Winter sailing on the Solent is an underrated gem, offering unique experiences, exhilarating sailing and pretty landscapes.
The Solent, with its famous waterways between the Isle of Wight and mainland England, becomes a peaceful haven during the colder months. Crisp, clear days provide excellent visibility and stunning seascapes, while strong seasonal winds make for exhilarating sailing conditions.
One of the best things about winter sailing is the opportunity to explore without the crowds. The Solent’s popular destinations, like Cowes or Beaulieu River, are less congested, giving you more space to enjoy serene anchorages.
You can visit cosy pubs, like the famous Master Builder’s at Buckler’s Hard, where the atmosphere is warm and welcoming after a day on the water. If you’re a fan of wildlife, winter is a great time to spot seabirds and other marine life as they thrive in the Solent’s waters during the colder season.
Things to see and do on the Solent this winter
In addition, the Solent comes alive with activities during the Winter months, in particular, in the lead up to Christmas. Here are five exciting things to see and do around the Solent in November and December:
- Cowes Christmas Festival (November 23-24)
Held on the Isle of Wight, this festive event brings together local produce, crafts, and entertainment in the heart of Cowes. Enjoy Christmas carols, browse market stalls for unique gifts, and indulge in festive food and drinks. It’s a perfect opportunity to soak up the holiday spirit while visiting this iconic sailing town. - Christmas at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard (throughout December)
Step back in time and experience Christmas like never before at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Held within the Dockyard’s atmospheric surroundings, there are a wide range of events taking place throughout the Christmas period, featuring costumed performers, Christmas markets, and entertainment inspired by the Victorian era. It’s an enchanting way to embrace the festive season while exploring maritime history. - Head to the Beaches or enjoy the walking routes
Taking a dip in the Solent during the winter months isn’t for the faint-hearted—think more “ice bath challenge” than a relaxing swim, with temperatures that feel like the ocean’s taken a sharp turn toward the Arctic. For the rest of us, a brisk winter walk along the coastline is much more inviting. The Bonchurch to Ventnor route is perfect for dramatic waves crashing against the seawall, while Yaverland to Shanklin offers a serene escape to enjoy the beauty of a quiet seaside resort in the off-season, best paired with a hot drink in hand.
- Southampton Christmas Market (15 November – 5 January)
Southampton hosts a vibrant Christmas festival featuring a traditional German market, complete with chalets selling festive goods, food, and drinks. The festival also includes an ice rink, live music, and performances. It’s a lively event perfect for a wintery day out with family or friends. - Santa Specials at Isle of Wight Steam Railway (throughout December): If you’ve got kids, this is the perfect day out while enjoying a Hamble Yacht Charter this winter. Running on selected dates in December, the magical Santa Specials on the Isle of Wight Steam Railway take you through wintery woodland and is accompanied by a visit to Santa’s Grotto. Kids can meet Santa, enjoy festive entertainment, and receive a special gift, all while traveling in restored Victorian carriages
The Fairview Promise
While there is a lot to see and do around this time of year, winter weather can be unpredictable, causing people to ‘wait until the last minute’ to book a charter.
That’s why winter sailing on Solent with Fairview Sailing is a great choice. Our Totally Flexible Promise gives you total peace of mind when booking your Bareboat Charter. If the forecast isn’t in your favour—too cold, wet, or windy—you can easily reschedule your charter without hassle. Whether you want to sail in November, December, or January, you have the flexibility to shift your plans to another weekend up until March 2025 – no questions asked*.
This flexibility ensures that your winter sailing adventure is exactly how you want it, without the stress of bad weather.
With our well-maintained fleet and customer-first approach, we make winter sailing on the Solent even more enjoyable. You can experience all the beauty and excitement of sailing, knowing that Fairview has your back, no matter what the weather has in store.
Find out more
For more information about chartering a yacht with us during winter and our ‘Totally Flexible Promise’, contact the team today on 02380 457023, or email info@fairviewsailing.co.uk
*Terms & conditions apply. Offer only applies to bookings paid in full and can’t be used in conjunction with any other offer. We need to be notified by 4pm on the Thursday of a weekend trip if you intend to postpone.
