Solent River Half Day Sailing Trip in the New Forest

How do i know your yachts will be in excellent condition?

First and foremost, we adhere to local maritime laws and regulations. This is your primary protection, and in most cases the rules are quite strict. We also carry public liability insurance. Beyond this, we have a track record of success and happy guests – as you can see from our many TripAdvisor reviews! We maintain a very high standard of guest satisfaction and provide boats that are clean, in excellent condition and well maintained.
 

What are the boarding times for lunch and dinner sails?

You check in for the Sail with Lunch trip at 0900 and sail at 0930 returning at 1500. You check in for the Sail with Dinner trip at 1500 and sail at 1530, returning at 2100.

Why do you sail from lymington?

Lymington is a delightful Georgian town in the New Forest, with a well-protected marina right on the Solent. Within minutes of leaving the marina, your yacht is sailing on the picturesque western Solent, with great views of the New Forest and the Isle of Wight. Lymington is also a superb base for exploring the New Forest National Park before and after your trip.

Is there an age limit?

Our yachts are very welcoming to children and older people and especially well-suited to family charters. We do not stipulate a minimum or maximum age for our guests, but we do require an adult to be on board with anyone who is under the age of 18. The crew cannot provide childminding or babysitting services. On your booking you should note the age of anyone under 18 so we can provide appropriate lifejackets for small children.

Do i need to be physically fit?

As long as you can get up steps in order to get on board, you do not have to take part in an active way at all, although you are welcome to do so if you wish! We have had plenty of elderly or non-able bodied guests on board. Access is rated as difficult for passengers with access needs. Wheelchair users will need to be lifted on to the yacht and access to the toilets on board (these are located down steep steps) may be difficult for non-able bodied guests. 

Are there any hidden extras?

On our Sail with Lunch or Dinner day trips on the Solent there are no hidden extras.  The only voluntary extras are whether you wish to bring or pre-order any wine to enjoy with your meal on board – and any gratuity for the skipper and crew.

Do I need to tip the crew? If so, how much?

Tipping is purely voluntary. If you do decide that you want to tip the skipper and crew because they’ve been professional, helpful and gracious (as we are certain they will be) then it’s customary to pay in the region of 10% of the total charter amount as you disembark. We normally recommend £10 per person on our day trips. Please give your tip to the skipper and he will allocate it fairly to the crew for you.

What food is served on board?

On our day trips we serve a set menu, which includes a vegetarian option. In advance of your trip, we ask you to confirm any special dietary requirements, including details of any allergies. We cannot respond to any requests on the day so please advise us at least 48 hours before your trip.

Are drinks provided on board?

On our day trips, we offer you a glass of wine or a soft drink when you arrive on board. There is plenty of water, tea and coffee for you to enjoy during your sail. You are welcome to bring or pre-order further drinks to enjoy during your meal.  

What should i wear?

Some items which are worth considering are: layers of light clothing such as shorts, tops, skirts, sun hats or caps, sandals, trainers or sneakers or soft soled athletic shoes, swimwear and warmer clothing for the evenings. In the evening, during our holidays, more “smart casual” clothing, such as skirts, trousers and collared shirts are a good idea.

What safety equipment is provided?

By law all of our yachts must have lifejackets, along with a first aid box, fire extinguishers and life rafts.

What happens if the weather forecast is bad?

We monitor the local weather forecasts. For our day trips, we will contact you at least 24 hours in advance – which is when we get the most accurate forecast – if it is looking like it may be unsafe to sail. At that time we will advise you on your options, including the opportunity to reschedule your trip.

Do you provide wet-weather clothing?

We do not provide wet-weather clothing and recommend that you bring suitable clothing with you, just in case you experience a rain shower during your trip.

What are the wind and sea conditions?

Yacht sailing is a “soft adventure”, be prepared for calm seas as well as windy conditions. If any lean towards sea sickness, over the counter medications or prescriptions may be handy. Ensure, you have an adequate supply of prescribed medications as you may not be able to refill medical prescriptions whilst away.

Are pets allowed?

A yacht is not a safe environment for a pet, however well behaved.

Is smoking allowed on board?

Smoking is not permitted inside our yachts at any time.  Please confirm whether your skipper will allow smoking on deck, but this is unlikely to be granted on a shared charter so as not to disturb other guests.