Universal Yachting to show Dufour 350 GL at the Poole Harbour Boat Show

Visitors to the show will be able see the Dufour 350 GL which offers an amazing amount for a yacht under 34 feet. Adopting many of the features and Dufour ‘DNA’ that appear in the larger Dufour Grand Large range, the 350 balances effective use of space with effortless sailing and enhanced performance.

Below decks the quality woodwork, bold, elegant lines and clean finish create a comfortable yet highly functional living space. Large deck windows allow for plenty of light to create a roomy and airy environment. The three cabin model amply allows space for six people. Smart interior design features, such as the introduction of double doors to front cabin, help create the sense of open space.

A modular approach to furnishing, including the navigation table which drops down and becomes an extension to the bench seat, also helps to maximise use of living space when at anchor.

A generous galley has a 120 litre fridge, two sinks, an oven with two gas burners and a wine ‘cave’ accessed through a floor hatch.

On deck, the Dufour 350 is all about performance and ease of sailing. Her modern hull shape, with chines for greater stability, is combined with a self-tacking jib and high aspect sails for extra performance. Additional steering seats for both wheels can be tucked away to create more cockpit space after sailing. Recognising that their owners spend over 70% time above decks, Dufour have moved the mainsheet bridle from the cockpit table to coach roof, creating open space in the cockpit, and enabling a Bimini to be fitted easily.

The genoa and mainsheet are now easily controlled on winches located near to the helmsman, making short handed-sailing very straight forwards. An overlapping 108% genoa can be fitted for extra performance and the Dolphin bowsprit is designed to carry a Code Zero off wind sail. The Code Zero, which does not have to be dropped, allows close reaching and can be easily furled from the cockpit to gybe or stow it, making manouevures safer and simpler for the crew.

Chris Warwick, MD of Universal Yachting commented “Having seen the success of last year’s event, we are delighted to participating in the Poole Harbour Boat Show for the first time. It is our first year as Dufour’s south cost dealer and the Show will give us an excellent platform to promote te 350 and the rest of Dufour’s high class performance cruising yachts.”

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Your bluewater cruise of a lifetime – making it a reality!

Many people only dream of taking off on their yacht and sailing away over the horizon for their bluewater cruise of a lifetime! When Julian and Lynne Ronnie decided they wanted to do just that, they felt they would benefit from enhancing their sailing skills first. So they contacted Universal Yachting on the best way to prepare for their trip. We helped Julian and Lynne choose the right RYA training courses and set up some bespoke training working on specific sailing skills. 

Julian takes up their story. “Our bucket list included crossing the Atlantic, and we signed up for the ARC which gave us eighteen months to learn all we needed to learn. We did a number of RYA courses with Universal Yachting, including Day Skipper for Lyn, and Coastal Skipper for me. The great thing was that we were able to do it on our own boat with just the two of us on board plus the instructor. This meant that nothing we learnt was simply theoretical or suitable for a different boat or with more crew. 

verything we were taught applied directly to us. And of course with such direct one to one supervision we were able to cover much more than is strictly in the RYA syllabus. Clive, our instructor, was able to show us MOB procedures for double handed sailors (of course you are single handed if one of you is over the side.) Fortunately we haven't needed that one! But also we covered picking up mooring balls, and berthing short handed, and even putting up the cruising chute. When you are learning to sail, nothing of course beats sheer experience and hours at sea, but doing these courses certainly speeded up the process.” 

The Ronnie’s set off from the Solent in the summer of 2014, took part in the World Cruising Club ARC Rally. They have been cruising the Caribbean and around the shores of the United States ever since. Make a bluewater cruise your reality! Find out about the right RYA training course for you. Read more about the Ronnie’s amazing voyage on www.theboatblog.com

Read More: http://www.universalyachting.com/your-bluewater-cruise-of-a-lifetime-making-it-a-reality/

Universal Yachting to show Dufour 350 GL at the Poole Harbour Boat Show

Universal Yachting, agents for Dufour Yachts in the South, will have the Dufour 350 Grand Large on show at thePoole Harbour Boat Show taking place on the Town Quay, 20-24 May.

