Conquer the Island 2026

Students from the Little Ship Club's Day Skipper and Yachtmaster shore-based courses can practice their skills on a sailing passage, tracing the route of the famous Round the Island Race.

This is a special opportunity for club members studying Shore-based Day Skipper or Yachtmaster courses to apply their knowledge in an exciting 8 to 9-hour offshore sail, following in the foot-steps of the famous Round the Island Race. Crews will be motivated to assist in planning the passage, reviewing tides and weather, and trying to chart the most efficient route around the Isle of Wight. Breaking from tradition, the crew will sail clockwise around the island. Begin your journey at Prince Consort by Cowes, heading eastward past Gilkicker, then continue through Bembridge Ledge. Proceed past Sandown towards Saint Catherine’s Point, where the iconic lighthouse has been a beacon for sailors returning home for generations. Finally, sail through the notorious Needles Channel to return to the protected waters of the Western Solent. Make no mistake, this is just as demanding as the actual race. We will face obstacles such as commercial traffic, tidal gates, and changing sea conditions.

The Draft Plan:

Week of April 15th, 2026 - April 19th, 2026

April 15th:

An evening safety briefing, team updates, and an introduction to the Skippers and First Mates.

April 17th:

In the afternoon, Skippers and First Mates will move the boats from their base at Port Solent to Gosport, a more convenient location for collecting crew and supplies.

April 18th:

An early start to catch the tide towards a transit just north of Cowes. For anyone wanting to hone their VHF skills, we will use CH 77 to ensure all boats stay in alignment. The journey will last about 9 hours. We will have provisions on board for a light lunch or snacks, along with hot drinks to keep us energised. We can also mix things up with crew rotation, depending on how long we are out on the water. Once we are back in West Cowes, we will head to the Island Sailing Club for dinner, and a small awards do, and if we are still feeling lively, maybe finish the evening with a live band at the Anchor Inn.

April 19th:

We plan to enjoy a relaxed sail back to Gosport in the morning, where the crew can disembark. Afterwards, we will refuel and return to Port Solent to return the boats.

The Boats:

We are teaming up with Prometheus Sailing who are bringing along a fleet of matched Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410s, modern, fast, and seriously fun 41-foot cruisers. This collaboration is built on a shared commitment, with Prometheus Sailing mirroring our dedication to excellence on the water. Their expertise and attention to detail make this partnership really unique. Together, we are not just putting on an event, we are inviting you to be a part of a sailing experience focused on exceptional performance, training opportunities, and pure fun on the water.

We have up to four Yachts at our disposal, 24 spaces in total, so be sure to book early!

Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 410 Layout:

The Costs:

For those ready to take on the challenge and open the door to a life of high seas and adventure, there is an investment to get started. To reserve your spot on this amazing challenge, a fee of £255 per person is required, which is based on 8 people per charter boat. This covers your berth, provisions, fuel, and the Saturday evening meal. Any additional drinks or shoreside meals are for individuals to settle themselves.

Once your place is confirmed, you will receive a full kit list, details of a Q&A session, and all the other admin bits to get you properly prepped and ready to sail. This trip is organised by members for members of the Little Ship Club as a not-for-profit venture. This supports a key goal of the Club, as we are all dedicated to creating opportunities for people to get out on the water and enjoy the amazing experiences available.

Photography Credit: LSC Member Hugo Simpson