Voyage Number	AJ 1002
Voyage price	£450
Voyage Dates	01/04/2010 - 16:00 - 05/04/2010 - 10:00
Depart from	Hamble
Finishing Port	Hamble
Voyage area	Solent
Voyage type	Short Breaks and Tasters , Weekend Voyages
Vessel	Annabel J
Availability	Available
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Voyage Description

Annabel J - Spring Breaks Exploring Solent & South Coast

Blow some cobwebs away, and maximise your time outdoors in the fresh air. Sailing a traditional boat is an activity which does keep you warm. Beginners and experienced sailors welcome.

Have fun sailing on Annabel J! The Hamble is the ideal spot to start your voyage.

Solent and the lovely Isle of Wight.
Whatever attracts you to the sea, hands-on traditional sailing, beachcombing, bird watching, rock pooling, bathing or just watching the world go by, a voyage on Annabel J in the Solent provides inspiration and contentment.

In the summer the Solent and South Coast are very busy with much yacht racing, so there are plenty of advantages to sailing in the Spring. Off season there The varied scenery is the Solent's finest asset; sailing by the famous Needles rocks, towering chalk cliffs, anchoring near the wooded slopes of oak and hazel of Bouldnor Forest, discover the lovely Beaulieu River and Bucklers Hard and Newtown Creek’s secluded meandering estuaries.

This wild open coastline includes the towering chalk cliffs at Freshwater Bay and the multi-coloured sandstone cliffs of Alum Bay. Bembridge Harbour is a haven for thousands of waterfowl. At low tides, this extensive area of shoreline attracts wading birds and reveals hundreds of rock pools teeming with crabs, sea anemones and periwinkles. There is a wealth of wildlife just waiting to be discovered during your voyage on Annabel J.

Expert Phil the Skipper
Phil the Skipper is an expert on the Solent and he knows all the best places to sail for the conditions on the day.
 

Sailing Itineraries are subject to the weather and the skipper’s decision.

Day One
Join Annabel J at 4pm in the Hamble see vessel Start Port for details.
Once on board Phil the skipper with the assistance of a mate will show around Annabel J and give you a safety briefing.
As soon as possible that afternoon on evening you will get under way and go for a quick sail. This is to get you acquainted with the boat.
Where you go will be very wind and tide dependent. The basic choices are either down the East Solent or West Solent, but it won’t be far on your first day.

Day Two
There are many places to sail to in the Solent and Phil will make the most of the conditions to get a full days sailing in and some where different to stop overnight. This could by in Yarmouth, up the Beaulieu River, Newton Creek or one of the many marinas in Cowes.

Day three
The Solent sailing area is big enough to make every sailing day different. You can rely on Phil to make the best choice on the day.

Day Four
As the voyage does not finish until 4pm there is still plenty of sailing time on your last day. The objective for the day will be to get as much sailing as possible before getting you safely back to the Hamble.
 

Joining or leaving point.

Outside the Rising Sun Public House (74 Shore Road, Warsash, Southampton, SO31 9FT) Blue Point on map, shown in the photo.

Getting to or from your port.

By Road
If coming by car, head for the Rising Sun, Shore Road, Warsash, follow the instructions and map below. On arrival phone the skipper on 07766 138288 and he will pick you up in Out of Africa, AJ’s river launch.

From the west, take the Hamble turning J8 (A3024) from the M27 and turn right. At the first roundabout take the first exit (A27) towards Bursledon.
After 3 miles, at the top of a hill turn right at the Church and cricket ground into Barnes Lane, signposted Warsash. At the T junction turn right into Brook Lane. After 0.7 miles, take the 3rd exit off the roundabout into Shore Road. Leave Shore Lane into Pasage Lane by going right when Shore Lane makes a sharp right turn at the bottom of the hill, just before a sharp left bend, you will see a
large car park on your right where you can park Red Point on map. After leaving your car, carry on walking along shore road and you will come to the Rising Sun Public House.

From the East, take the Fareham West turning J9 and turn left. At the first roundabout take the 5th exit (A27). At the 3rd roundabout take the 1st exit towards Warsash. At the next roundabout turn right into Brook Lane, then follow the instructions above.

