What to Expect

Unlike a training course, this weekend is all about enjoying sailing for its own sake.

If you'd like to practise manoeuvres, improve your sail trim or spend more time on the helm, your skipper will happily help. Equally, if you'd rather simply relax, enjoy the scenery and sail with like-minded people, that's absolutely fine too.

Winter often brings clear skies, beautiful sunsets and peaceful anchorages that are rarely experienced during the busy summer months. Combined with good food, great company and a festive atmosphere, it makes for a unique way to finish the sailing season.

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Why Go Sailing on the Solent in Winter?

While many people pack away their sailing gear once autumn ends, winter can be one of the most rewarding times to experience the Solent. With the summer crowds gone, you'll often find quieter marinas, peaceful anchorages and open stretches of water that feel completely different from the busy sailing season.

There's something special about sailing on a crisp winter's day. Clear air often brings excellent visibility, dramatic skies and beautiful low sunshine, creating spectacular views across the Solent and the Isle of Wight. On the right day, the conditions can be every bit as enjoyable as those in summer—just with the bonus of far fewer boats around.

Our yachts are equipped with heating, so after a refreshing spell on deck you can warm up below with a hot drink while planning the next leg of the journey. The combination of comfortable sailing, good company and cosy evenings alongside or in a welcoming waterfront pub makes for a memorable winter escape.

Whether you're looking for one final adventure before Christmas, want to keep your sailing skills fresh over the winter, or simply fancy a relaxing weekend doing something different, a Santa Sailing Weekend offers the perfect way to finish the sailing season.

T’was the night (weekend) before Christmas. A little Christmas Cheer.

(we thought you’d like the Sailing version!)

T’was the night before Christmas and anchored afloat,

Not a creature was stirring, inside of the boat.

The anchor was set with quite enough scope,

So the yacht would stay put… well at least that’s the hope!

T’was the night before Christmas, the boat gently rocking,

And hung on the mast were the holiday stockings.

No tree, wreath, or candles, but lots of good cheer,

It’s joyful enough that we can be here!

We wondered if Santa would somehow appear,

He can swim surely, but do his reindeer?

Do sleighs have EPIRB, AIS, and good charts?

We hope he is carrying sufficient spare parts.

T’was the night before Christmas when we heard an “ahoy!”,

It brought to our hearts such a feeling of joy!

We could be mistaken, the red light we saw,

Was it nav lights, or Rudolf, we watched it with awe.

Whether sailboat or sleigh, dancing waves with such ease,

Moving so swiftly with quite a good breeze.

Then heard in the distance as it seemed to take flight,

Merry Cruising to all, and to all a good night!

Timings & Location

Timings

You should aim to join the yacht no later than 9am on a Saturday morning however if it makes travel easier you can join the yacht from 8pm on the Friday evening. We will send full joining instructions around 2 weeks prior to your weekend giving you an exact timing.

You can expect to get away by 4pm on the final day of your trip. If you are catching a train we recommend you do not book a ticket in advance as we can’t guarantee you will get away at 4pm on the dot. It could be earlier or a little later.

Location

Your Santa Sailing Weekend will usually start and finish in Shamrock Quay, Southampton.

Getting to Shamrock Quay

Shamrock Quay is about an 8 minute taxi ride from Southampton Central Station, or 15 minutes from Southampton Airport if you’re flying in. If you are arriving by car you can park in Shamrock Quay Marina, with 24/7 security.