When you take an RYA sailing course with First Class Sailing, the time spent is not just about mastering your skills on the water. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to see some of the most picturesque and historically significant locations on the English coastline. Our courses all take place from our Southampton base, letting you sail out into Solent waters with views offering a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant maritime heritage, and charming scenes you won’t forget in a hurry.
Here’s a short guide that highlights some of the unforgettable places you’re likely to see, and possibly even visit during your sailing journey with us.
Beaulieu
Potter up the peaceful and pretty Beaulieu River that was once the main transport route for stone and supplies to build Beaulieu’s Cistercian Abbey in 1204. En-route, you can see the historic shipbuilding yard, Bucklers Hard, where many of Henry VIII’s fleet was built.
If you have time the village is nearby, and Lord Montagu’s private car collection can be seen at the National Motor Museum.
Cowes
Enjoy the ambience of the most famous yachting centre in the world, and also the venue for the start and finish of the Round the Island Race. Cowes dates back to Tudor times and is divided in two by the River Medina, creating East and West Cowes; the two being linked by a chain ferry.
Watch hundreds of different boats come and go, stroll through the narrow cobbled high street – and visit some of the many pubs and restaurants.
Visit Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s magnificent summer residence, open to the public and a short bus or taxi ride from East Cowes Marina.
Hamble River
The River Hamble is a major centre for all types of recreational boating, and home to thousands of sailing yachts and motorboats. There is always a bustle of activity going on the water.
There are several marinas and pontoons to berth at. Hamble village itself is on the west side and boosts a number of good restaurants and pubs. Warsash on the East side has the Rising Sun – a favourite pub amongst those who have been out sailing for the day.
Lymington
A beautiful Georgian market town, Lymington is on the southern edge of the New Forest at the western end of the Solent. The town is world renown as a sailing resort and has a number of boutique shops, good pubs and excellent restaurants.
Lymington is surrounded by outstanding natural beauty, and this is clearly visible as you sail into the harbour. To the north are the ancient woodlands and heathlands of the New Forest. To the west are miles of coastal nature reserve including Hurst Spit which is an SSSI.
You can tie up on town quay right in the middle of town and watch the world go by or in the large marina with all the facilities you might need. It’s a very charming bustling place with cobbled streets, a fun market (dating back to 13th century) on Saturdays, good pubs and excellent restaurants.
Newtown Creek
Newtown Creek is a wonderfully peaceful, natural, and totally unspoilt harbour. It is National Trust protected nature reserve. There are many sea birds and sometimes the colour of the water is such that it looks like the perfect Caribbean anchorage. Visitors moorings are provided and a run ashore in the dinghy to the local Pub is a must!
Portsmouth Royal Dockyard
Perhaps your Solent sailing course will take you east to Portsmouth. If time allows, why not take a walk around the historic Royal Dockyard where you can see modern day frigates and aircraft carriers. To contrast today’s modern naval ships, go aboard HMS Victory, Nelson’s flag ship that fought in the Battle of Trafalgar. The museums are excellent and will be enjoyed by all.
Yarmouth – Western end of the Isle of Wight
A charming, pretty village great pubs and restaurants. From here there are some lovely coastal walks to the Needles and across the Island to Freshwater or Tennison Down.
Wotton Creek
On the Isle of Wight Wotton Creek is a very pretty estuary flowing into the Solent. Flanked by Wootton village on one side, Fishbourne village on another and 30 acres of woodland on the other Wootton Creek (along with adjacent Ryde Sands) is a designated SSSI’s due to its wide range of intertidal sand flats. It’s a very charming lunch stop.
All locations above are within easy reach of our base at Shamrock Quay from where it’s possible to get some great sailing in and visit more than one in a day.
In conclusion, an RYA sailing course with First Class Sailing offers more than just a chance to gain sailing qualifications; it’s an invitation to sailors of all abilities to discover the rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant communities of the Solent and its surrounding areas.
Ready to set sail? View our courses or simply contact us today to start your journey!
