Our Cruising Areas
UK Cruising Area
The Solent is one of the most interesting sailing areas in the world, famous for its prestigious events such as Cowes Week, Round the Island Race, and of course the start of the Fastnet Race.
The Solent is also famous for its many sheltered harbours, and challenging tides, which makes it an excellent training venue and we often have people join us from all over the world to experience it.
During your time with us, you will get to visit many of the beautiful harbours of the Solent and surrounding area.
On the Isle of Wight
Bembridge › This little haven is attempted by few due to the complicated shallow entrance channel. Once achieved you will discover a beautiful little community.
Cowes › Quite simply put, it is the home of Sailing. Cowes Week is the biggest week of the year on every sailors calendar, where novices and Olympic sailors on crafts of all sizes can race against each other. It is also the start for the world famous Fastnet Race.
The Folly Inn › Further up the river Medina from Cowes, you will find the lively Folly Inn. Turn up here on a weekend and it is crammed full of sailors for the fantastic food, good drinks and the dancing on the tables in your sailing gear to the disco!
Newtown Creek › This little gem is owned by the National Trust. You can spend a very peaceful night at anchor here surrounded by nature!
Yarmouth › A busy little fishing port situated close to the Needles Channel.
On the main land
Poole › This beautiful sheltered harbour is one of the largest natural harbours in the world containing Brownsea Island the home of the first Boy Scout camp.
Lymington Harbour › Just on the outskirts of the New Forest this picturesque seaside village will give you a sheltered berth alongside the Town Quay right in the middle of it all.
Beaulieu River › This winding river takes you deep into the New Forest up to Bucklers Hard, the old ship building village that is now a museum. This really is getting away from it all!
Southampton › This major shipping port offers small creeks and container ship docks all rolled into one. There are many state of the art marinas offering all the facilities to choose from.
Hamble River › Made famous from its appearance in the TV series “Howards Way”, this river now has over 5,000 yachts berthed there.
Portsmouth Harbour › This thriving Naval Port has a constant buzz about it. It is home to Nelson’s last command HMS Victory, along with HMS Warrior and the rescued remains of the Mary Rose. Gunwharf Quays marina, on the Portsmouth side of the harbour is home to Ondeck’s Farr 65 fleet.
This marina includes outlet shopping, cinemas, bowling, restaurants and bars, the main attraction being the 170 meter tall Spinnaker Tower, definitely worth a visit for the breathtaking view.
On the other side of Portsmouth Harbour is our School base in Gosport Marina.
Langstone Harbour › Offers a large expanse of sheltered water and protected marshes for thousands of birds
Chichester Harbour › An interesting harbour with many creeks and inlets. A lovely place to anchor, or perhaps pick up a mooring buoy for an overnight stop.
Portugal Cruising Area
Portugal's southern coastlines of the Algarve has for centuries been a focal part of trade routes. Today the year round climate and picturesque harbours and anchorages continue to entice mariners to this region of striking contrasts.
With a seemingly never ending coastline, interwoven with golden sandy beaches, to a backdrop of dunes and towering green cliffs, prevailing light northerly winds and enticingly warm crystal clear waters of the Atlantic combines to produce a breathtaking sailing environment. The Algarve is in touching distance of North Africa and is a fusion of white washed houses and moorish-influences architecture, ancient churches, wineries and old forts. All our boats on the Algarve are easily serviced by Faro airport which has scheduled, budget and charter flights from the, UK Europe and Americas.
Our cruise are includes:
Lagos › A charming traditional trading town with a vibrant fishing market has become a popular tourist destination. Traditional buildings cobbled streets mixed with cafes and restaurants surrounded by an ancient wall. Lagos marina boasts the only Portuguese marina with the “European Anchor award”.Largos is located in a beautiful bay and 6 kms of Algarves finest sandy beaches extends beyond.
