Sailing day options
On a sailing day out from Southampton you basically have three choices, the key variable being the arrangements for lunch.
Go into Cowes, which is about two hours’ sailing from Southampton. This is our clients’ favourite itinerary, giving a real sensation of sailing from one place to another, and with the widest choice of eating arrangements. In Cowes, you have a choice between lunch on-board (anything from filled baguettes to a fairly elaborate buffet) or in one of a dozen restaurants and pubs dotted along the narrow streets of this famous yachting town.
Have lunch at anchor in a sheltered bay or creek, probably on the island shore, where we can serve a meal on-board; this suits pretty keen groups who want to strike a balance between maximum sailing time and food that’s a bit special.
Sail all day, with sandwiches, fruit and other finger food served when the opportunity arises; this arrangement generally suits only keen and experienced sailors who want to do something special, such as sail around the Isle of Wight – very few corporate groups go for this option.
If the tides are right for our deep-draft yachts, there is another option: to go up the Beaulieu river for lunch at the smooth Master Builder's House hotel.
Above: Town Quay at Cowes, Isle of Wight