Sailing Experience Days (Isle of Wight)

We don’t believe there are many things you can do in life that can beat one of our sailing experience days from or to the Isle of Wight. On this fun-filled day you will experience the joys of sailing on a classic boat that’s over one hundred years old.

When you book with First Class Sailing you will join us in hoisting the sails, taking the tiller, and feeling the warmth of the wood while hauling ropes through varnished ash blocks as we catch the wind in the sails. Indulge in the gentle motion and traditional sounds of an old boat as we sail the Solent off the coast of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Whether you’re participating in sailing or simply enjoying the view, sailing can work up an appetite. But don’t worry, we’ll also provide snacks and a delicious lunch to satisfy your hunger.

As an Isle of Wight sailing experience, there really is nothing like it.

How it works

Your sailing experience to the Isle of Wight (we can also depart from the island), will be aboard the Golden Vanity.

A sailing experience day on the Golden Vanity is like taking a trip back in time. This classic yacht, constructed in the early 1900s, was modelled after a Mumble Bee Brixham Sailing Trawler, even though it was never used for fishing. As a result, she provides a sturdy and dependable base from which to enjoy a delightful day’s sailing experience off the Isle of Wight and around the Solent.

Once we’re ready to set sail, we’ll raise the sails and chart a course. If we’re departing from Cowes on the Isle of Wight, we have two options: we can head east towards Osbourne Bay, which is adjacent to Queen Victoria’s holiday retreat, Osborne House.

Alternatively, we could sail west past picturesque farmland on the Isle of Wight and the historic woodlands of the New Forest on the mainland, towards the turquoise waters of Newtown Creek, Yarmouth, and ultimately back to our starting point.

There is so much to point out, photograph, and discuss as we sail the Solent in style.

If departing from Shamrock Quay in Southampton, the route will be very similar, but in more of a reverse order, meaning you will get to see aspects of the Isle of Wight coastline experienced from the deck of the Golden Vanity.

How your sailing experience day off the Isle of Wight works out is up to you. There’s every opportunity to get involved as part of a team. Alternatively, you can sit back and relax and watch the stunning views go by.

It’s not all about what’s going on above deck though. The interior down below has been updated to include all the amenities you’d anticipate on a more modern vessel. The cabin boasts a roomy head, a fully equipped galley, and a generously sized saloon area.

As well as the experience of a day’s sailing on a traditional wooden sailing boat, we will also treat you to a delicious lunch.

It truly is an experience you will never forget.

Please also browse our sailing courses including RYA Competent Crew.

Posted by: First Class Sailing