On the Water

Sailing

Take a taster session or a longer trip on a sailing boat. A taster session puts you on a small dinghy or a larger boat with an instructor, so you can learn how wind turns into movement.

Longer trips and courses build the skills to sail on your own. For groups, many clubs and schools can run a day where teams take turns at the helm and work together.

Three colourful sailboats racing on the open sea

The quick facts

Who it suits

Anyone from first-timers to people who want to gain a qualification. Group charters suit team days.

Best time of year

April to October. Wind matters more than warmth.

Typical price

£50 to £120 for a taster session

A guide only. Prices change, so check with the provider.

Sailboats racing on the ocean with hills behind
A dynamic shot of a sailboat in action with city skyline in background.
Colourful sailboats racing under a cloudy blue sky
An aerial view of sailboats racing on a clear blue sea
A sailboat on tranquil blue water with a town in the background.

Providers

Sailing providers

South East

AquaSports

A watersports centre on Mercers Lake in Redhill with sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, scuba diving and corporate days.

  • Scuba diving
  • Sailing
  • Kayaking
  • Paddleboarding
  • Activity days
Price
Check with the provider
Suitable for
Individuals, Groups, Corporate
View listing

South East

Buzz Active

A non-profit outdoor adventure provider with sailing, paddle sport, high ropes and woodland sites in East Sussex.

  • Sailing
  • Kayaking
  • Climbing
  • Outdoor team days
  • High ropes
Price
Check with the provider
Suitable for
Individuals, Groups, Corporate
View listing

UK-wide

JCA Adventure

School residentials, activity days and family breaks at two UK centres, with a third in France.

  • Climbing
  • Kayaking
  • Sailing
  • Activity days
Price
Check with the provider
Suitable for
Groups
View listing

UK-wide

Manor Adventure

School residential centres in the UK and France with sailing, archery, rafting and high ropes.

  • Sailing
  • White water rafting
  • Climbing
  • Activity days
  • High ropes
Price
Check with the provider
Suitable for
Groups
View listing

South West

Rockley Adventure

Sailing, windsurfing, paddleboarding and group activity days from centres in Poole and across Dorset.

  • Sailing
  • Paddleboarding
  • Kayaking
  • Outdoor team days
Price
Check with the provider
Suitable for
Individuals, Groups, Corporate
View listing

More in On the Water

White water rafting

Paddle an inflatable raft down fast, rocky rapids with a guide.

£40 to £90 per person

See providers

Kayaking

Paddle a kayak on a river, lake or the sea, alone or on a guided trip.

£25 to £60 per person

See providers

Coasteering

Scramble, swim and jump along a rocky coastline with a guide.

£40 to £75 per person

See providers

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