Night Sailing
Experience the Solent after dark
Experience the magic of the Solent after sundown with Sailing Scallywag. Night sailing opens up a completely different side of the sea: quiet, atmospheric, and deeply rewarding.
Departing from the Hamble, one of the UK’s most iconic sailing hubs, your night passage becomes an opportunity to deepen your seamanship in a whole new way. Under the soft glow of navigation lights, you’ll practise helming, sail trim, pilotage, lookout skills, and low‑visibility navigation, all while surrounded by the peaceful stillness of night on the water.
True to Sailing Scallywag’s bespoke ethos, every night sail is shaped around your goals. Build miles, strengthen navigation skills, or simply enjoy the tranquillity of sailing beneath the stars. Perfect for families, couples, and solo sailors, it’s an unforgettable, confidence‑building experience.
Why try Night Sailing?
Experienced RYA Instructor at the Helm
Your night sail is led by a commercially endorsed RYA Cruising Instructor known for a calm, patient, confidence‑building teaching style.
Tailored to Your Goals
Training is fully personalised, whether you want navigation practice, night‑hours for qualifications, or a magical evening at sea.
Build Skills in Low Light
Develop essential night‑time seamanship: navigation, lookout duties, helming, sail trim, and situational awareness.
Safe Learning with Broad Vessel Experience
With experience across working boats, gaff‑rigged schooners, monohulls, and catamarans, your skipper ensures a secure, reassuring environment even in darkness.
A Unique Adventure
Night sails blend skill‑building with atmosphere: quiet seas, bright stars, and the rare serenity that only night sailing offers.
A Night to Remember
Quiet waters, glowing horizons, and expert guidance, Night Sailing with Sailing Scallywag turns the Hamble into the gateway for an unforgettable adventure.
Example Itinerary
18:00: Meet at Hamble Marina
- Arrive at Hamble
- Stow kit, meet skipper/crew
- Tea/coffee and boat orientation
18:30: Safety Briefing
- Lifejackets, jackstays, movement on deck after dark
- Navigation lights, buoyage at night, lookout roles
- Quick plan for the route across the Central Solent
19:00: Cast Off for Night Sail
Route example: Hamble → Cowes (Isle of Wight)
A perfect short hop for a relaxed night passage.
You’ll experience:
- Helming under starlight (optional)
- Identifying buoys & ship traffic by lights (often a highlight of Solent night sails)
- Light navigation practice with skipper guidance
Approx. distance: ~7 NM
Typical duration: 1.5–2 hours depending on wind & tide.
21:00: Arrive & Moor in Cowes
- Secure alongside at Cowes Yacht Haven or Shepards Wharf
- Enjoy cockpit “sundowners” (snacks & a drink once tied up), a standard tradition on Solent weekend night sails
- Optional walk ashore into Cowes for a pub visit
22:00: Late Supper Aboard
- Social dinner aboard with wine
- De‑brief on the night sail, navigation checks, plan for the next morning
23:00: Settle In for the Night
- Guests sleep aboard in Cowes marina
- Shore facilities available (showers, Wi‑Fi, etc.)
Optional Following Morning (If It’s Part of a Weekend)
Cowes → Yarmouth → Back to Hamble
Or a sail around the Western Solent, depending on tides and conditions.
We are ship shape
- Great train links into Southampton
- Boats coded to the latest 2026 standard
- Small group sailing (up to four guests per trip)
- Flexible itineraries shaped around your goals
- Skippered by experienced RYA instructors
- Fully insured incl. public & employers liability insurance
- Learn to sail, charter, or combine both in one trip
- Friendly, patient teaching for all abilities
- Bespoke sailing experiences across the South West
- Ideal for individuals, couples, families, and small groups
- A relaxed, down-to-earth approach to life on the water
- Comprehensive and modern safety equipment
