Royal Southampton Yacht Club

Looking to put adventure into your sailing this summer? You don’t need a boat, you don’t need specific seagoing qualifications, nor do you need to plan to be away for weeks at a time.

Simply join fellow Royal Southampton members on a five day adventure cruise in September on board the tall ship Stavros S Niarchos, a magnificent square rigged Brig owned by the Tall Ships Sailing Trust, and which will allow you to capture the memorable experience of a sailing lifetime.

This is one of the most awesome, yet beautiful tall ships in the world and is owned by the Portsmouth based Trust which is the world’s oldest and largest sail training organizations and was formerly known as the Sail Training Association.

The Royal Southampton Yacht Club has arranged a dedicated five day trip in traditional 18th century style on the 200ft Brig, taking us from Weymouth, across the Channel and then on to Southampton.

While recapturing a majestic era of sailing, the Stavros S Niarchos has a modern feel and built on a modern hull is very comfortable below decks. But because she is primarily designed to provide young people with the opportunity to undertake voyages as character-building exercises, there will be opportunity for Royal Southampton members and those joining from other yacht and sailing clubs to experience the full leadership and training programmes enjoyed by young men and women who customarily join the training cruises. But don’t worry you won’t be expected to anything you’d rather not and if the thought of climbing the rig worries you, have no fears – you won’t be expected to.

The five day adventure cruise for Royal Southampton members and anyone joining us from adjoining Clubs is from Wednesday, September 15 to around noon on Sunday, September 19. The boat will be sailing from Weymouth, and weather permitting, present plans are to cross the Channel to France and / or the Channel Islands, although the final decision on the voyage will be made by the captain at the time.

While maintaining all the traditions of a square rigged ship of an era long past, the Stavros was commissioned only ten years ago and benefits from all the facilities of modern design and navigation equipment, plus the passenger luxury of plenty of showers, air conditioning and heating and a modern fitted galley. There is a large mess area for eating and socialising and plenty of space on deck. For sleeping there are six substantial cabins with eight bunks in each. Each crew member is allocated their own bank and storage area. There is a salaried crew of six for the main running of the ship and a volunteer crew of 12 to 14 to assist the voyage crew – that’s the RSYC members and guests participating.

The cruise is open to members and friends, but only 48 berths are available. The cost for members is discounted to £425. Costs are all inclusive on board. Also included is the cost of coach transport from Ocean Village to Weymouth, ready for embarkation on the morning of September 15.

With a total of 18 sails, she makes one of the most graceful and awesome sights on the sea. Those that have sailed on her say it is an unrivalled experience. No matter whether you are 18, or 70 or more, it is rated as one of the keenest experiences in sailing.