IMOCA 60 – Toe in the Water (Gartmore)

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Sailing on a boat such as our IMOCA 60 ” Toe in the Water “, is an experience normally reserved for people who are either guests of the big campaigns, or world class sailors. We aim to bring the incredible buzz of sailing a real ocean going thoroughbred to anyone who wants to come along. We invite you to be crew for the day – do as much or as little as you want, from hoisting sails and winding winches via the “ coffee grinder”, steering or learning about sail trim on a boat that sails faster than the wind, to just sitting back and enjoying the ride, it is entirely up to you.

Steve White is one of only twelve British solo non-stop circumnavigators, and his story of how he completed the 2008 Vendee Globe is one that captured the imagination of people around the world. Steve will happily share his adventures with you, and tell you of his plan for the future.

Throughout the day we try to get people involved, de-mystify sailing, and have a fun, safe day. We can usually get the most timid of people to have a go at driving – I have sailed probably 100,000 miles with amateurs, so we know how to make it work – but wind permitting, we also sometimes hit speeds in of 20 knots plus, which is quite something for a boat! We make sure everyone has a great day, which may change your life!

TYPICAL ITINERARY

You and your guests usually join the boat between 0930 and 1000. (You may want to give them breakfast first!). You come down to the boat, get a safety briefing and an outline of what will happen during the day. I tell the guests that they are to treat the boat as their own for the day, ask questions, have a go at driving, grinding, hoisting sails and so on, and I tell them that I will treat them as crew, assuming they want to join in unless they tell me otherwise, which is fine! Everyone gets oilskins and lifejackets, and we leave the dock.

Out of Weymouth, we can easily cover 60 to 80 miles in a day. We usually get half way to France before turning back towards St Alban’s head, and coming back along the beautiful Jurassic Coast. At some point we will have a high quality packed lunch. We can run days out of Gosport by arrangement.

Throughout the day we try to get people involved, de-mystify sailing, and have a fun, safe day. We can usually get the most timid of people to have a go at driving – I have sailed probably 100,000 miles with amateurs, so we know how to make it work – but wind permitting, we also sometimes hit speeds in of 20 knots plus, which is quite something for a boat! We tie up at around 1630 / 1700, and adjourn to the bar to finish the day properly!

Everything happens right next to the 2012 Olympic Sailing Venue, which is relevant. The Marina has a restaurant / bar, all bathroom facilities and showers, ample parking etc. There is a very down to earth local Pub right on the beach looking across Lyme Bay, which after a day on the water is a perfect place to close the day and watch the sunset. A maximum of ten guests is the best number, so everyone gets a go at everything.