Y

ou don’t have to be cruising around the Caribbean islands to enjoy the challenge and thrill of sailing. In fact, the Solent offers some of the best sailing in the world, so why not get a piece of the action with a weekend taster course?

The friendly folk at Portsmouth Watersports Centre offer sailing courses ideally suited to beginners. Their Introduction to Dinghy Sailing is the perfect way to spend a weekend as you receive a basic introduction to sailing and get a real feel for the sport. In the safe and sheltered waters of Langstone Harbour, you’ll develop a sound understanding of boat-handling techniques and learn how to handle a dinghy safely in light winds under the watchful eye of professional staff.

If you get a spare second from tacking, jibbing and watching out for the swinging boom, you might spot a harbour seal lounging on the mud banks or a wader bird hanging out in the harbour.

As you head out on the water and focus on harnessing nature’s power, you’ll feel the stresses of life on land dissipate. As the wind fills your sails, both metaphorically and literally, there’s every chance you will be hooked.