South Coast Exploration from Gosport to Portsmouth
Five days, one crew and a whole coastline to explore. This group of 12–15-year-olds set off from Gosport ready to take on new challenges, learn the ropes and discover life at sea. Over five days, they built confidence, worked together as a team and explored the South Coast, creating memories that will stay with them long after returning to Portsmouth.
Day 1
Today we set off from Portsmouth Harbour at about 1 pm on Saturday. We cruised out into the Solent, where we were greeted by the SailGP boats zooming past incredibly close. We raised the Yankee 2 and staysail before heading out to anchor in Osborne Bay. We enjoyed a delicious dinner of chicken curry, then played board games or chilled in our bunks.
By Lucas
Day 2
We started in Osborne Bay. We circled around the bank in the middle of the water. We put all the sails up and then went straight downwind. For lunch, we had cheese and ham toasties.
We sailed on a fast beam reach for a while before heading into a bay where we stayed for the night. We also packed the sails away. For dinner, we had sausage and mash.
After that, they let us have shore time. Some of us went to the Co-op and some went to a kebab place. Some people got stuck in the mud trying to get a fishing rod! We had to be back by 4:45, and then we went to bed.
Day 3
We started in Warsash. We tacked up and down for a bit, then turned around and headed downwind towards Portsmouth with our big sails up. We also used the spinnaker pole.
Meanwhile, we ate pasta with tomato sauce and cheese. We then moored at Gunwharf Quays and enjoyed a well-deserved shower. Afterwards, we had fajitas for dinner before playing card games and heading to bed.