Alvor › A challenging pilotage into a moving sandbank lagoon. To be attempted in settled conditions rewards the more adventurous sailor. At the back of the lagoon lies an enchanting anchorage which overlooks Alvor Town.
Portimao › Located on the Rio Arade, a traditional fishing harbour is now home to one of the regions finest modern marina’s opened in 2000. The regions undoubted gem can be found on the east side of the harbour, the waterside village of Ferragudo famous for its charcoal brazier on the tiny quay cooking fresh sardines to order.
Albufeira › Well known for its string of stunning beaches. If you are also looking for exciting nightlife the tourist area of Albufeira will not disappoint. Marina de Albufeira is conveniently located away from the bright lights however if you want a lively evening it is easily accessible.
Vilamoura › Without doubt a world class holiday destination. The harbourside is the place for the yachting set. Chic shops, bars and restaurants surround the 1,200 berth marina.
Faro and Olhao › A tidal lagoon covering 30 miles between the mainland and the sea is also a natural park and a haven for birdlife. Olhao on the east side of the lagoon was the scene of a historic uprising against the french garrison 1908. Today the town is a pretty fishing port reminiscent of the typical north african villages across the sea in Morocco, accessible by a buoyed channel. Faro’s walled old town should not be missed and the approach is well buoyed leading towards an anchorage.
Tavira › An attractive and unspoilt river anchorage with limited facilities with origins dating back to the Romans. The Rio Guadiana, Vila Real de Santo Antonio (Portugal) and Ayamonte (Spain). The border between Portugal and Spain is part of the Rio Guadiana river and is navigable 25 miles upstream. 2 marinas can be found along the banks at Real de Santo and Ayamonte. The upper reaches of the Rio Guadiana are not to be missed as a naturalist’s haven.
El Rompido › One of the picturesque areas along the coastline lies El Rompido. Pilotage around a twisting bar provides a protected water for the pre Roman riverside village. A 350 berth marina can now be found 5 miles inside the river entrance.
Antigua Cruising Area
Antigua is the mecca of the Caribbean sailing world. Renowned for its 365 beaches, scenic coastline, historical sites and prestigious events such as Antigua Sailing week, this sailing region will provide you with the excitement of sailing in the swell of the Atlantic to the picture postcard calmness of the Caribbean Sea. There is no better region to take part in your instructional course whilst enjoying the white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and stunning sunshine. Below are an example of the fabulous harbours and beaches you can expect to visit during your warm weather course with Ondeck.
Our Cruise area includes:
Falmouth Harbour › Entrance is good in all conditions and Falmouth is really the undisputed home of yachting in Antigua, you will find a bustling community here with plenty of bars and restaurants.
Carlisle Bay › Stunning clear water, great snorkelling and turtles.
Jolly Harbour › A modern gated community with a fantastic supermarket and plenty o f bars and restaurants, all with a slightly American feel
5 Islands Bay › A flat calm natural harbour, perfect for practising your skills and drills
St Johns › The capital of Antigua is memorable by its bustling streets and chaotic Saturday Morning markets
Dickenson Bay › Stunning long white beach populated with fresh bars and resorts
Barbuda › A must see strip of 17miles of white sand, with only 1,500 inhabitants, this coral island is the quintessential Caribbean retreat
North Antigua › With its maze of coral reefs and unsheltered territory, the North side of Antigua makes for a sea passage which demands precision navigation and seamanship.
Green Island › The perfect spot to practise anchoring, this anchorage is protected only by a reef so will give you uninterrupted views of the ocean, not to mention the sandy beach spit with unparalleled snorkelling.
Guadeloupe › A large part of France inhabits this small island, reach across the 40mile passage from Antigua to arrive at a sleepy French fishing village for du pains, du vin et du fromage!!
English Harbour › The famous historical dockyard of Nelson. You cannot fail to envisage the old boy reigning over his ships here, and as a working dockyard, the feel of hard graft and tots of rum is tangible.