Bus
From Southampton City Centre Bus Station on First Group bus 16 http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/southwest/hampshire/timetables/index.php
The No.57 runs between Portsmouth and Warsash Fareham, Portsmouth & Southsea and Fratton (Portsmouth) stations are on its route.
The No. 72 runs from Southampton City Centre to Gosport, via Warsash village.
Bus routes are subject to change. There is also a limited service at weekends and evenings. For up-to-date timetable information telephone First (Southampton) 023 8022 4854 or First (Portsmouth) 023 9286 2412

Coach
National Express go to Southampton from many parts of England.
For more information telephone 08705 808080 or visit www.gobycoach.com

Train
The nearest station Swanwick Station is about two miles from the assembly point. This station is on the line between Southampton Central (from west and London) and Fareham (from east). This station does not have a taxi rank. Please book a taxi in advance using the Radio Taxi number below.
From London area: travel to Southampton Airport Parkway where there is a taxi rank.
From Gatwick, Brighton area: travel to Fareham where there is a taxi rank.
For train times and information please telephone National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 or www.rail.co.uk or http://www.raileasy.co.uk

Plane
From Heathrow: Take the Southwest Trains coach link to Woking and travel by rail from Woking to Southampton Airport Parkway where there is a taxi rank. Journey time is approximately 2 hours.
From Gatwick: Take a train to Fareham, where there is a taxi rank. Journey time is approximately 2 hours.
Other airports serving the area include Southampton International Airport, the closest at 10 miles away, (Airport Parkway station) and Bournemouth International Airport, both have flights to/from a number of European cities.
www.flightmapping.com/maps/UKIreland

Taxi
The companies we recommend are Radio Taxis (01489 573573) and Airport Link for Airport pick-ups (023 9226 9700). Metred taxis at airports are expensive so booking is advisable.
Approximate Fares
From Southampton Airport Parkway station to Warsash Harbour Masters office – approx. £30
From Fareham – approx. £20

Hamble’s Marine Past

The first people to live in the Hamble were called Jutes although there is no mention of it in the Doomsday Book of England.
Not surprisingly most people’s existence was based around the sea in what became a busy little harbour. The River Hamble had been farmed for many years for its oysters and other shell fish, crabs and lobsters were brought to the river for fattening up before going up to town for sale in London.
Shipbuilding was a major industry and much of the Georgian navy was built in the Hamble. Like many harbours there were rope makers and associated trades, hence the name Rope-Walk, part the process of rope making, and Copper Hill Terrace where pitch was made to treat ropes, spars, decks and ships hulls before the days of copper cladding hulls.

Today the Hamble is probably the best known sailing river (Creek) in England and every weekend at all times of year you will see yachts coming and going from its many marinas.
 

Sailing Events

There are many sailing regattas in the Solent and on the isle of Wight. The most famous is Cowes Week closely followed by one of the largest sailing races in the world the "Round the Island Race" and also the start of the famous "Fastnet Race" that goes down the English Channel around Lands End and up to the Southern Tip of Ireland and around the Fastnet Island with its Lighthouse. From there it is a mere doddle (Not) back to the UK. The Fastnet Race has an awesome reputation and even last year half the fleet never got as far as Lands End.

Accommodation

If you would like to stay before or after your voyage, here is a selection of reasonable cost local B&Bs.
We haven’t tried these please let us know if any are unsuitable.

Farthings, School Lane, Hamble, SO31 4JD
Tel: 023 8045 2009

Twin Oaks 3 Upper Northam Road, Hedge End, SO30 4EA
Tel: 01489 690054

The Spinnaker Bridge Road, Lower Swanwick, Southampton, SO31 7EB
Tel: 01489572123

Steeple Court Farm Church Lane, Botley, SO30 2EQ
Tel: 01489 788738 or 01489 798824

Solent View 361 Warsash Road, Titchfield Common, Fareham, Hampshire, PO14 4LL
Tel: 01489 582666 Fax: 01489 588277

We are keen to keep this information accurate and we welcome your comments. skippers@classic-sailing.co.uk

Joining or leaving point.

Outside the Rising Sun Public House (74 Shore Road, Warsash, Southampton, SO31 9FT) Blue Point on map, shown in the photo.

Getting to or from your port.

By Road
If coming by car, head for the Rising Sun, Shore Road, Warsash, follow the instructions and map below. On arrival phone the skipper on 07766 138288 and he will pick you up in Out of Africa, AJ’s river launch.

From the west, take the Hamble turning J8 (A3024) from the M27 and turn right. At the first roundabout take the first exit (A27) towards Bursledon.
After 3 miles, at the top of a hill turn right at the Church and cricket ground into Barnes Lane, signposted Warsash. At the T junction turn right into Brook Lane. After 0.7 miles, take the 3rd exit off the roundabout into Shore Road. Leave Shore Lane into Pasage Lane by going right when Shore Lane makes a sharp right turn at the bottom of the hill, just before a sharp left bend, you will see a
large car park on your right where you can park Red Point on map. After leaving your car, carry on walking along shore road and you will come to the Rising Sun Public House.

From the East, take the Fareham West turning J9 and turn left. At the first roundabout take the 5th exit (A27). At the 3rd roundabout take the 1st exit towards Warsash. At the next roundabout turn right into Brook Lane, then follow the instructions above.

