Top things to do when chartering a boat in Portsmouth
Portsmouth is a fantastic waterfront city in the heart of England's south coast, which offers access to one of the UK's best sailing areas - the Solent. There is plenty to explore here, both on the water and dry land as part of a yacht charter break.
Here are just a few ideas of places to visit and things to do if you book a sailing holiday in the area.
Discover Portsmouth
Portsmouth boasts a wealth of attractions, so it is worthwhile making time either at the beginning or end of your trip to fully explore this vibrant city.
One of its most visible landmarks is the Spinnaker Tower, which stands right on the edge of the harbour. Its distinctive shape makes it really stand out and if you head up to one of its three viewing platforms, you will be afforded wonderful views across the city and the Solent.
There are also sections of glass floor on its upper levels, allowing you to look straight down from the top of this impressive structure.
For a trip into the maritime heritage of Portsmouth, head to the Historic Dockyard next, where you can view a host of fascinating artefacts at the National Museum of the Royal Navy, walk around famous warships like the HMS Victory and HMS Warrior 1860 and learn more about the Mary Rose in the museum dedicated to the ship.
Finally, if you're after a bit of rest and relaxation following your yacht charter in the Solent, head to Gunwharf Quays, where you'll discover a selection of bars and restaurants, a cinema, a bowling alley, a contemporary art gallery and a vast array of shops.
Visit the Isle of Wight
Just a short distance away from Portsmouth in the English Channel is the Isle of Wight - a fantastic choice if you are looking for a daytrip during your sailing holiday.
You may be especially keen to visit Cowes, often called the home of English sailing and host of the famous Cowes Week Regatta, where you are likely to meet numerous likeminded sailors who enjoy nothing more than casting off and moving from destination to destination along the coast.
The town's streets are lined with quaint shops, friendly pubs and relaxed cafes, perfect if you are looking for somewhere to enjoy a bit of refreshment before setting sail again.
Another reason to step ashore when you reach the Isle of Wight is to go walking. The island boasts more than 500 miles of footpaths, ideal if you're keen to stretch your legs after spending time at sea.
Cycling is an alternative way to get around the isle, with 62 miles of dedicated cycle trails for you to explore should you decide to hire a bike and take to two wheels.
There are plenty of other exhilarating activities on offer here too, should you wish to indulge in something a little more unusual. You can get a bird's eye view of the area while paragliding, or go scuba diving to explore beneath the waves.
Learn to sail
Portsmouth is not only a great place to visit if you are already competent at handling a vessel, but is also a fantastic destination for learn to sail holidays in the UK.
The waters of the Solent are just as good for beginners as they are for experienced sailors and, with a host of courses on offer in the area, there is no better place to learn.
Book a Royal Yachting Association (RYA) approved course with a sailing school in the UK and you will come away with a qualification that you can use all over the world.
There is a variety of different options for you to choose from, with everything from basic tuition in handling a vessel and being at sea to more advanced courses to develop skills such as navigation and night sailing on offer.
One of the best things about booking courses based in Portsmouth is that you will not need to leave the country in order to go sailing, while courses that last longer than two days can often be spread across two or three weekends to make it easier for you to get your qualification without having to take time off work.
So, then you can use your holidays to put your newfound sailing skills to the test, either around Portsmouth or somewhere a little more exotic!
