England's naval heartland
Located in the naval heartland of England’s south coast, Portsmouth offers exciting, invigorating sailing conditions perfect for experienced sailors. Steady winds create the opportunity for thrilling tacks and gybes, with many famous races and regatta taking place in the waters of the Solent and the Isle of Wight.
Walk the impeccably restored decks of Lord Nelson’s historic HMS Victory, which led the Royal Navy fleet in the Battle of Trafalgar and was to be the site of Nelson’s tragic death. Cross the Solent to the Isle of Wight, home to the celebrated Cowes Week regatta and a popular, picturesque island resort. Further still, the English Channel gives way to France, where you can indulge in the culture and cuisine of the continent.
Closer to home you'll find the ancient woodland of the New Forest, where royals have hunted game and passed their leisure time for centuries. As well as excellent, easy hiking, the New Forest is home to a number of traditional, affluent towns and villages left largely unchanged for hundreds of years. As a sailing ground and a holiday destination, the Solent has few rivals.
Safe at Sea
Our Sunsail Port Solent base is 'Good To Go!' The “We’re Good To Go” industry standard mark is a self-assessment scheme that has been designed by VisitEngland in partnership with the national tourist organisations Tourism Northern Ireland, VisitScotland and Visit Wales to provide a ‘ring of confidence’ for all sectors of the tourism industry, as well as reassurance to visitors that businesses have clear processes in place and are following industry and Government COVID-19 guidance on cleanliness and social distancing.
We look forward to welcoming you back onboard to our new safe environment.
Fleet in Portsmouth
We offer our fantastic Sunsail 41.0 yacht from our Portsmouth sailing school. This monohull is exclusive to the school and is designed to give those wanting to learn how to sail, or seasoned sailors looking to test their ability, the perfect platform to do so.
Sunsail 41.0 - New for 2020!
New to our UK fleet, the Sunsail 41.0, by Jeanneau, has several features that make it the ideal vessel for any sailor. The UK version has been specially modified to offer exceptional control, racing and cruising. It is balanced, responsive, spacious and rewarding to helm.
Sunsail 41.0
Portsmouth sailing school
Visit our Portsmouth sailing school and learn to sail in the company of expert, Royal Yachting Association (RYA) accredited instructors, earning the qualifications you need to sail on your own along the way. From complete beginners to more advanced sailors, we offer a range of courses out on the Solent to suit all experience levels and abilities.
Portsmouth bareboat charter
Arrange a bareboat charter holiday with us on our new Sunsail 41.0s and enjoy the fine sailing conditions of the Solent. Stay close to shore and let the region’s strong winds put your yacht through its paces or sail out on your own agenda, calling at the picturesque towns and villages of England’s south coast or heading further afield to the Isle of Wight and even France. On a bareboat charter holiday, you’re in charge.
Portsmouth skippered charter holidays
With excellent sailing conditions, traditional port towns and picturesque rural villages to explore, a skippered charter holiday from our base in Port Solent lets you experience everything England’s south coast has to offer. Your expert skipper will help you improve your sailing skills and give you tips and insights you won’t find in any guidebook.
Mini flotilla breaks – 2021
Explore the beautiful cruising grounds of the Solent and the Isle of Wight with the support and reassurance of a Sunsail lead crew on a flotilla break. Our flotillas offer an informal, relaxed and unique experience for families, couples and groups and are a perfect and unique way to get together and experience the brilliance of sailing to beautiful places in company.
Easter Flotilla – 2nd – 5th April, 2021
May Bank Holiday Flotilla – 29th – 31st May, 2021
NEW 5 Day August Flotilla – 9th - 13th August, 2021
Sailing schools
From the Mediterranean to Australia, or even a bit closer to home at our Port Solent UK base, our RYA qualified instructors teach you all the skills you’ll need on your sailing holiday.
View CoursesExperience required
Level 3 destinations are our most challenging. Suitable only for confident, experienced sailors, Level 3 destinations offer long spells of open water sailing, broad tidal ranges, strong winds and remote anchorages.
Try a skippered holiday
- Relax and let your skipper take charge
- Be as hands on or laid back as you like
- Learn from an expert skipper
- Gain local knowledge and recommendations
- Peace of mind and safety on the water
- Discretion and privacy when you need it
Sailing conditions
| Max temp (°C) | Min temp (°C) | Avg precipitation (mm) | Avg wind speed (knots) | Dominant wind direction Portsmouth (UK) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8 | 4 | 60 | 11 | S |
| February | 9 | 4 | 39 | 10 | SW |
| March | 11 | 5 | 37 | 9 | SW |
| April | 13 | 6 | 40 | 10 | SW |
| May | 17 | 9 | 33 | 11 | SW |
| June | 19 | 12 | 34 | 11 | SW |
| July | 21 | 14 | 37 | 8 | NW |
| August | 21 | 14 | 39 | 6 | NW |
| September | 19 | 12 | 37 | 10 | SE |
| October | 16 | 10 | 64 | 10 | NW |
| November | 12 | 6 | 59 | 8 | E |
| December | 9 | 4 | 70 | 13 | SW |
Address
Lock Approach
Port Solent Marina
Portsmouth, Hants
PO6 4TJ England
Base opening hours
The Sunsail base is open Mon-Thursdays from 9am-5pm (or 8pm when we have yacht departures), Fridays from 9am-8pm, Saturdays from 8am-10am and Sundays from 3pm-8pm Sundays when we have yacht departures.
From November to February Sunsail Portsmouth operate winter opening hours.
Mon-Fri: 8am-4pm
Weekends dependent on charter arrivals/departures
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