This will be a cruise aiming to get further afield outside the Solent area. The Skipper hopes to do at least two passages of more than 60NM as pre-qualification for RYA Yachtmaster Offshore. It would be suitable for fit and able sailors looking to make some longer passages. A competent two crew watch will be required at all times of the day and night.
We will make the best use of available wind and tides sailing as far afield as the Channel Islands or France if possible. To complete immigration and customs formalities in France it is essential that you have a passport that will be valid for at least three months after our planned return to the UK. If the weather window is not favourable for a cruise Southward, we will sail East as far as Ramsgate or West as far as Salcombe.
The Yacht chartered is Mon Ami, a 2009 Beneteau Oceanis 37 from Fairview Sailing, Port Hamble Marina. Elegant and well planned, the yacht delivers a rewarding and comfortable sailing experience. The yacht has two double berth cabins to the stern, a double berth in the forepeak cabin and two berths in the saloon to port and starboard. There is a single head, a pumped hot and cold freshwater system and diesel blown air heating. Though 8 berths are available we will be limiting crew to 5 on board to give good privacy, living and stowage space. Usually just the two single saloon berths are used as a shared sleeping area.
Navigation equipment includes a C80 or C90W Chart plotter at the single wheel helm position and ST60 Wind, Log & Depth sounder. Marine VHF with AIS and all necessary safety equipment is provided as stipulated for an MCA registered charter yacht. Waterproof clothing is available to hire direct from Fairview if required.
The most ambitious itinerary, weather and crew capabilities permitting, is as follows. Depart Hamble on the Wednesday night for a 130nM, 30-40 Hour passage to Saint-Cast-le-Guildo, Brittany. After arriving in France on Friday morning, we will spend the rest of the day and night resting and at leisure, perhaps strolling on one of the seven beaches in the area and going out for dinner.
The next day we may go for a day sail out of St Cast or decide to move on and cruise to St-Quay Portrieux (30NM)
Then we will move on to the Trieux River/Lezardrieux (20NM) the next day or day after.
Thereafter, the passage back may be via St Helier (Jersey), St Peter Port or Beaucette (Guernsey), Braye (Alderney), Portland, Lymington and Southampton.
The crew will be organized and led by an experienced Trent Offshore Group skipper with a designated first mate who will be capable of taking full command of the yacht in case of an emergency. We will hold a pre-Sailex briefing meeting in Late March, to discuss and plan the cruise, travel logistics and victualling in more detail. The Skipper will make contact with any crew unable to attend individually.
With regard to additional expenditure to budget for the following should be considered; Travel to Hamble. Individual travel and medical insurance. Up to 5 meals ashore. On board Food, Berthing, fuel and potential security deposit costs are extras to be shared as detailed in the T.O.G. terms and conditions of booking. We have five berths available on this yacht and the berth fee is £770 pp As of January 2026 we are now FULLY BOOKED.
