Cheap Solent Charter suggestions?

[gregmlucas]

Well, just got back from our first flotilla, in the Ionian - had a fantastic time (as you'd expect)

This was SWMBO's first time on a yacht so alot was resting on this one week. By the end of day two she was saying that this was the most relaxed she'd ever been on holiday, end of day three she was talking about next time and by day six she was wishing we'd booked two weeks.

So a resounding success, next step in the plan is to get her out on the Solent (we live in Warsash) but I can't believe the costs of weekend charter. I thought I might be able to get a deal by booking last minute - but when I contacted one particularly large company on a Friday for charter that weekend, they offered no discount despite having numerous boats available. Maybe I'm being naive but surely they're better off taking 75% (say) of their normal £850 fee instead of nothing! Then again this is sailing...

So, any suggestions on more cost-effective options?

We even went out looking at boats yesterday (planning a purchase for next year if all goes well) although I need to work out a way of getting her over her tiller aversion given our budget (and my preferences)!

Cheers,

. . Greg

 

[Sailfree]

Hamble Point Yacht Charters do a last minute discount but not as much as you seek.

HPYC are not the cheapest though but their boats are a often better equipped than most others and certainly better maintained and cleaned etc IMHO and thats why we put our boat with them!

I state the above not as a sales pitch as I know you would be interested in one of their smaller boats.

Can I advise you to go soon though as the contrast between an Ionian cruise and a Solent weekend can be drastic. Many especially SWMBO love gentle sailing in sunny weather and love summer charters in the Med but never learn to like a windy cold Solent sail!! For many warm weather sailing is all they will accept.

 

[phatcat1]

We chartered exstensively till we bought a boat. ( good way to find out how they handle/cope with conditions.

Hamble Point Yacht Charters were very good, with great boats (but not cheap but will do a deal)

Sunsail were very cheap with late season/ weekend charter but boats poor, damp and bashed.

Fairview OK, good boats - not sure about a deal, Ask for Mike.

Best deals with Nick and Caroline Jordan from Falmouth, great boats, great crusing area, business is Cornish Cruising. Have chartered 3 times + done Coastal skipper and deliveries with them.

 

[najsmith]

Found FairView rather expensive and Sunsail - well, it's already been said.

Hamble School Of Yachting used to be reasonably priced with a range of boats - based out of Mercury Yacht Harbour.

In the Solent I've also used Victory Yacht Charters (Haslar - Gosport) who again offer a variety of craft at a reasonable price.

Dufours, Bavarias etc.

 

[Slow_boat]

Trumpeter is a Contessa 32 in Poole harbour that was being chartered very cheaply. There is a web site but I can't remember it.

I only noticed it in passing as she was one of the Joint Services boats I used to look after in the 70s when I was a coxswain instructor there.

 

[alant]

Instead of chartering, why not try a school boat.
Most schools are much more cost effective. Tell them you want an 'experience' weekend. If your lucky, or can get a few more people, you can get the boat to yourselves + skipper.

Try ATSailing in Haslar, 01621 841976 or 07980 314998,
nice people to deal with & flexible. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[sticky]

If you would like to phone me on 07973 798 169, I may be able to help you. Sticky Stapylton.

 

[BlueSkyNick]

Cheap and Solent are two words not normally put together. Adding on Charter is stretching your hopes somewhat too far.

Glad SWMBO is hooked - the Ionian worked for us too.

Best of luck !

 

[sally]

Capital Sailing do fun weekends in the Solent, been on one myself and HWMBO has done several, always very enjoyable, look on website, they often have some good last minute deals. http://www.capitalsailing.com/ .

 

[gregmlucas]

Thanks everyone for your input. I know I'm probably expecting too much but gotta try.

Looks like HPYC gets the majority vote - may think about Cornish Cruises too if I can wangle a couple of days off work

SailFree - yeah, point noted about the weather. That's why I'm hoping to get her out there sometime July/August - mind you she's talking about maybe going back to the Ionian in September so that would be a bonus.

Nick (Shy_Talk) - yeah I know, Solent, Cheap, Charter - a lousy combination - but can't blame me for asking. Ionian was definitely a success (as you'll see in my comment to SailFree)

Just for info, I came across Lostris Sailing quoting approx £500 for a 34/5 footer so that's about the ballpark. Hamble Point also have a Bene 311 at about the same price for last minute booking - this weekend at least, which is a shame 'cause SWMBO's working.

Thanks again for all your help

Greg

 

[richardromain]

Our not-for-profit virtual sailng club might be of interest. We run day sails, weekends and longer trips from the Solent on a Show 42 - see www.lados.co.uk.