, via Bembridge, St Catherine’s Point along the stunning southern shoreline and finally around the notorious Needles Point. Yarmouth or Lymington are the natural stop off points for a great evening ashore, before heading back on the Sunday afternoon.

On all trips you can participate in sailing the boat as much or as little as you wish. Sleeping arrangements include shared cabins for those wanting the full yacht cruising experience. For those who prefer a bit more privacy, Universal offer an own cabin / personal sleeping area option.

For those seeking more of a challenge, Universal offer a three day Cross-Channel cruise and a four day Channel Islands cruise where you can relax and enjoy some extended cruising time. Under the guidance of your skipper you have the option to work on honing your sailing skills and gaining extra sea miles for qualifications such as the RYA Coastal Skipper.

The Cross Channel cruise gives you three nights on board, joining the boat on a Friday evening and setting sail late night or very early morning

to arrive in France the following afternoon. With a day ashore to relax you will likely set off on the Sunday night to dock Monday afternoon.

The four day Channel Islands cruise starts on a Thursday evening to gain an extra night afloat, arriving into Cherbourg the following afternoon. After a night in the town, there is a great days sail over to Guernsey along the top of the dramatic Cherbourg peninsula and past the beautiful island of Alderney. The itinerary is set up to ensure exploring time in both destinations, with an early departure on the Monday

A popular alternative, for individuals seeking something different, are Universal’s Bike and Sail Weekends. Open to anyone of mixed experience and fitness levels, sailors and non-sailors alike, these two-in-one activity weekends are a fun and relaxing way to enjoy the outdoors.

Universal Yachting run a number of Bike and Sail Weekends entirely for individuals, or you can put together your own group. Doing a new activity and sharing experiences, whether on a bike or a boat, is a tremendous way of making new friends too.

Off road and on road cycling routes are available, and you can bring your own bike or hire one. Setting off on Friday afternoon, you will sail to the Isle of Wight and sleep on board after a night out in Cowes, before cycling across the Island on the Saturday. A variety of different length cycle routes cater for a range of abilities, as well as take in the beautiful scenery around the Island.

After a day in the saddle your bikes are collected before spending the evening in the yachting town of Yarmouth. The town marina provides excellent showers and facilities, before you head out for a well-deserved drink and night enjoying in the town’s excellent pubs and restaurants.

Under the guidance of your friendly and highly experienced skipper, Sunday takes you afloat on the Solent to enjoy a day on the water. These weekends are particularly suitable for newcomers to sailing. No previous experience is needed and your skipper will show you exactly what to do as you sail back to Hamble.

All activities include the yacht, RYA fully qualified skipper, full safety equipment, food and drink whilst sailing (except for evening meals out) berthing and fuel.