Bus
From Southampton City Centre Bus Station on First Group bus 16 http://www.firstgroup.com/ukbus/southwest/hampshire/timetables/index.php
The No.57 runs between Portsmouth and Warsash Fareham, Portsmouth & Southsea and Fratton (Portsmouth) stations are on its route.
The No. 72 runs from Southampton City Centre to Gosport, via Warsash village.
Bus routes are subject to change. There is also a limited service at weekends and evenings. For up-to-date timetable information telephone First (Southampton) 023 8022 4854 or First (Portsmouth) 023 9286 2412

Coach
National Express go to Southampton from many parts of England.
For more information telephone 08705 808080 or visit www.gobycoach.com

Train
The nearest station Swanwick Station is about two miles from the assembly point. This station is on the line between Southampton Central (from west and London) and Fareham (from east). This station does not have a taxi rank. Please book a taxi in advance using the Radio Taxi number below.
From London area: travel to Southampton Airport Parkway where there is a taxi rank.
From Gatwick, Brighton area: travel to Fareham where there is a taxi rank.
For train times and information please telephone National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50 or www.rail.co.uk or http://www.raileasy.co.uk

Plane
From Heathrow: Take the Southwest Trains coach link to Woking and travel by rail from Woking to Southampton Airport Parkway where there is a taxi rank. Journey time is approximately 2 hours.
From Gatwick: Take a train to Fareham, where there is a taxi rank. Journey time is approximately 2 hours.
Other airports serving the area include Southampton International Airport, the closest at 10 miles away, (Airport Parkway station) and Bournemouth International Airport, both have flights to/from a number of European cities.
www.flightmapping.com/maps/UKIreland

Taxi
The companies we recommend are Radio Taxis (01489 573573) and Airport Link for Airport pick-ups (023 9226 9700). Metred taxis at airports are expensive so booking is advisable.
Approximate Fares
From Southampton Airport Parkway station to Warsash Harbour Masters office – approx. £30
From Fareham – approx. £20

Hamble’s Marine Past

The first people to live in the Hamble were called Jutes although there is no mention of it in the Doomsday Book of England.
Not surprisingly most people’s existence was based around the sea in what became a busy little harbour. The River Hamble had been farmed for many years for its oysters and other shell fish, crabs and lobsters were brought to the river for fattening up before going up to town for sale in London.
Shipbuilding was a major industry and much of the Georgian navy was built in the Hamble. Like many harbours there were rope makers and associated trades, hence the name Rope-Walk, part the process of rope making, and Copper Hill Terrace where pitch was made to treat ropes, spars, decks and ships hulls before the days of copper cladding hulls.

Today the Hamble is probably the best known sailing river (Creek) in England and every weekend at all times of year you will see yachts coming and going from its many marinas.
 

Sailing Events

There are many sailing regattas in the Solent and on the isle of Wight. The most famous is Cowes Week closely followed by one of the largest sailing races in the world the "Round the Island Race" and also the start of the famous "Fastnet Race" that goes down the English Channel around Lands End and up to the Southern Tip of Ireland and around the Fastnet Island with its Lighthouse. From there it is a mere doddle (Not) back to the UK. The Fastnet Race has an awesome reputation and even last year half the fleet never got as far as Lands End.

Accommodation

If you would like to stay before or after your voyage, here is a selection of reasonable cost local B&Bs.
We haven’t tried these please let us know if any are unsuitable.

Farthings, School Lane, Hamble, SO31 4JD
Tel: 023 8045 2009

Twin Oaks 3 Upper Northam Road, Hedge End, SO30 4EA
Tel: 01489 690054

The Spinnaker Bridge Road, Lower Swanwick, Southampton, SO31 7EB
Tel: 01489572123

Steeple Court Farm Church Lane, Botley, SO30 2EQ
Tel: 01489 788738 or 01489 798824

Solent View 361 Warsash Road, Titchfield Common, Fareham, Hampshire, PO14 4LL
Tel: 01489 582666 Fax: 01489 588277

We are keen to keep this information accurate and we welcome your comments. skippers@classic-sailing.co.uk

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Luxury 54' (67' LOA) Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter

Annabel J is an interpretation of the legendary Bristol Channel Pilot cutter. Designed to patrol on station in the jaws of the Bristol Channel, these hardy cutters were necessarily fast, easily handled and seaworthy. Built in steel with wooden decks, Annabel J will look after you in style. Fitted out below decks in a beautiful deep mahogany, her interior is a haven of warm varnished bright work, elegant upholstery and cut glass.

With her pedigree of a working vessel she can stand a lot of canvas and is surprisingly swift, even in light airs. Annabel J is the ideal passage making boat for wanting those to go further afield or experience a channel crossing at impressive speeds. Skipper Phil is also keen to encourage potential voluntary mates who can sail regularly on ‘A.J.’

