Ask any British sailor and they’ll tell you that the best place to learn how to sail is on the Solent, the narrow stretch of water between the Isle of Wight and the south coast of England. It offers challenges to the experienced sailor through its currents, but for the novice and beginner there are calm waters. Plus the mild climate makes it an ideal place in which to get a little bit wet!
Sailing Schools on the Isle of Wight
Learn to sail packages and sailing-based activity holidays are available year round for all the family, along with sea kayaking and canoe trips. Summer sailing camps are available from £225 ($450)per week at the UK Sailing Academy in Cowes, 2– 9 August and 9-16 August, and include sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and team building under full supervision.
Canoe Safaris on the Yar
Canoe Safaris on the Western Yar. No previous canoeing experience is necessary to take part in exploring this beautiful and unspoilt area under the guidance of expert instructors and wildlife experts. All equipment is provided (under 12s must be accompanied by an adult). Available on the 14th , 15th, 16th and 31st August, and September 1st. £6 per person for half hour (£20 family) £20 per person 2 hours.
Skandia Cowes Week
The sponsors of the famous Cowes Week Regatta, Skandia, offer a free scheme for beginners. Sign-up on Cowes Parade (by the seafront) and get on the water for an hour with a professional skipper. You won’t find a better offer than this anywhere else this summer.
Isle of Wight Sea Kayaking
Try a sea kayaking course and explore the cliffs and caves of the island that are only accessibly by Kayak. Isle of Wight Sea Kayaking now offer Adventure Days for groups of 2 - 6 people, run by fully qualified outdoor professionals. The one-day course costs £70 ($140) per person and is available during selected weekends during July, August and September. Tel: 01983 209471 .
For the Non-Participant - some Spectator Sports
The White Air Extreme Sports Festival (19th – 21st September) is ready to take off again this summer and Have a Go Taster sessions are offered on 18 sports including kitesurfing and windsurfing. Not to be missed (see the website for fab. images of last year’s event). On the seafront at Yaverland, Sandown, the event attracts an international line-up of talent. Over 500 competitors are already booked. The RAF Falcons kick-start the festival on the 19th and the Red Arrows will be performing in the skies on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st September. Tickets available online, adult £7, youth £4, children under 7 free with an adult.
A fusion of sports like surfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding, paragliding and kiteflying is taught by X-isle. The Weekender gives you the option to try 4 of them - you simply specify which ones you'd like to try when you book. The cost is £250 ($500) per person but if parents are taking part and paying £250 ($500)each, children then go for £150 ($300) each. Available to those aged 8 to 80 and moderately fit. Telephone 01983 - 873111 .
Of course, if you don't want to be active yourself, you can spend the time watching the major sailing events on the island this year. The J.P. Morgan Round the Island Yacht Race on 28th June will be one of the most exciting events to watch from Cowes sea front. With 1600 boats competing from all over the world, and over 13,000 competitors taking part in this 55-nautical mile course round the island, it is the third largest participant event in the UK. The race is handicapped, which means that Olympic sailors as well as weekend sailors will compete equally.
Skandia Cowes Week2-9 August 2008 is so well known it hardly warrants mentioning, but this, the world's most famous regatta attracts entrants from true amateurs to Olympic champions. It brings over 100,000 visitors to the Isle of Wight, not all of them sailors, as it has become the place for celebs. to be spotted and the parapazzi to get that shot for "Hello" magazine.
There are up to 350 ferry crossings a day from Portsmouth, Southampton, Lymington and Southsea to the Isle of Wight, and once on the island you will find that ferry routes connect directly with the island's road, rail and coach links. Full details on 01983 813813
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