Portsmouth, UK

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.

Fleet in Portsmouth

We offer two yachts from our Portsmouth sailing school – the Sunsail First 40 and the Sunsail 41.0. Both monohulls are exclusive to the school and are designed to give those wanting to learn how to sail, or seasoned sailors looking to test their ability, the perfect platforms 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

Sunsail First 40 

A true sailor's yacht, the Sunsail First 40 is a thoroughbred racer/cruiser, adaptable for both. Drawn by Farr Yacht Design and built by Beneteau, the First 40 has a modern, spacious and comfortable interior. Indentically matched and exclusive to our Port Solent base, the Sunsail Match First 40 fleet is purpose-built for the cut-and-thrust of one-design racing on the Solent.

Sunsail First 40

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 on our Sunsail Match First 40 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 – New for 2020

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.

Learn more

2020 flotillas 

Summer Bank Holiday Flotilla