Annabel J Dimensions:
Length on deck   54ft
Length with bowsprit   67ft
Beam  14ft
Draught   7ft 10”
Engine & bow thruster 
Tonnage   38 tonne
Rig Gaff Cutter
Sails: gaff mainsail, gaff topsail, staysail,working jib, flying jib, jib topsail and storm jib.

Construction
Design inspired by the lines of surviving original Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter Marguerite.

Built 1995 by AP Appledore (Falmouth)

Steel hull, teak decks and cockpit
 

Below Decks:
Beautifully fitted out in flame mahogany wood as elegant in style as a gentleman's classic yacht. Full standing headroom.

AJ sails with a skipper, a mate on some voyages, and 8 guest crew. Below there is a 3 berth cabin up forward and 5 berths in the saloon. There are double berths in both cabins but not private. Facilities -two toilets, shower, hot and cold running water and galley area. Navigation equipment: Radar, GPS DSC VHR radio, Sat Phone, Chart plotter.

Safety: MCA Code of Practice Category 2, up to 60 miles from a safe haven.

Skipper:  Phil Cogdell owns and skippers the boat. 

Voyage Fees include:  All meals, sailing tuition, waterproofs, port fees, pillows but please bring pillowcases and sleeping bags.

Involvement level:  full hands on sailing, navigation if you wish and washing up.

Sailing in Company at the Pilot Cutter Races

 Annabel J will be joining the Pilot Cutter World Championship in St Mawes in June. Sail to Cornwall along the South Coast and join this spectacular event organised by Classic Sailing purely for original pilot cutters and authentic replicas. The event usually attracts 8-11 pilot cutters.

See Pilot Cutter Review 2010

Isles Of Scilly

Skipper Phil has followed in Eves footsteps and is now a regular summer visitor to the Isles of Scilly off Lands End. In 2010 he has several Cornish Coast and Isles of Scilly voyages on his programme.
 

Solent Short Breaks

Skipper Phil is an expert on Annabel J’s home ground the Solent and being close to the South East he offers many excellent and convenient short breaks. There is good sailing at all times of year and on Annabel J you will stand out from the crowd.

Channel Islands

Guernsey is the capital of the Channel Islands Bailiwick and St Peter Port seems like a little piece of Monaco. With all the shopping tax free, it’s the perfect place to stock up on a few bargains.
Alderney is dominated by the massive Braye harbour, sheltered by the half mile long breakwater. Alternatively you can anchor off Sark which is straight out of ‘Treasure Island’. Getting to the interior is an adventure in itself. In common with many island communities, the island wildlife is in abundance with huge sea bird colonies lying just off shore. There are always the regular visits of basking sharks and dolphins as well as the local resident seals.

Brittany Specialist & beyond to Golfe de Morbihan

Further south Brittany beckons with the fabled port of St Malo and the Granite Rose coast to the west. Anchor amongst the Ile de Brehat in Brittany or sail up to Treguier and enjoy its Medieval Square and Cathedral. There are many small harbours with waterside restaurants in Brittany and will give you a chance to stretch your legs along beautiful beaches.

 "The cruise was a constant delight. I was instantly made to feel welcome and felt at ease." Robert Chester

For a detailed description of individual voyages please click on the voyage number below or to see all Annabel J's voyages 2010 Click Here 

What to bring

All yachts have limited storage space and Annabel is no exception.
Please limit yourself to one soft bag and no suitcases please.

Sleeping bag, (pillow is provided but you need to bring a distinctive pillowcase !)
Sun hat or bobble hat,
depending on the weather
Sailing gloves if you have them, any gloves are better than none
Warm clothes, lots of thin layers are better than one thick
None slip deck shoes or trainers and wellies
Swim suit, suntan lotion
sunglasses etc
Wash kit and towel
RYA log book, Passport and E111 just in case
Any medication must be brought the attention of the crew
Sea sickness tablets
Walking boots for going ashore.

Included
Meals and soft drinks taken on board, loan of good quality waterproofs, automatic lifejackets and safety harnesses are also included. If you would rather provide you own water proofs then please do.

Not Included
No trip to this area would be complete without visiting its superb pubs and restaurants. We may spend a couple of evenings and occasionally a lunch ashore. The cost of these meals taken off the vessel and all alcoholic drinks are not covered by your voyage fee. You must provide your own transport to the vessel and ensure that you have suitable travel insurance.

Drinking during the day is strongly discouraged, however once safely tucked up on a mooring for the night, one of the first jobs is to crack open a bottle and celebrate sundown after a lovely days sail.

AJ carries a reasonable cellar of goodies which can be purchased at modest cost or you can bring your own.