Sailing in Hampshire

Hampshire's fantastic coastline stretches the length of the Solent and is world renowned for excellent sailing. Whether you are a beginner or expert this is the place to sail!

There are numerous marina's dotted along the coastline for you to charter a boat or to head out on an organised tour. Or if you prefer to keep your feet on dry land and admire the boats whilst having a spot of lunch, you can always head to Southampton's Ocean Village or Port Solent or Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth.
 

Getting out on the water

There are plenty of sailing schools and charter companies to choose from, however a good place to start if you are a novice sailor join the Hamble School of Yachting that run numerous approved courses and taster sessions, which include water safety training and boat hire.
 

Tall Ship Sailing in Hampshire

Jubilee Sailing Trust operates two of the only tall sailing ships in the world designed for people with physical disabilities based in Southampton. The Jubilee Sailing Trust is a registered charity and helps change young peoples lives by taking them out and the tall ships and enabling them to do something that may otherwise not have been possible.
 

Sailing Events in Hampshire

There are numerous sailing events held throughout the year from the world famous Cowes Week held in August or the Round the Island Race held in July, great to watch but there are also opportunities to get onboard the boat and be part of the action. 

The annual Southampton Boat Show (September) allows visitors to see the newest boats on the water, the latest technology and clothing. Visitors can get on the water with taster sessions and RIB rides.

The Clipper Race is a record breaking 40,000 nautical mile race around the world which stops off in Portsmouth. The unique element of the race is even novices can take part in adventure. Full training is given to ensure that you are prepared for sailing around the world. The idea of The Clipper Race is Sir Robin Knox-Johnst, who was the first sailor to circumnavigate around the globe by himself.
 

Team INEOS, Sir Ben Ainslie: America's Cup World Series

Great Britain's most decorated sailor with four Olympic Gold medals Sir Ben Ainslie has set up his home for his team Land Rover BAR in the heart of Portmouth. Team INEOS race in the worlds fast sailing event the America's Cup World Series, with boats reaching speeds nearing 50 mph. Team INEO (The known as Land Rover BAR) won the two events held in Portsmouth in front of record crowds in 2015 and 2016. The America's Cup World Series will be back in the city of Portsmouth in 2019. 

On selected dates you can visit Team INEOS's base and visit the Tech Deck which showcases all the technology that goes into the boat, with interactive features including VR and also computer programme which will allow you to design your own boat and see how it performs in test conditions.