~ OnWaterTraining.co.uk ~

8 February 2010 - Planning for the 2010 season

Plans for 2010 are now well underway with our usual range of training opportunities as well as the opportunity to undergo race training and participate in a range of inshore and offshore races.

For 2010, our offshore and inshore racing programme with Solent Sail is already published including racing in the Solent and English Channel.  No previous experience is required as on every race, an experienced RYA Yachtmaster takes the role of Skipper and as our Yachtmasters are all qualified RYA Instructors, your charter with us will be both fun and educational.

This year, look out for the first race in April with JOG.  Our yachts will be racing out of the Eastern Solent to the Nab Tower and then back to Cowes.  Just £209 for the whole weekend plus £10 per person per day to cover consumables such as food, gas, marina fees etc.  With a full tactical debrief for crew after the race (for those interested), this will be a great, gentle start into the racing season.

After this, we get into full flow with races organised by RORC, (who organise the Rolex FastNet race), to France (St Vaast, Cherbourg, Dinard and St Malo) as well as races going to Alderney in the Channel Islands and this years big race - La Trinite...!

For just £399 plus £10 per person per day, La Trinite is our longest race of the year across the Channel around the Brest peninsular to the port of La Trinite.  This is a 340nm race that starts on the Saturday off Cowes at 15:30.  Depending on conditions, the race is likely to take until Monday to complete.  We then spend at least a day in La Trinite before returning using the engine if necessary to arrive back by the Thursday.  Overall, an excellent mile building opportunity and a chance to experience real offshore racing as a taster for next year's FastNet race.  Fastnet...?  Yes we are already taking bookings...!

If racing isn't your thing, then have a look at the excellent cruises we have which include coastal cruises along the Jurassic Coast to Weymouth, trips to France and the Channel Islands as well as in the Solent.  Ideal for those Day Skippers looking to get those 60nm trips towards Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster and usually your Skipper is an RYA Instructor who will share their knowledge and experience with you to ensure you get the most out of your charter.

Finally, get in quick for the romantic Valentines weekend cruise - £199 for a fantastic weekend in the Solent with the emphasis very much on socialising on board and enjoying the hostelries and great food that the Solent has to offer in the evening.  Contact us as soon as possible for a berth onboard between Friday 12 February and Sunday 14 February.

Of course we have not forgotten the range of RYA and specialised training courses for 2010.  Whether your first time onboard aiming towards the RYA Competent Crew qualification or preparing for the respected and prestigious RYA Yachtmaster Offshore certificate, there is a training package for you available throughout the year. 

RYA courses start now and continue throughout the year and remember that you can do your RYA Start Yachting over one weekend on any of the weekends listed on the Solent Sail training schedule and your (5 day total) RYA Competent Crew or RYA Day Skipper course over two or even three weekends so reducing the need to take time off work - of course you'll be saving it for that week charter or Med holiday no doubt...!

Other courses include Close Quarters Handling - really master control of the vessel, European Bareboat or Flotilla Preparation - if you are off to the Med on a bareboat charter or an organised flotilla, we can really help hone your skills ready to get the most of your on water holiday abroad and share with you some tips and tricks to take account of some unusual customs in yacht handling overseas - really valuable and can be organised as an individual course where there is a minimum of four people booking together and this can include families as well...!

If going overseas, most countries will ask for an International Certificate of Competence, (ICC) - by doing your RYA Day Skipper with Solent Sail, you can be ready for that overseas sun and sea holiday and gain your ICC when you qualify as a Day Skipper.

For courses, racing and availability for any of the above, go to the Contact Us page for more details...