Mile Builders
Take your sailing further with our UK mile builder sailing trips designed to build real offshore miles, confidence, navigation skills and night sailing experience. Our mile builder sailing trips in the UK are perfect for sailors building experience towards Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster qualifications. Sailing from the Solent and beyond, each trip combines hands-on learning, real passage making and expert RYA skipper guidance to help you grow in confidence at sea.
Norway Sailing Adventures
Join a Challenger 72 Norway sailing adventure. Offshore passage plus fjord exploration. Two voyages: UK to Norway or return.
Learn MoreNorway Sailing AdventuresSail to Weymouth and back in a weekend
'Weekend mile building sailing passages to Weymouth and back '
Learn MoreSail to Weymouth and back in a weekendChannel Hop to France or the Channel Islands
'Sail to France and back. Weekend Channel Hops'
Learn MoreChannel Hop to France or the Channel IslandsExplore the Dorset Jurassic Coast
Sail along the beautiful Dorset Jurassic Coast
Learn MoreExplore the Dorset Jurassic CoastChannel Triangle Mile Building Sail
Build miles and confidence with on a mile builder sail in the English Channel
Learn MoreChannel Triangle Mile Building SailAdvanced Sailing
These sessions are focus on advanced aspects of sailing such as heavy weather sailing techniques and spinnaker handling.
Learn MoreAdvanced SailingARC Rally 2026
Join the ARC Rally 2026 as crew on a Challenger 72. Pro skipper and mate, training weekend, 2700nm Atlantic crossing to St Lucia.
Learn MoreARC Rally 2026Sail across the Bay of Biscay from Portsmouth to the Canaries
Sail across the Bay of Biscay from Portsmouth to the Canaries on an ocean going Challenger 72 yacht. October/November 2026.
Learn MoreSail across the Bay of Biscay from Portsmouth to the CanariesThe Atlantic Ocean: Sail from Antigua to Portsmouth
Sail across the Atlantic Ocean from Antigua to the UK. January/February 2027.
Learn MoreThe Atlantic Ocean: Sail from Antigua to PortsmouthSail from Bergen, Norway to Portsmouth, UK
Build over 800 offshore miles on a Bergen to Portsmouth mile-builder passage through the North Sea and Dover Strait on a Challenger 72
Learn MoreSail from Bergen, Norway to Portsmouth, UKMile Builder Sailing Trips That Build Real Confidence at Sea
There’s no better way to build sailing confidence than on a hands-on mile builder sailing trip in the UK. Whether new to offshore sailing or building experience for qualifications, time at sea sharpens navigation, improves sail handling and develops decision-making in real conditions.
Departing from the Solent and selected UK ports, each mile builder is led by an experienced RYA instructor who supports learning while allowing sailors to take an active role on board. These trips are ideal preparation for future challenges, from Coastal Skipper exams to longer offshore adventures.
What You'll Gain from a Mile Builder Sailing Trip:
- Build real offshore sailing miles in the UK
- Boost confidence through practical experience
- Improve navigation in tidal waters and open sea
- Experience a variety of weather conditions
- Gain essential night sailing experience
- Handle real-world situations with expert guidance
- Opportunities to skipper 60nm passages
Fantastic weekend mile builder
Fabulous, intensive mile-building weekend sail: So'ton - Cowes - Poole - Yarmouth - So'ton, including two long night passages with patient, knowledgeable and friendly instructor, Theo. Would highly recommend to anyone looking to gain confidence in strong tidal flows with plenty of other traffic!

Adi N
Verified Customer






Confidence Boosting Mile Builder Sailing Trips
Your Sailing Progression Path
If you have recently completed Competent Crew, a mile builder sailing trip is the perfect next step before progressing onto Day Skipper. It cements what you have already learned, builds valuable sailing miles, and develops real offshore confidence — while still being great fun.
For sailors who have completed Day Skipper, these trips are an ideal way to gain experience before taking on Coastal Skipper. You’ll consolidate navigation, passage planning and boat handling skills while sailing in a wide range of real conditions.
Mile builder sailing trips are also excellent preparation for Yachtmaster Coastal and Yachtmaster Offshore. Longer passages, night sailing hours and hands-on decision making at sea provide exactly the experience required for these qualifications.
From UK Mile Builders to Offshore and Ocean Adventures
Many sailors begin with UK mile builder sailing weekends before progressing to longer offshore passages and ocean crossings. The miles, confidence and skills gained on these trips form the foundation for bigger adventures, including Channel crossings, extended offshore voyages and transatlantic sailing challenges.
For those looking to push further, sailors often move on from UK mile builders to iconic offshore events such as the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers and our Atlantic return sailing trip, building on the experience developed closer to home.
Explore Our Mile Builder Sailing Guides & Trip Stories
To learn more about building offshore experience and what to expect on a mile builder sailing trip, explore our expert guides and real sailing stories:
- Mile building sailing trips explained – what to expect at sea
- How mile building prepares you for Yachtmaster qualifications
- Night sailing experience – why it matters for offshore confidence
- Real experiences from UK mile builder sailing voyages
First Class Sailing is a leading sailing school in Southampton and London, helping sailors build real offshore experience alongside professional training.
Mile Builder Sailing Trips – FAQs
What is a mile builder sailing trip?
A mile builder sailing trip is a hands-on offshore sailing experience designed to help sailors log real miles, build confidence, improve navigation skills and gain night sailing experience.
How many miles do you typically sail on a mile builder trip?
Most UK mile builder sailing weekends cover between 60 and 150 nautical miles, depending on weather conditions and chosen routes. A trip to Norway is around 800nm. Week trips can cover 350nm+. A trip across the Atlantic is 2700nm+
Are mile builder sailing trips good preparation for Yachtmaster?
Yes. They are one of the best ways to build qualifying miles, night hours and real offshore experience before Yachtmaster Coastal or Yachtmaster Offshore exams.
Do I need sailing experience to join a mile builder trip?
Some basic experience is helpful, but trips suit a wide range of sailors, with professional skipper guidance provided throughout.
Confidence Boosting Mile Builder Sailing Trips