Visitors to the show will be able see the Dufour 350 GL which offers an amazing amount for a yacht under 34 feet. Adopting many of the features and Dufour ‘DNA’ that appear in the larger Dufour Grand Large range, the 350 balances effective use of space with effortless sailing and enhanced performance.

Below decks the quality woodwork, bold, elegant lines and clean finish create a comfortable yet highly functional living space. Large deck windows allow for plenty of light to create a roomy and airy environment. The three cabin model amply allows space for six people. Smart interior design features, such as the introduction of double doors to front cabin, help create the sense of open space.

A modular approach to furnishing, including the navigation table which drops down and becomes an extension to the bench seat, also helps to maximise use of living space when at anchor.

A generous galley has a 120 litre fridge, two sinks, an oven with two gas burners and a wine ‘cave’ accessed through a floor hatch.

On deck, the Dufour 350 is all about performance and ease of sailing. Her modern hull shape, with chines for greater stability, is combined with a self-tacking jib and high aspect sails for extra performance. Additional steering seats for both wheels can be tucked away to create more cockpit space after sailing. Recognising that their owners spend over 70% time above decks, Dufour have moved the mainsheet bridle from the cockpit table to coach roof, creating open space in the cockpit, and enabling a Bimini to be fitted easily.

The genoa and mainsheet are now easily controlled on winches located near to the helmsman, making short handed-sailing very straight forwards. An overlapping 108% genoa can be fitted for extra performance and the Dolphin bowsprit is designed to carry a Code Zero off wind sail. The Code Zero, which does not have to be dropped, allows close reaching and can be easily furled from the cockpit to gybe or stow it, making manouevures safer and simpler for the crew.

Chris Warwick, MD of Universal Yachting commented “Having seen the success of last year’s event, we are delighted to participating in the Poole Harbour Boat Showfor the first time. It is our first year as Dufour’s south cost dealer and the Show will give us an excellent platform to promote te 350 and the rest of Dufour’s high class performance cruising yachts.”

Read more: http://www.universalyachting.com/universal-yachting-show-dufour-350-gl-poole-harbour-boat-show/

10 Fascinating Facts about the Volvo Ocean Race 2014-2015

If you love yachting as much as we here at Universal Yacht Charter do, then we are sure you will be as excited as we are at the start of the Volvo Ocean Race on October 11th.

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Read Our 10 Fascinating Facts About The Volvo Ocean Race Here….

• The Volvo Ocean Race was formerly known as the Whitbread Round the World Race and is held every 3 years.
• The first race of this globe-circling regatta was in 1973 and started in Portsmouth, United Kingdom on the 8th September.
• The original course was designed to follow the route of the original square riggers that in the 19th Century, carried cargo around the world.
• In 2001 the sponsorship was claimed by Volvo and renamed, this also introduced more stopover ports in Sweden, France and Germany.
• There is no cash prize for winning the race! Just the glory and accomplishment achieved.
• The Southern Ocean is generally where the worst weather conditions are encountered with 100 foot waves and wind speeds of up to 60 knots!
• The 2014-15 race is the longest route in the history of the race – covering four oceans, five continents and 38,739 nautical miles!
• It’s the longest sporting event in the world – lasting up to 9 months
• The race takes in 11 ports, starting in Alicante, Spain and finishing in Gothenburg, Sweden
• For the first time since 2001, one of the seven teams is the all-female Team SCA.

See more: www.universalyachting.com

Navigate your way through the multitude of training opportunities!

The old adage that ‘you never stop learning’ could not be more applicable than to sailing. Whilst anyone can just get in a boat, it’s wise to get some training and experience before setting off over the horizon.

Recognised around the world, RYA (Royal Yachting Association) training courses and qualifications are designed to encourage high standards of seamanship and navigation.
Courses are delivered through over 2500 RYA recognised Training Centres across 49 countries. The RYA Tick Mark logo indicates Centres will have fully qualified instructors, suitable yachts conforming to MCA regulations, and appropriate safety management processes in place.

“Obtaining an RYA qualification means you have achieved a clearly recognised standard providing the practical skills and essential knowledge for your safety and enjoyment afloat,” comments RYA Training Manager, Richard Falk.  “The courses are designed to provide everything you need to learn safely and build confidence, giving a great foundation to go and build your experience on your own.”

