South Coast Flotilla 2026

TSC South Coast Flotilla 2026

Back by popular demand the TSC Mini weekend flotilla on the south coast has been planned for 8th to 10th May 2026. As a club, we have run this trip twice previously with a mixture of weather and conditions but whether you’re a seasoned sailor or still building confidence, this relaxed and sociable weekend promises great sailing, iconic destinations, and excellent company.

The Plan
Following a similar pattern to previous trips, we will charter 3 or 4 yachts (depending on numbers and available skippers) from Fairview Sailing on the River Hamble, Hampshire. Departing from Hamble, our fleet will head out into the heart of the Solent, one of the most varied and rewarding sailing areas in the UK. With strong tidal flows, sheltered waters, and ever-changing conditions, the Solent offers something for everyone—excellent seamanship practice for newer sailors and engaging passage planning for the more experienced.
Our destination is the ever-popular Isle of Wight, a cruising favourite renowned for its natural beauty, welcoming harbours, and sailing heritage. Depending on weather and group preference, we’ll aim to visit one or more of its classic ports—such as Cowes or Yarmouth - each offering its own charm, great food, and plenty of shoreside interest.

Sailing, Socialising, and Learning

This flotilla is about more than just getting from A to B. Along the way, there will be opportunities to:

• Practice tidal planning and pilotage in real Solent conditions
• Refine boat handling and sail trim
• Transfer your dinghy sailing skills to larger yachts with maybe a sociable race or two, after all it must be a race if there is more than one boat!
• Learn from fellow members and share experiences

Evenings are a key part of the weekend, with crews coming together for relaxed meals, drinks, and plenty of sailing stories. It’s a fantastic way to socialise with other club members, especially if you’re new to the club or looking to expand your sailing circle.

Who Is It For?
This trip is open to all club members regardless of experience. Each yacht will have an experienced skipper and first mate and other crew members will be split equally amongst the yachts to balance experience and sleeping arrangements.

The Yachts
Fairview are able to provide us with a matched fleet of identical Beneteau Oceanis 37s which are maintained to a high standard. All are provided with slab-reefed mainsail and furling genoa, diesel engine and relevant safety equipment. Each yacht has three twin berths with space for an additional two people in the saloon. With this in mind, we have based accommodation on each yacht at 6 (including skipper and mate) with an option to stretch to 7 maximum. For those not familiar with yacht accommodation, you may be required to share the twin berth with another club member of the same sex (unless its your partner) and the rear berths are usually pretty cosy!

Costs
The basic cost for the weekend has been set at £300 per person. This will cover the cost of the yacht charter and skippers insurance with a small kitty to cover fuel and berthing costs (which are a variable depending on location and wind). This activity is not covered by Tamworth SC Insurance and hence additional skippers insurance is required.
Once crews are allocated, each yacht will decide on a victualling (food) plan including options to eat onboard or ashore and these costs will be additional to the above basic cost.
Damage Deposit – It is important also to clarify that each skipper is required to pay a damage deposit of £3000 which is the insurance excess should damage to the yacht occur. By signing up to this trip you will be required to agree to pay a share in any damage fees to the yacht (this is normal yacht charter practice and is an unlikely scenario).

A Perfect Start to the Season
Early May often delivers some of the Solent’s finest sailing: longer daylight hours, fresh breezes, and less congestion than the peak summer months. Add the stunning backdrop of the Isle of Wight and the shared spirit of a flotilla, and you have the ingredients for a memorable weekend afloat.
Mark the dates now: 8–10 May 2026.
We will aim to take the handover of our yachts in the afternoon of the 8th May and return by 1700hrs on 10th May.

Spaces are limited and bookings will be made on a first come, first served basis. If
demand is greater than expected, we will try and source a fourth yacht and skipper.
A deposit of £100 per person, payable to the club via bank transfer is required to secure your booking.