Holidays & Mile Builders

Holidays & Mile Builders

Whether you are looking for a fun Mile Building weekend, a relaxing 7-day cruise to the stunning Channel Islands or something more adventurous, we’ve got something that will suit all levels of sailor from beginner to expert alike.

As well as our popular Mile Building weekends and Channel Island Holidays for those looking to rack-up some mileage whilst visiting exciting new destinations, we also offer events such as our 50-day grand adventure “Sail around Britain” showing off the beautiful and vibrant British Isles in a way most people never get to see them.

NEW! – You wanted it, you got it! Our “60nm mile builders”, the bigger brother of our popular Mile Building weekends. Held over 3, 5 or 7 days these involve long passages of at least 60nm. You’ll experience channel crossings, see the stunning Channel Islands, France and the west country, they are great for some serious mile building, night sailing and offshore experience!

Why Go Abroad for a Sailing Holiday?

With over 3,000 miles of canals and navigable rivers to explore in Britain alone, there are endless opportunities to stay closer to home and still discover something new every time you set sail. From tranquil inland waterways to exhilarating coastal adventures, our holidays offer the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure, right on your doorstep.

If you’re after a more laid-back pace, cruising the inland waterways is one of the most peaceful ways to holiday on the water. There are plenty of travel companies offering canal or riverboat hire, ideal for families and friends who want to explore hidden corners of the countryside, moor up by a quaint village pub, or simply enjoy the changing scenery.

For those who fancy an action-packed adventure, the sheer variety of UK watersports and sailing options means there’s truly something for everyone—from beginners looking for their first taste of life at sea, to seasoned sailors seeking to add new destinations and experiences to their logbook.

Add in the chance to learn new skills—whether it’s windsurfing as a family (many courses start from age eight), or seeking out a skippered flotilla adventure exploring the Mediterranean islands—your options are as broad as your imagination.

Mile Building Weekend

Our Mile Building Weekends are the perfect way to build-up your sea miles and gain valuable experience and knowledge at the helm as Skipper or as crew under the watchful eye of one of our expert Instructors. With longer, more involved & exciting passages, sometimes including night sailing, it’s an adventure outside the confines of the Solent and a great way to gain confidence in the waters around the South Coast.

Take a look at our live course calendar for dates for the Mile Building Weekend!

60mile Long Passages (3, 5 or 7 days)

The bigger brother of our famous Mile builder weekends. Our 60nm “Long Passages” Mile Builders are the perfect way to build sea miles and gain valuable experience. With longer, more involved passages, you’ll get to see places like Cherbourg and the Channel Islands. Perfect as qualifying passages for you budding Yachtmasters out there. We operate these over 3, 5 & 7 days, so plenty of choice.

Take a look at our live course calendar for dates for the 60nm Long Passage Mile Builders!

Channel Island Cruises

Our exciting and very popular luxury 7-day Channel Island Cruises are aimed at breaking the confines of the Solent for a relaxed and enjoyable Channel Islands adventure. They are a great way to relax, gain sea miles, enhance your sailing skills and knowledge with a Channel Crossing, and see the beautiful Channel Islands along with some incredible sailing. All under the watchful eye of our professional Skipper. REDUCED PRICE FOR 2025!

Take a look at our live course calendar for dates for the Channel Island Cruise!

Sail Around Britain

With so many exciting and stunning locations on the itinerary, such as Brighton, Noss on Dart, Falmouth, Plymouth, the Scilly Isles, the west coast of Wales and the ever-vibrant and stunning Scottish islands, plus so many other incredible locations you’ll see the UK in a new and different way. So why not come and sail around Britain with us!

Take a look at our live course calendar for dates for Sailing around Britain!

Looking Further Afield

If you do have your sights set on sunnier shores, consider a flotilla holiday in the Mediterranean. Picture yourself enjoying morning briefings over coffee in a waterfront taverna, then sailing off in company to discover new harbours and secluded bays. Or indulge in a beach and watersports activity holiday, where boats and windsurfers await you on the sand, and there’s always a spot to relax after an active day on the water.

Whether your heart is set on home waters or more distant horizons, there’s a sailing adventure here with your name on it.

With 30,000+ boats registered and 50 sheltered harbours, the Solent offers more sailing diversity per square mile than the Greek Islands.

How Children Can Learn to Sail on Holiday

Family activity holidays are a fantastic gateway for children to pick up new skills—and sailing is no exception. Many resorts and tour operators offer beginner-friendly sailing courses for kids, often starting from ages as young as eight.

These courses usually take place in sheltered bays, with small groups and certified instructors ensuring a safe, supportive environment. Children can join peers their own age, learn the basics of rigging a sailboat, steering, and reading the wind, all while making new friends.

Best of all, parents can relax on the beach or join in on the fun—catering to everyone, whether you’re a watersports enthusiast or just happy soaking up the sun. It’s a stress-free way for the whole family to discover sailing, build confidence on the water, and create lasting memories together.

What is a Skippered Flotilla Holiday?

If you’re new to sailing, a skippered flotilla holiday is a fantastic introduction to life on the water. Picture this: you join a group of yachts, each led by a professional skipper, and cruise together from picturesque bay to sun-drenched marina—most often somewhere beautiful like the Greek Islands or Croatia’s Dalmatian coast.

Each morning typically starts with a relaxed briefing, perhaps over a cappuccino at a waterside café, where the day’s route and tips for safe sailing are shared. Then, with expert guidance, you’ll set off—no prior experience required—safe in the knowledge there’s support nearby whenever you need it. Skippers handle the trickier bits, but you’re welcome to get hands-on and build your confidence at your own pace. Flotilla holidays combine camaraderie, learning, and exploration—perfect for beginners looking for a friendly, supportive way to experience sailing.

Completed the RYA Day Skipper Practical course? The RYA Coastal Skipper Practical builds on those skills.