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Portsmouth

Portsmouth Yacht Charters & Sailing Holidays

Overview
Useful Information

Sailing experience level

3
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England’s naval heartland

Located in the naval heartland of England’s south coast, Portsmouth offers exciting, invigorating sailing conditions perfect for experienced sailors. Strong winds create the opportunity for thrilling tacks and gybes, with many famous races and regattas taking place in the waters of the Solent and the Isle of Wight.

Walk the impeccably restored decks of Lord Nelson’s historic HMS Victory, which led the Royal Navy fleet in the Battle of Trafalgar and was to be the site of Nelson’s tragic death. Cross the Solent to the Isle of Wight, home to the celebrated Cowes Week regatta and a popular, picturesque island resort. Further still, the English Channel gives way to France, where you can indulge in the culture and cuisine of the continent.

Closer to home, you’ll find the ancient woodland of the New Forest, where royals have hunted game and passed their leisure time for centuries. As well as excellent, easy hiking, the New Forest is home to a number of traditional, affluent towns and villages that have largely remained unchanged for hundreds of years. As a sailing ground and a holiday destination, the Solent has few rivals.

Portsmouth sailing school

Visit our Portsmouth sailing school and learn to sail in the company of expert, Royal Yachting Association (RYA)-accredited instructors, earning the qualifications you need to sail on your own along the way. From complete beginners to more advanced sailors, we offer a range of courses out on the Solent to suit all experience levels and abilities.

Portsmouth bareboat charter

Arrange a bareboat charter holiday and enjoy the fine sailing conditions of the Solent. Stay close to shore and let the region’s strong winds put your yacht through its paces, or sail out on your own agenda, calling at the picturesque towns and villages of England’s south coast or heading further afield to the Isle of Wight and even France. On a bareboat charter holiday, you’re in charge.

Portsmouth skippered charter holidays

With excellent sailing conditions, traditional port towns, and picturesque rural villages to explore, a skippered charter holiday from our base in Port Solent lets you experience everything England’s south coast has to offer. Your expert skipper will help you improve your sailing skills and give you tips and insights you won’t find in any guidebook.

Portsmouth
Portsmouth base
Portsmouth
Portsmouth
Portsmouth

Inspiring Itineraries

Portsmouth

August 5-Day Flotilla

Sunday 11th – Friday 16th August, 2024 | £2,299 inc VAT for up to 10 people

**Skippered charters also available**

Call 02394 350505 or email us now

Cruising area

You will cruise around the Solent and enjoy places of really unexpected beauty. Highlights might include anchoring in Newtown Creek with its colony of seals and population of sea eagles. Or sailing past Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyards with a close up view of warships old and new.

Beaulieu is another hidden gem buried in the New Forest, with a delightful pub and access to the famous motor museum if you want to spend some hours ashore. Cowes, Yarmouth and Lymington are some of yachting’s finest destinations and each one is different. There’s no thrill like arriving in a town from the sea!

Typical flotilla itinerary:

Arrive at Port Solent Marina the night before to collect your yacht. You’ll receive a thorough handover from our Prometheus Sailing base staff and be introduced to the other members of the flotilla. Following an overnight stay at the marina on board your yacht, the group will set sail in the morning to Cowes.

Please Note:

  • this itinerary is subject to changes
  • day sailing times and distances are a guide only, based on average routes and wind speeds
  • these are subject to actual course sailed, weather and tides on the day
View Itinerary
Where is the best place to sail from Portsmouth?

Sailing from Portsmouth and Port Solent allows you to experience sailing in one of the busiest waterways in the world. 

This stretch of water is sandwiched between the rugged English Coast and the North Shores of the Isle Of Wight. Discover beautiful sand beaches, Salt Marshlands, Shingle Coves and Sloping green hills that meet the ocean with a dramatic drop – all from your private yacht. 

There are many sailing options from Port Solent, with some locations being particularly party-friendly or ideal grounds for fossil hunters; find family-friendly beaches or historical towns with incredible architectural history, along this stretch of coast. We have summarised our top stops for your charter, depending on the holiday experience you’re after, below.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         For Families

The Jurassic Coast is a beautiful sail from Port Solent, to Durdle Door and The Needle, all are great spots for kids to learn about geography and take in the beauty of this coast. Stopping off in places like Lulworth cove will also give families the opportunity to go fossil hunting and learn about the dinosaurs that once roamed these beaches. 