Choosing a training centre

Having a clear idea of your sailing aspirations will influence where to learn. Whether your goals are day sailing with friends and family, charter sailing on the Mediterranean or blue water cruising around the World, picking the right venue and training is important.

Most commercial Training Centres offer a variety of courses throughout the year, and have a selection of boats for building experience. Many sailing clubs are approved Training Centres, although whilst courses may be lower cost, not all clubs have the range of relevant courses, dates and facilities available.

If your plans are only sailing in non-tidal waters such as the Med, courses at a holiday venue can be an easy start. Navigation and manoeuvring are definitely less complicated without the affects of tide. Learning in busy tidal, complicated waters, such as the Solent, dealing with a complete range of conditions and commercial traffic, will assist you to become a more competent, experienced and well rounded sailor. If you learn to sail in non-tidal waters there are conversation courses should you subsequently wish to gain tidal experience.

Which course for you?

The RYA Start Yachting and Competent Crew courses are both water based courses aimed at novices and do not require any previous experience.

Start Yachting:
Normally a two day course, you will achieve a basic knowledge of yachting, experienced steering a yacht, sail handling, rope work, rules of the road and be aware of safety and emergency procedures onboard. It’s a great way to establish if yacht sailing is for you, without investing too much time and money.

Competent Crew:
Typically 5 days this course is an introduction to cruising and teaches personal safety, seamanship and helmsmanship. It’s ideal for people seeking to step up from dinghy sailing, or who have tried yacht crewing and want to learn more.

The course includes yachting terminology, rigging and sails, ropework, fire precautions and fighting, man overboard, emergency equipment, meteorology, seasickness, general duties and manners. After the course you will be able to steer, handle sails, keep a lookout and be a useful crew. It can be completed in 3 days if you have already done Start Sailing.

Move up the ladder
Once armed with the basic skills you will want to get afloat. Joining a club, taking part in cruising rallies, sailing with friends, there’s many ways to build your experience.

If you plan to own or charter a yacht, or sail with friends and family less experienced than you, the RYA offers further training stages – the RYA Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper, Yachtmaster Coastal and Yachtmaster Offshore. Each course progresses you to a higher level, enabling you to sail further afield and throughout the night.

Chris Warwick, MD of Universal Yachting based in Hamble comments “The courses are carefully pitched for different levels of expertise. You can enter the RYA scheme at any level, depending on your experience and abilities. The courses reinforce good practice, can fill in the gaps in your experience and knowledge, and are a quick way to refresh rusty skills – which can help boost confidence too!”

It is counter productive to attempt a course above your standard, as the courses assume, and suggest, a minimum level of pre-course experience.
Day Skipper:
An intensive 5 day course, and the minimum requirement to charter a yacht. It includes boat handling, sail selection, all aspects of being a skipper, pilotage, navigation, seamanship, weather forecasting, victualing and passage planning. Requirements:
5 Days sea time / 100 miles / 4 night hours
Navigation to Day Skipper – shorebased standard
Basic sailing ability

Many countries require sailors to have an ICC (International Certificate of Competence), which is the equivalent to the RYA Day Skipper.


Coastal Skipper:
This covers the skills and techniques required to skipper a cruising yacht safely on coastal and offshore passages by day and night. The requirements assume attendees will be competent sailors with a good knowledge navigation theory and meteorology:
15 Days sea time with 2 days as skipper / 300 miles / 8 night hours
Navigation to Day Skipper – shorebased standard
Competent / Day skipper sailing ability

Top of the class
Requiring considerably more pre-course experience, the next stages are the RYA Yachtmaster Coastal, Offshore and Ocean Certificates of Competence. These will thoroughly demonstrate your sailing abilities and can lead on to commercial endorsement and career opportunities. Whilst Training Centres will run Yachtmaster preparation courses, the qualifications are gained only by examination conducted by an independent RYA Yachtmaster examiner.

Alternative learning opportunities 
In addition to the formal RYA qualifications, we offer courses such as cross channel or long distance mile building cruises to build your experience,

For example, we offer a variety of bespoke courses where you can develop specific elements of your sailing expertise. A day spent on a sail handling can really help understand how to get the best performance from your boat upwind and downwind. And an own boat familiarisation or Boat handling courses are particularly helpful to focus on manoeuvring in tight spaces and parking.

