History Sailing Days
Join us out on the water for a guided history tour of the Solent aboard an historic boat.
A Great Day Out
Experience these historic waters from the unique perspective of the water and join in with sailing a 100+ year old boat at the same time.
On board will be a professional skipper and mate and a certified Southampton Tour Guide to show you the ropes (literally!) and to point out areas of historic importance.
Get a taste for sailing and discover how the waters in between Southampton and the Isle of Wight shaped the history of this area, and indeed the UK.
Starting and ending at our base in Shamrock Quay Marina, Southampton, we will take you out on the water for the entire day. You don't need any previous boating experience and all safety gear will be provided (life jackets and waterproofs,etc).
The next day out will be on 26th May.
Golden Vanity
The boat is called Golden Vanity. She was built in 1908 for a marine artist called Arthur Briscoe who used her to capture some of the last days of working sail from her decks.
Golden Vanity is on the Historic Ships Register and within she is in the Historic Fleet alongside only 200 or so other boats including HMS Victory.
She is sailed using traditional sailing techniques that are easy to pick up and our experienced crew will be there to guide and lend a hand.
Where will we go?
The route we'll take you on will depend largely on the weather and the tides, but may include historical sites from the water, such as:
Netley Abbey, Osborne House, Calshot Castle, the Mary Rose buoy and the Solent Forts, and the Beaulieu River.
There are so many historical sites within the Southampton and Solent area to see. From like the River Itchen and Woolston where flying boats and spitfires were made, Royal Victoria Hospital where Florence Nightingale once practised, 5 of Henry VIII's castles, the site of where the Mary Rose sank on the Battle of the Solent, and Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's Osborne House.
There will be a strong Royal emphasis given it is the Queen's Platinum Jubilee this year.
What's included
Join the boat at 0830 for a short safety brief before casting off to raise the sails and sail off down Southampton Water.
On board will be a Southampton Tour Guide familiar with the area and its history.
A pack lunch will be provided plus plenty of tea/coffee and we can cater for any dietary requirements.
All safety equipment is provided plus oilskins if needed.
You can expect to be back in and departing from the boat at 1630.
The price is £150 for the day.
You Should Bring
- Jumpers/fleece
- Windproof layer
- Soft sole non-marking trainers or deck shoes
- Sunhat/Baseball Cap (plus string to tie on)
- Retainer for ordinary glasses
- Waterproof /sailing gloves [optional but good idea]
- Camera
- Sunglasses and cord
- Suncream
- Sports water bottle
- Waterproof clothing is provided.
Day Sail - Dates