For Couples

Sailing from Portsmouth’s Port Solent to Bournemouth will showcase The UK’s spectacular coastline – from sailing through The Solent, with the Isle of Wight to one side and mainland UK to the other, you will find yourself at peace. Then past The New Forest – rugged, ancient beaches with greenery, wild horses and beautiful nature reserves and Bournemouth lights from restaurants, bars and street lamps are like art as they reflect across the ocean water at night.  

For First-Time Sailors

If you’re new to sailing or wish to have your first sailing adventure in the UK, we suggest exploring our Sailing School located in Port Solent, provided by our partner, Prometheus. We advise achieving an advanced and confident sailing proficiency before embarking independently from Portsmouth (a minimum qualification of level 3 is required to sail with us from Portsmouth). Alternatively, you have the option to enlist the services of a hired skipper.

For Large GroupsThe Solent, with its expansive waters and diverse destinations, is a great option for large groups departing from Portsmouth. Organise a flotilla or charter multiple boats to accommodate everyone. Bournemouth, Southampton and Portsmouth are all university towns, each offer their own unique atmospheres but all have great nightlife and restaurants which will be accommodating of large parties.
What are the best things to do in Portsmouth?

If you’re wondering what to do in Portsmouth, there are many options, from the local aquarium to exploring the cobbled old town. Portsmouth also has great links to other towns and cities such as Winchester, Southampton, London and Chichester. We have summarised the best things to do in Portsmouth, below:

Relaxing

  • Enjoy a leisurely stroll or a picnic on this expansive green space along the seafront at Southsea Common.
  • Take in panoramic views of the city and the harbour from Spinnaker Tower Viewing Deck.
  • Kick back, relax and treat yourself to a relaxing spa day at the serene Solent Hotel and Spa.

Exploring

  • Portsmouth Historic Dockyard: Discover maritime history, explore historic ships like HMS Victory, and visit the interactive museums.
  • Old Portsmouth: Wander through cobbled streets, explore historic buildings, and enjoy the charm of this area.
  • Fort Nelson: Explore the impressive artillery collection, interactive exhibits and take in the picturesque surroundings.

Eating and Drinking

  • Gunwharf Quays: A waterfront dining and shopping area with a variety of restaurants and bars.
  • The Still & West: A historic pub with great views of the harbour and delicious food.
  • Rocka Restaurant: For delicious, independent, fresh food presented with creative flair.

Nearby Towns

  • For a village feel: Winchester
  • For shopping and Dining: Southampton
  • For Georgian and Roman Architecture: Chichester
When is the best time to visit Portsmouth?

The best time to visit Portsmouth is between June and September for the clearest skies and warmest weather, however, October, April and May can all be warm and breezy too.
What are the sailing conditions in Portsmouth like?

We require a level 3 certification from sailors chartering a yacht from Portsmouth as The Solent strait –  separating the Isle of Wight from the mainland of England- has strong tidal currents. Understanding and navigating these tidal flows is crucial for sailors in the area.
How much does it cost to charter a yacht from Portsmouth?

The pricing is contingent on factors such as the season, duration of your charter, and the kind of holiday experience you desire. Prices differ for our Sailing Schools, Flotilla Charters, and Bareboat options. To obtain an accurate quote tailored to your preferences, please, contact Prometheus on learn@prometheus-sailing.co.uk or call 02394 350 505 to make a booking (Monday to Friday 9.00 – 17:30).
How much are the moorings fees in Portsmouth?

The mooring expenses will vary based on your chosen stopping point; each harbour or marina has its unique policies. Some establishments charge for day passes, while others operate on an hourly basis, with rates contingent on the size of the yacht selected. It is advisable to consult with our holiday planners for more detailed information on this matter before embarking on your sailing journey.

From the Sailing Blog

What Guests are Saying

Alerta D. O. O Agana

“Marina Agana staff overall friendliness and support in all stages of rental process. “
Robert Topping Abacos

“The whole process is smooth from the start to the finish. All staff are very friendly and helpful. Loved the Catamaran and all the facilities on board.”
Ronald Lansdell Grenada

“It works. A reliable, global brand I think I can trust “
Brian Ince Agana

“Excellent instruction and good quality, well maintained boats. “
James Brown Lefkas

“Fantastic holiday. Really fun and professional lead boat team who were all very supportive throughout. Nothing was too much trouble for them which made for a really enjoyable and memorable week. “

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