How about a voucher for RYA Courses for a gift?

Struggling for present ideas for a keen or wannabe sailor?  How about one of our RYA Courses?

Do you know someone who has a secret hankering to do any RYA Courses? Well why not buy them a vouchertowards a RYA Course?

At Universal Sailing School we run a number of different courses, all of which would make an ideal gift for somebody who would like to get qualified in sailing.

Start Yachting Courses

We can offer the following courses for which you can buy gift vouchers for;

Start Yachting Courses – perfect for the complete beginner or for someone you know who would love to start yachting, but doesn’t know where to begin.

RYA Competent Crew – for those who want to learn how to be a useful and competent member of the crew

RYA Day Skipper – Learn how to safely take charge of a sailing yacht for a days charter.

RYA Competent Crew

RYA Coastal Skipper and Yachtmaster qualifications – for the experienced yachtsmen, who wants to get even more qualified and has plenty of miles already.

Yacht Charter and Sailing Activities – If they don’t like the idea of a training course then they can join one of our sailing activity weekends.

- See more at: http://www.universalsailingschool.co.uk/rya-courses-vouchers-gift/

RYA Sailing School – Mercury Yacht Harbour, Hamble

Universal Sailing School – How to find our RYA Sailing School in Mercury Yacht Harbour

Mercury Yacht Harbour in Hamble

If you are planning to join us on one of our RYA sailing courses, we thought you would be interested in where we are actually based in the Solent, how to get here and what you will find when you arrive!

About Mercury Yacht Harbour in Hamble

You will find us at MDL Mercury Yacht Harbour which is situated in a sheltered rural location on the River Hamble. We are just a short twenty minute walk (1 mile) from Hamble village. The Marina was originally built by Sir Robin Knox Johnston and can offer berthing for up to 360 boats, it also enjoys deep water at all states of tide and easy access into the Solent (20 mins).

What facilities do we have?

Mercury Yacht Harbour in Hamble

There are many excellent facilities, including….

• Plentiful free parking
• The Waters Edge Bar and Restaurant
• Yacht Chandlery
• Superb showers and toilets
• Laundry room
• 24 hour security
• Free WiFi

The surrounding area and what’s nearby

As mentioned Hamble Village itself is only 1 mile away and within the village you will find a local Co-Op a handful off other shops as well as a great selection of pubs and restaurants.

For a little more detail on Hamble please read our guide HERE.

Access into the Solent

The marina itself is a very peaceful and scenic spot and with it’s easy access to Southampton Water, the Solent and the Isle of Wight. It is an ideal base from which to visit some of the other marinas in the Southampton area or further afield, such as Poole Harbour or Chichester Harbour to the east.

Visit our Cruising Guide for more detailed information on our sailing area.

How to reach us by road

The full postal address is:-
Mercury Yacht Harbour
Satchell Lane
Hamble
Southampton
Hampshire
SO31 4HQ

From the M27 take junction 8 and follow the signs for Hamble on the B3397 (Hamble Lane). You will pass a large Tesco’s if any provisioning is required. After the entrance to Tesco’s continue straight over the next round roundabout through a set of traffic lights and you will arrive at another roundabout. Carry straight on at this roundabout but immediately afterwards turn left into Satchell Lane and follow this road round past Hamble School until you see the clear signs for Mercury Yacht Harbour on your left (Note there is also a caravan / camping site sharing the road entrance to the marina).

By Train

There is a main line station at Southampton from which you can either jump in a taxi or change trains to a local service to Hamble station. If arriving at Hamble railway station there is a local bus service into Hamble Village itself. Then it is approximately 1 mile further up Satchell Lane to Mercury Yacht Harbour.

The alternative is to arrive at Southampton Parkway and get a taxi to the Marina it is about 8.5 miles and 15 mins in the taxi.

There are a number of taxi companies

Radio Taxis – 023 8066 6666
Viking Cars – 023 8040 6633
Phoenix Taxis – 023 8064 2321

- See more at: http://www.universalsailingschool.co.uk/rya-sailing-school-mercury-yacht-harbour-hamble/