Rigging & Sail Trim Weekends

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This is a ‘must have’ weekend for all those who aim to charter or buy their own boat (or do so already). Knowledge gained during the weekend will assist you in sailing your yacht more effectively and efficiently. It will also show you the all important checks which may prevent unforeseen gear failure.

While alongside our berth at Royal Clarence Marina, the weekend begins with a practical ‘hands on’ session with ‘Jerry The Rigger’ who will explain the parts of the rigging, what their functions are and how to keep them in top working order.

You will be shown the all important checks throughout the rigging, which includes the best way to climb a mast (for those with a head for heights!)

After lunch we head out into the Solent in order to put to use your newly acquired knowledge. Having mastered the rigging we can begin to appreciate its effects on sail setting and sail trim. Be ready for triangles!

We stay locally on Saturday night, ready for another full day of deep concentration as we work towards maximising sail efficiency. We then return to our marina by mid/late afternoon on Sunday.

Jerry the Rigger works full time as a rigger. He is based locally and works regularly with Dream or Two. Each December he works for the organizers of the ARC to check the rigging of the yachts crossing the Atlantic. He is also an RYA Yachtmaster and shorebased instructor.

What is included?
The cost of our weekends includes your accommodation on board your yacht, breakfasts, lunches and our now famous homemade cake. We eat ashore in the evenings so that everyone can stretch their legs (this cost is not included) or you can cook for yourself on the boat if you wish.

Our yachts are generally vegetarian. Breakfasts and lunches will be warm, tasty and filling but will not contain meat! By eating ashore in the evening a non-vegetarian diet can be catered for.

The only additional cost is a proportion of mooring fees which are split between those aboard. These vary between nil- £5 per night depending on where we stay. We have waterproofs to borrow if required, which are free of charge.

Upon booking you will receive your Joining Instructions which provide a suggested list of what to bring. Sailing waterproofs are an important item, whatever the time of year, as they keep you warm and dry. We have these for you to borrow, free of charge. You are likely to have most other items on the list and we encourage clients to travel light because of the limited storage room on board.

Your Joining Instructions will also detail where to find us. We sail from Royal Clarence Marina in Gosport which is easily accessed by road (it is 20 minutes from the M27 at Fareham) or by train to Portsmouth Harbour (from Waterloo).

We look forward to sailing with you!

Dates, availability and costs