BIG BOAT SAILING Experiences
Ondeck offer a number of Big Boat sailing experiences ranging from 3 and 4-day weekends to 7-day mile builders. We are also running the Christopher's Smile Cross Channel Challenge.
These events are designed to give everyone a chance to have a go at sailing a Farr 65ft racing yacht whilst getting out of the Solent and experiencing some of the ports you would not get the chance to visit in the same time frame on a smaller yacht. The Farr 65s average 180nm in a 24 hr period so getting across to the Channel Islands or France is easily achievable in a weekend or you can sail as far afield as Ireland, Scotland, Amsterdam etc. in a week.
Big Boat 3-Day Weekends - £390
These 3 day weekends are perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy a leisurely sail across the Channel, build up their sailing miles or to just experience the thrill of sailing a Farr 65 racing yacht.
Dates:
| Venue | Date | Start Time | Spaces | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gunwharf Quays, UK | 2012-08-24 | 19:00:00 | Yes | £390 | Click Here to Book Online |
| Gunwharf Quays, UK | 2012-09-14 | 19:00:00 | Yes | £390 | Click Here to Book Online |
7-Day Mile Breaker Challenge - £999
As an extension to our Instructional Cruise, Ondeck can offer an unique sailing experience to gain some serious miles by setting a challenge of 1000 miles in a week.
Our ocean racing Farr 65s can cover the ground comfortably at 8-10 knots giving us a sailing range as far afield as Scotland, Ireland, Scillies, Cross Channel and Belgium from our base in Gosport.
You will need to have attained RYA Competent Crew to participate in these events.
This 7-day is a serious contender and can help you achieve valued miles and offshore big boat sailing experience. It's ideal for anyone contemplating long distance sailing, getting involved in the industry, requiring mileage for qualifications or just up for a challenge.
Dates:
| Venue | Date | Start Time | Spaces | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gunwharf Quays, UK | 2012-09-16 | 19:00:00 | Yes | £999 | Click Here to Book Online |
All of Ondeck's Big Boat Sailing experiences start and finish in Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth and each yacht will have a maximum of 12 crew plus a skipper and 2 mates onboard.
No experience is necessary for the 3 and 4-day weekend packages but you do need to hold a Competent Crew certificate or have equivalent experience to take part in the 7-Day Mile Breaker Challenge.
Christopher's Smile Cross Channel Challenge
7-9 September 2012
Christopher's Smile is a charity set up in 2008 by Kevin and Karen Capel after they lost their son Christopher to an aggressive medulloblastoma brain tumour. Following a 21 month battle with the disease he passed away 9 days before his 6th birthday.
The aim of the charity is to raise money to fund development of new biological drugs to treat medulloblastoma and other childhood cancers without devastating side effects. These drugs will provide an effective cure for all and save the lives of the children who currently do not survive this awful disease. Paediatric brain tumour research is currently low on funding priority lists despite survival success rates being unimproved for many years.
To find out more visit www.christopherssmile.org.uk
Christopher's Smile have now teamed up with the Ondeck to offer a 2-day cross channel* sailing challenge for those who want to experience the thrill of a 65 ft powerful ocean racing yacht. The event is open to virtually anyone regardless of their sailing experience (a basic level of physical fitness required). The only condition is that you pledge to raise at least £500 in sponsorship.
The challenge is to sail from Portsmouth to Cherbourg (weather permitting) and back in a weekend. Ondeck provide experienced crew, wet weather gear and all safety equipment so don't worry if you've never sailed before.
*cross channel itinerary subject to weather conditions and other factors. Ondeck reserve the right to change the port destination without notice.
The cost of the event is £200 per person and we would like each participant to raise in excess of £500 in sponsorship for Christopher's Smile.
Itinerary:
7th Sep
19:00 – Join the boat at Gunwharf Quay and get settled
8th Sep
06:00 – Cast off lines for a full days sailing
Late Pm/Early Evening – Arrive in Cherbourg
Evening – Dinner at pre-booked restaurant (all guests to settle your own bill)
9th Sep
10:00 – Leave and set sail for a full day's sailing home.
Early evening – arrive at Gunwharf Quays, once boat is ship-shape guests can leave at their leisure (no accommodation aboard)
If you are interested in taking part in this event please Click Here to download a Booking Form
For more information about raising sponsorship email kevin@christopherssmile.org.uk
To set up a Virgin Money giving on-line fundraising page Click Here