Downwind Sailing Joining Instructions

Arrival Times

All practical sailing courses start at 20.00 the evening before and theory courses at 09.00 on the day of the course.

For all theory courses students must provide their own chart plotter and dividers. These are available from Downwind Sailing for £25.

All VHF students must bring £22 plus a passport sized photograph which is for the certificate registration with the RYA

Those students taking the Coastal Skipper or Yachtmaster exam for the MCA Certificate of Competence should remember to bring two passport size photographs and a cheque made payable to the RYA for £147 (Yachtmaster) and £130 (Coastal Skipper), together with their VHF Licence, 1st Aid Certificate and Log book.

Recommended kit list for practical sailing courses.

• Sleeping bag/duvet
• Foul weather gear (available for hire at £5 per day) and sea boots or wellies.
• Heavyweight sweater or sweatshirt
• Waterproof shoes with non-skid soles (no black soles please)
• Sturdy trousers not jeans
• Shorts, tee shirts and underwear
• Several pairs of socks
• Hat/scarf/gloves
• Toiletries, including sunscreen
• Towel, soft kit bag, anti seasickness tablets
(Please call for advice or see your pharmacist/doctor)

Directions to Universal Marina, River Hamble

By Road

From London
M27 (West) Exit at J. 9 Roundabout first exit signposted “Fareham West”, to next roundabout (get in right hand lane), take fourth exit signposted “Bursledon, River Hamble”. In quick succession there is a small roundabout - take first exit - then another roundabout by Kam’s Palace Restaurant - take second exit. Second exit at next roundabout after garage on left then continue along single carriageway road past Bold Forrester pub on right for 1 mile. Turn left into Barnes Lane immediately before village green on left. Almost immediately turn right in front of Parish Rooms (green doors) into Holly Hill Lane. After 500 metres turn right into Crableck Lane signposted to Universal Marina. Follow lane downhill for a mile to marina entrance.

From Southampton
M27 (East) Exit at J. 8 Turn right at roundabout signposted “Hamble A3025”. Take first exit at next roundabout signposted “Bursledon A27” past Windover Manor on left. Carry on for a mile past Moody’s boatyard on right at traffic lights. Straight on up hill where road becomes dual carriageway. When dual carriageway ends turn right into Barnes Lane immediately after village green on right. Almost immediately turn right in front of Parish Rooms (green doors) into Holly Hill Lane. After 500 metres turn right into Crableck Lane signposted to Universal Marina. Follow lane downhill for a mile to marina entrance.

By Rail

Southampton has two stations well served by trains from all areas. Exit the train at Southampton Parkway and take a taxi to Universal Marina near Sarisbury Green.

By Plane

From Southampton Airport take a taxi to Universal Marina near Sarisbury Green.

Downwind Sailing’s offices are in the units by the first car park on the left after the marina entrance.

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