Newbie day trip

[jac]

So the boss and my peers at work have decided that at one of our quarterly leadership team meetings we should all get together and go on a trip on the boat. Looking like 19th or20th June but not sure yet when abouts, probably from Lunch until early/mid evening.

As this would be on a school day it would be Me and 5Newbies on 36 footer.

I'm comfortable with the concept ( bad day on water v good day in office etc) and genuinely like the team so happy to do the day.

I'm also comfortable with the practicalities, I.e. getting underway, mooring etc, and the boat is very easy to handle, roller furling, self tailing etc so can Be done on a basically singlehanded basis if required.

My challenge is how to fill the day and give them an experience. Don't want to spend all day thrashing round the Solent and scaring / boring them. In contrast a quick blast over to Cowes followed by a meal / drink and trip back feels a bit lame.

So anyone taken a group of 40 something guys (and one lady) on their own boat and lived to tell the tale? Any advice?

 

[Mad Pad]

41 people on a 36 footer???Should be cosy or have I missread you?PS Pity the poor "Lady".Tee Hee!

 

[jac]

41 people on a 36 footer???Should be cosy or have I missread you?PS Pity the poor "Lady".Tee Hee!

Lol.

Ok 5 blokes all of us in our forties. ( well one claims to be 49 still) and a lady who is obviously younger.

 

[Mad Pad]

Still,a lot of washing up and cleaning for 1 Gal!!!

 

[Twister_Ken]

Generally people get excited to see The Needles up close(ish). Go there, lunch in Yarmouth (nearest thing to a proper harbour in the Solent) home for tea.

 

[Twister_Ken]

PS - check your insurers are happy as it might just be regarded as business, not leisure, if things go titzup

 

[maby]

PS - check your insurers are happy as it might just be regarded as business, not leisure, if things go titzup

I was going to say the same - make sure it is presented as an informal trip for friends, not anything official - and be careful about accepting any contributions towards fuel or berthing fees.

 

[PhillM]

Nothing wrong with Cowes and back. You may see it as tame but I bet they would see it as an adventure.

Don't underestimate the excitement of sailing to somewhere. I'm still excited by the Solent ports and this is my 3rd year.

Also, it gives non sailors a time to recover and relax part way through the day.

 

[onesea]

Low Water after lunch 15:00...

Allot depends on weather but if based Hamble unless they are game for long day I would suggest Cowes or Yarmouth?

Newtown but LW (depends on your draft)..
Beulieu? Particularly if bit breezy again low water and bar smally tides you might be alright.

Needles is a bit far for 5 newbies if its breezy enough to sail there it might be a bit much for them..

Get them to do everything, you should not touch the wheel (Unless berthing is that tight) naviagtion give them the chart, they tell you where they are etc etc..

Do not go to far... Much more fun for them, if it takes an hour to get the main up so what?

If weather that good anchor under Hurst?

 

[maby]

have Stugeron handy!

 

[oldbilbo]

Yes, have a handful of 'plans' up your sleeve, and choose amongst them according to the weather - but also by your assessment of their mood(s). Beaulieu River and Yarmouth or Newton Creek seem to be worth your consideration, for the sailing to get there and the interest of arrival counts. You can anchor, or pick up a mooring, for lunch. That will be significant for them. Keep the run ashore for the end of the day....

I fit's wild, don't forget Southampton Water has lots to interest a newbie....

 

[Houleaux]

Nothing wrong with Cowes and back. You may see it as tame but I bet they would see it as an adventure.

+1

I used to take people out on day sailing experiences from Bucklers Hard. After a short safety briefing we'd set off at about 1000. While we were motoring out of the river I'd explain a bit about the boat and sailing in general. We'd then sail different courses relative to the wind before heading for Cowes for about 1200. There'd be the opportunity for a little time ashore followed by a simple buffet lunch on board. After lunch, we'd sail in the Osborne Bay, North Channel, Bramble bank area before heading back to Bucklers Hard late afternoon.

Everyone had the opportunity to helm and man the winches if they wished and there was no stress about missing tides / being out too long etc. etc.

As a relaxed introduction to sailing, this seemed to work pretty well.

 

[oldbilbo]

Aye, well. Hamble Spit and Calshot Corner add a little 'je ne sais quoi' to the mixture....