Weekend Sailing UK
Our weekend sailing trips from the Solent are designed for beginners through to experienced sailors. Whether you want to build miles, practise boat handling, prepare for a Mediterranean charter, or simply enjoy a refreshing yacht weekend, there is a sailing experience to suit you. Every weekend offers hands-on sailing, real passage planning, and the chance to develop confidence on the water.
Sail 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 IslandsBoat Handling Weekend
Practice handling a yacht in confined spaces under power and sail
Learn MoreBoat Handling WeekendLearn to use a Sextant
> Traditional Sailing Courses on how to use the sextant and navigate using the sun and stars. Learn while sailing around the Solent area offered by First Class Sailing.
Learn MoreLearn to use a SextantRound the Island Race 2026
Now taking bookings! -You can be part of the fun, excitement and magnificent spectacle that is the Round the Island Race. Crew spaces are now available. Contact us to book your space early!
Learn MoreRound the Island Race 2026Heavy Weather Sailing Weekend In The Solent
> Learn how to sail in heavy and rough weather with First Class Sailing over one weekend in the Solent.
Learn MoreHeavy Weather Sailing Weekend In The SolentNight Sailing Weekend
Practice Night Sailing with an expert instructor
Learn MoreNight Sailing WeekendSolent Sailing Weekend Course
Solent Sailing Weekend Course. Excellent for building confidence, useful practice in advance of chartering a yacht.
Learn MoreSolent Sailing Weekend CourseSailing Experience Days from Southampton
New to sailing? Experience a sailing day where we'll show you the ropes!
Learn MoreSailing Experience Days from SouthamptonMediterranean Preparation Weekend
Thinking about chartering a yacht in Greece, Croatia or Italy next summer? If you're chartering a boat for the first time or want to berth like a pro to impress family and friends look no further.
Learn MoreMediterranean Preparation WeekendTaster Sailing Weekend
Give sailing a go. Have you ever fancied seeing what sailing is like? Unsure that you will like it? These sailing taster weekends are the perfect opportunity to dip your toe in the water - without actually getting wet!
Learn MoreTaster Sailing WeekendSailing Weekends from the Solent
Escape from normal life with a weekend sailing UK adventure starting from Southampton. You will learn new skills, sharpen existing ones, and gain valuable sea miles. Or you may simply choose to unwind on a yacht weekend that feels far longer than two days. Many sailors say a weekend on the water feels like a full week away.
All our weekend sailing courses depart from the Solent, one of the best training grounds in the UK. From here you may sail to Weymouth, Cherbourg, or the Channel Islands. You could skipper a 60-mile passage, practise marina manoeuvres, or experience night sailing. You might even take part in the famous Round the Island Race.
Some sailors join to prepare for a charter abroad. Others want heavy weather experience, mile building, practice with a sextant, or confidence before progressing to further training. Whatever your reason, these UK sailing weekends provide structured learning combined with genuine adventure.
Whichever option you choose, you will return feeling recharged and more capable on a yacht. Custom yacht weekends can also be arranged to suit a specific brief.
If you're interested in how these trips help people gain confidence, read our guide on why weekend sailing trips are one of the best ways to build sailing confidence.
First Class Sailing is an established UK sailing school offering practical weekend sailing experiences alongside professional training and offshore adventures.
Thoroughly enjoyable
Booked a weekend mile builder recently with First Class Sailing. The experience was excellent from the initial booking, clear joining instructions and the preparedness of the boat and skipper. We sailed hard on our weekend and got every minute of experience we could. First Class even arranged for us to have plenty of wind! Very professional business which is imperative when offering sailing to mixed ability groups. I will definitely be sailing with them again. Thoroughly enjoyable, thank you. Arrived home shattered, wind beaten and smiling!
Abbywiththelab
Verified Customer
Who Are Weekend Sailing Courses For?
Weekend sailing UK trips are suitable for a wide range of sailors.
- Beginners looking for a sailing taster weekend
- Crew building confidence before Day Skipper
- Skippers preparing for Mediterranean chartering
- Sailors wanting structured mile building
- Yacht owners seeking boat handling practice
- Adventurous sailors wanting heavy weather or night sailing experience
Because the Solent offers busy shipping lanes, tidal planning, and varied weather, it provides excellent real-world experience. That is why so many sailors choose yacht weekends here before sailing further afield.
If you are unsure which weekend sailing course is right, advice is always available.
Weekend Sailing UK – Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need sailing experience to join a weekend sailing course?
No. Some weekend sailing UK trips are suitable for complete beginners, including taster sailing weekends and experience days. Others, such as heavy weather or mile building weekends, are better suited to sailors with some prior experience. Guidance is always available to help choose the right option.
Where do your weekend sailing trips start from?
All weekend sailing courses depart from Southampton in the Solent. From there, passages may head to Weymouth, Cherbourg, the Channel Islands, or remain closer to home depending on the programme and conditions. All trips finish back in Southampton unless it says otherwise when you book.
How many miles can I log on a weekend?
It depends on what you book. You might get 40nm or so on a Solent Sailing Weekend Course and maybe only 20nm on a boat handling weekend. Mile building weekends typically involve a 60 nautical mile passage each way, depending on destination and weather. On these trips night sailing, tidal planning, and watch systems also form part of the experience, providing valuable logged sea miles.
Are weekend sailing trips suitable before chartering abroad?
Yes. Many sailors join a yacht weekend to build confidence before chartering in the Mediterranean or elsewhere. Boat handling practice, marina manoeuvres, and real passage planning provide practical preparation for skippering independently.
Can I join a weekend sailing trip on my own?
Yes. Many participants book solo. Weekend UK sailing trips are sociable and crew-based, making them a popular way to meet like-minded sailors while gaining experience.
Who Are Weekend Sailing Courses For?
