I had sailed small dinghies before, but being set loose on a million pound racing yacht was something else! The Skipper and Crew were great, and encouraged (not forced) everyone to work as a team. Before long we were sailing the Solent with everyone manning their stations. The weather was superb, although I would personally have liked it to be a little more windy. Everyone was so enthusiastic, and we had a great morning of sailing. To think that next month that very boat, yes the very one I had sailed, would be setting sail in the 'Round the World Yacht Race'. I wish Chris and his Crew the very best of luck! Maybe with a little more practice, I'll be able to sign on for next year's race.
Absolutely brilliant - the instructors on board with us were very patient and really got everyone involved in the whole experience - particularly impressive given the range of sailing experience on board (from keen amateur to total novice). Bad weather didn't spoil the sail at all (possibly even enhanced it!). Thank you!
Fantastic experience. The weather wasn't great but it didn't matter as the sailing was great fun. The skipper and crew were very knowledgable and good company as well as making sure we took part in the day, to the extent we wanted to. I would recommend it to anyone.
An Exhilarating Experience
A great opportunity to take part in an activity you rarely have the experience to participate in. I particuarly enjoyed the fact you were encouraged to take part under supervision with an emphasis on teamwork. A great afternoon on the water.
Earn Respect For People Who Sail Round The World
A fantastic experience where you get to sail and operate a real round the world racing boat. Examine the equipment on deck, manhandle a sail weighing 150kg, see the living and sleeping accommodation downstairs and speak with experienced skippers who have done it before. From this experience you will be able to decide if you have what it takes to sail around the world ... I don't!
Unforgettable - I Recommend The Day To Anyone
Professional sailors were excellent - very supportive, encouraging, enthusiastic - had total confidence in their judgement and got opportunities to do all sorts of things on the boat. It was a very physical day, and although I was not as strong as most people I did not feel for one minute out of place - I did not even think about it at the time - which tells its own story.
A Great Day Out - And Great Weather!
Two experienced skippers from the upcoming round-the-world race looked after us brilliantly. They showed us the ropes (literally), and were always happy to answer the constant stream of questions about sailing around the globe on one of those boats! Great fun.
A Chance To Try Big Boats
Coming from sailing dinghies, this was a chance to try something serious and to help me make decision whether to sign on for at least a leg of the 2011 Clipper race. The weather was perfect with sunshine and a moderate breeze, just enough to make it exciting for myself, not too much to make it uncomfortable for the novice sailors in the crew. The Skipper and his two assistants immediately made everyone welcome, carefully explaining safety procedures and then getting on with the practical side. All members tried everything from helming to raising and adjusting the sails. The thrill of manouevering 68 feet of racing yacht through the crowded Solent left us all exhilarated, with adrenaline pumping after four and a half hours on the water. Applying for a place in 2011 is looking very likely!
Best Birthday Present Ever!
Saving now so can afford to complete a leg (or two or three!) of the Clipper Race in the future... why on earth have I not done this before!
Thank You For A Brilliant Day
As we left the marina at Gosport and entered Portsmouth harbour the skipper offered me the helm. I could not believe I was steering over 1,000,000 pounds worth of racing yacht! Throughout the day, as part of a crew of 12 we were shown how to safely carry out the different roles needed to sail the yacht. The Skipper and his team displayed great confidence in all of us. We sailed over to the Isle of Wight, avoiding a vast array of different craft from jet skis to container ships. The weather was fantastic and with light winds we were able to try out a variety of different sails. The return journey involved some tricky manouvering as we entered Portsmouth Harbour and packed up the main sail. It was a pleasure to work hard as a team and learn so much in one afternoon. If I get the chance to crew for a racing yacht agin I will jump at it.
Great Day - Fun And Informative!
I thought the day was really well organised - from booking to getting there to the actual activity itself. The crew encouraged everyone to get involved and made us feel like we were really doing our bit to sail the boat. They helped us to learn as much as we could whilst making it really good fun! We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and are now thinking of taking up sailing!
Yacht Experience Ten Times Better Than Expected
Both my 17 year old son and I had an absolutely wonderful day with a professional and very courteous crew and superb yacht. With no previous experience of sailing, we were both a bit nervous but found the experience challenging and exhilarating. Thank you for a wonderful day!!
A wonderful day out on the sea. Even though it was a very rainy day, the wind was great and allowed us to really experience the speed of the yacht. Fantastic crew allowed us all to get involved in sailing.
Exceptional Experience From Expert Ocean Racers
This was the second time I've enjoyed this experience, it was nice to go out in more stormy weather, and get a feel for what these boats are really capable of doing. You can't underestimate the fun you get from learning from experienced ocean racers.
Exciting And Thrilling Morning
A day that I would recommend to anyone seeking excitement and enjoyment along with hard work in a team environment.
A tremendous few hours, I would do it again tomorrow!
A great experience. Staff were friendly and helpful.
The crew was experienced, competent, interesting and helpful. They encouraged us to participate and took time to show us properly what needed to be done and then help us if needed. The sailing itself was fun and exciting. We were lucky with a good wind and weather. I learned things about wind and sailing that I never knew. It was a great experience.
The day out was fantastic, the weather was great. It was an enigmatic experience. You just don't get a feel for the reality until you walk away - when you do, you can now say that you own that experience.
The experience was informative, educational, exhilarating and, most importantly, fun. As probably the oldest person on the clipper, I felt completely integrated and involved and would recommend the experience to both young and old who have an interest in the sea or, indeed, those who are not sure. The weather also helped make the morning an exceptionally blissful experience. As soon as I was able I rang my children to thank them for their birthday gift and such a memorable experience.
I thought the trip was well organised and the skipper and mate were friendly and professional. Everything was punctual and we all were included in the activities. A good job well done.