If you have never sailed but would like to try a short trip to see if you enjoy the experience, an Elite Sailing weekend is the perfect choice and now you will get a qualification too - the new 'RYA Start Yachting' certificate.

When you book, we will send you directions to the yacht and a suggested kit list. We can provide wet weather clothing so the only things you may need to buy are a sleeping bag, and suitable footwear (deck shoes or sea boots although trainers are OK).

You join the yacht at Chatham Marina at 1800 on Friday and meet the skipper/instructor and up to 4 other crew. They may be first timers like yourself, or doing a series of weekends as a competent crew or day skipper course. You will be shown around the boat, allocated a berth and, after a safety briefing by the skipper we will usually sail that evening. You will be involved ‘hands-on’ from the beginning and might even find yourself helming the boat down the river at night. This will be a short trip of about 2 or 3 hours to a mooring or anchorage in the Medway and a well-earned, convivial dinner around the saloon table. Rising for an early breakfast the following day, you will spend a day at sea ‘learning the ropes’, how to steer the yacht, set and trim sails, tack and gybe and lots more. Lunch will be ‘on-the-go’. On Saturday night you will find yourself perhaps at another anchorage, or alongside a landing. In any event we usually aim to be able to get ashore to a pub at some stage. After another memorable meal aboard and a good night’s sleep there is another early start for an exhilarating sail back to Chatham. After lunch and a clean-up of the boat you will be saying goodbye to the others at about 1500 on the Sunday.

Our skippers are chosen for their experience, patience and understanding. Yours will show you how to do everything from the beginning so that you are able to participate right from the start. Although you will be working and exercising as part of a crew you will be given individual guidance and instruction. As each hour and day passes you will acquire new skills and grow in confidence. The atmosphere aboard is relaxed and the emphasis is on having fun – exactly what sailing is supposed to be. At the same time there is lots to learn and some work to put in. At the end of a weekend you will be tired – yes – but also fulfilled and refreshed.

Our stylish, modern, well-equipped yachts offer exciting sailing performance and comfortable, heated accommodation. Meals are all prepared from good quality and mostly fresh ingredients so you will eat really well. If you enjoy wine or beer with an evening meal you can bring your own or contribute to a ‘kitty’ to purchase a bottle or 2 aboard.

We want you to enjoy your experience and of course we hope that you are going to want to continue with your sailing. If you wish you can book 2 further weekends to complete the RYA competent crew course – the first step along a challenging and fascinating path as you learn about this wonderful sport. Alternatively you can switch to a 5 day course or even an adventure sailing holiday. Whatever you decide, we will be there to offer help and advice as you pursue your goals – be they boat ownership, charter, racing or cruising with us to new destinations.

What will it Cost?

One sailing weekends costs £170 in March, April and September to November, and £185 from 1 May until 31 August. This price includes a berth, instruction, all meals aboard from Dinner on the Friday to Lunch on Sunday, beverages and snacks, all yacht operating expenses. The only extra is wet weather gear hire at £10 a session and any personal expenses aboard and ashore. If you book 3 weekends together you can enjoy a 10% discount on all 3.