Heavy Weather Sailing Weekend In The Solent
Starting from: £549
Safe & Secure Checkout
This heavy weather sailing course takes place in the Solent starting out from Southampton. The weekend provides safe training in heavy weather sailing techniques for inshore sailors who are looking to extend their offshore and rough weather sailing knowledge.
- Learn how to best sail in bad weather
- Safe training in the Solent
- Gain confidence with heavy weather sailing techniques
Safe & Secure Checkout
Great experience
I have done courses and trips in the past with First class sailing. I have just been on a Heavy weather sailing trip for 2 days last weekend. What a great experience and luckily we had a storm on the Friday and strong winds Saturday. This was a really good course, John the instructor was excellent and encouraged us all, even when the wind was up to force 8. Lots of good theory lessons after a days sailing and a great group of people. A must to go on.
Jtaylor145, London
Verified Customer
With any luck the weather will be foul and rough for sailing, but if the weather does not play ball there is plenty that can be covered in our Solent heavy weather sailing training course.
You will have the opportunity to learn the theory behind heavy weather sailing and then apply it to practical techniques when on board.
Some of the heavy weather sailing techniques you will cover include:
· Heaving to
· Lying a Hull
· Motoring and motor sailing
· Running bare poled
· Streaming warps or drogues
· Sea anchors
· Snugging down and pressing on
5.0 based on 496 Happy Customers on Tripadvisor
RYA-certified sailing courses
5.0 based on 220 Happy Customers on Google Reviews
Sailing in Strong Winds
Big smiles as one of our sailing school yachts enters Southampton Water in a Force 7.
This gives a great example of how you safely learn under the guidance of a professional and experienced skipper. When that bad weather comes you'll be ready.
More Info on the Heavy Weather Weekend
Low crew to instructor ratios: Our low crew to instructor ratios mean that each crew member receives ample guidance and support during their sailing experience.
All meals included on-board: Enjoy hassle-free trips with all meals provided on-board. From hearty breakfasts to satisfying dinners. Crew can focus on the experience without worrying about extra expenses.
Wet weather gear included: Be prepared for any conditions with the use of our wet weather gear. Whether it’s rain or wind, stay comfortable and protected during your outdoor activities with quality gear provided at no additional cost.
Friendly experienced instructors: Learn from the best with our team of friendly and experienced instructors. With a wealth of knowledge and a passion for teaching, our instructors are dedicated to creating a supportive and enjoyable learning environment for crew of all skill levels.
Key Course Details
Here’s a breakdown of the most important information about the Heavy Weather Sailing Weekend In The Solent:
Required Experience
- This suits anyone from Day Skippers and above.
Course Duration
- A weekend
Experience Gained
- Foul weather sailing techniques
Building Confidence
- Great for building confidence in heavy weather
- Learn about how a boat and crew handle in heavy weather.
Get Started In 3 Easy Steps
We make going on the Heavy Weather Sailing Weekend easy
Select A Date
Once you’re sure you meet the requirements, look at our upcoming dates and choose the one that best suits you.
Take The Course
Gain confidence in bad weather situations.
Become a First Class Sailor
Sail into the (stormy) sunset (if you have to) with your newfound knowledge and skills.
Heavy Weather Weekend -
Complete Breakdown
The Yacht
Usually, our heavy weather sailing training weekends are conducted on one of our 40+ft yachts. They are thoroughly seaworthy and have some good rough weather sailing kit on board.
Sometimes we use a Challenger 72. She is a very solid boat and great in heavy weather out on the Solent. She was built to sail the wrong way around the world - a feat it has achieved twice in the BT Global Yacht Race.
There will be a professional skipper on board who will ensure your safety in rough and foul weather conditions and will give as much instruction as needed so that you the crew all come together to sail the boat as a team. You will take an active role in helping sail and run the boat.
The accommodation on the 40ft boats is in cabins/saloon. On the Challenger 72 it is arranged towards the stern of the boat.
What Sailors Say About Us
5.0 based on 577 Happy Customers On Tripadvisor 
5.0 based on 337 Happy Customers On Google ReviewsLearnt a huge amount
I am relatively new to sailing but am considering some deep water adventures and hence wanted to practice some of the techniques for sailing in challenging conditions. I spent a weekend in the Solent with First Class Sailing and would thoroughly recommend. Our instructor was excellent, imparting a wide range of knowledge and skills which we had ample opportunity to put into practice. I feel I learned a huge amount and gained a massive amount of confidence. A brilliant and memorable weekend.
Angus M, UK
Verified Customer
Safety and confidence
The Heavy Weather sailing course was a great way to learn how to plan for and manage hard sea conditions more safely and with confidence. Great skippering, leading and teaching from Sue, assisted by Giles and the two wonderful volunteers Sharon and James. The multiple sail changes gave us great experience in applying the theory, albeit in light winds.
Porter C, UK
Verified Customer
Intensive and informative course
On the subject of the Heavy Weather Course with First Class Sailing/Tall Ships, I cannot speak highly enough about this course. It was simply outstanding. Extremely professional skipper who immediately instilled confidence in everyone who was around him. His 1st Mate (Richard) and their watch leaders were equally professional. We started off from Portsmouth in a Force 9 gale and continued working into the late evening. As the days progressed, the theory and practical instruction continued at pace. I was not expecting such an intensive and informative course, but I was thrilled by the outcome. Everyone who is interested in sailing should consider such a course.
Thank you to First Class Sailing for providing another First Class Course of such outstanding quality. Great boat, super professional instruction and First Class meals.
Geoffrey F
Verified Customer
Not Sure Where to Start?
Use our guides to determine your level and find suitable courses.
See how internationally recognised RYA courses progress alongside your sailing skills.
Ready to go on a Heavy Weather Weekend
Get some great experience on this boat handling trip
- Develop heavy weather sailing skills and confidence
- Learn how to handle your boat and keep your crew safe
- Learn theory as well as the practical sailing techniques for heavy weather
Multiple sail changes
The Heavy Weather sailing course was a great way to learn how to plan for and manage hard sea conditions more safely and with confidence. Great skippering, leading and teaching from Sue, assisted by Giles and the two wonderful Tallships volunteers Sharon and James. The multiple sail changes gave us great experience in applying the theory, albeit in light winds. Sleeping aboard Challenger 4 gave us a taste of what life on an ocean going yacht would be like.
Porter C
Verified Customer
Ready to go on a Heavy Weather Weekend
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