The Route
This sailing mile builder runs along the UK’s south coast, making it an excellent environment in which to learn and improve skills. Strong tides, reliable wind, lots of commercial shipping and some lovely towns and anchorages along the way. The route runs in both directions between the famous naval city of Portsmouth and the charming seaside town of Falmouth. You are likely to do around 200 miles during the five days and log around 5-10 night hours.
What is a mile builder?
A mile builder is a sailing trip designed for sailors to gain experience by covering long distances over several days or weeks. It’s ideal for those looking to improve their sailing skills, log sea miles for certifications, or simply experience the adventure of longer voyages. These trips are suitable for a range of sailors, from beginners eager to learn and get a taste of open-sea sailing, to experienced sailors aiming to enhance their skills or reach professional qualifications. In simple terms, mile builders are practical, hands-on sailing experiences for anyone wanting to spend more time at sea, learn in real-life conditions, and become better sailors.
What to expect
On Rubicon 3 mile builders, you’re on a spectacular 60′ yacht that is more usually found crossing an ocean or navigating the ice up in Svalbard. It’s a fantastic sailing experience from the moment you join, and for five days, you can practice skills, learn from top-class sailors and have a fun time with your fellow crew.
Expert tuition
Once on the boat, you’ll get expert guidance from the skipper and mate on everything from navigation to sail trim, build plenty of experience and log around 5-600 sea miles.
The weather
There are many miles to cover, so we go within reason even when the wind and the weather are a bit inclement. The 60′ yacht soaks up any rougher sea conditions, and it ensures you’ll have some great days sailing while building miles along the UK coast.
Gaining experience is vital, but it needs to be the right experience
The RYA or ASA sailing courses such as Day Skipper will only take you so far. Much like passing your driving test at 17, it is only once you get on the road and start driving that you begin to learn. Sailing is no different. Getting experience of doing something the wrong way is worse than getting no experience at all, so your sail mile building needs to be with the best sailors you can get. Who better to learn from than the expedition skippers and mates from Rubicon 3, Europe’s leading adventure sailing school?
Night Sailing
Night sailing experience is essential. After the sun sets, the sea seems a very different place, and large commercial ships can appear with frightening speed. On these mile builders, you’re likely to try some overnight sailing, allowing you to log some good night hours, and we’ll show you while you’re on the boat how to prepare for night sailing and how to be a safe, competent skipper after dark.
Passage Planning
Mile building sailing trips are all about getting from A to B, so a suitable passage plan sits at the heart of them. You’ll see how we plan and execute our passages before we set sail, and we’ll make sure you’re heavily involved, too, so you learn as much as possible while you’re on the boat.
What next?
Mile building with us along the UK coast is a great way to experience Rubicon 3, our yachts and our famous ethos of patient, respectful support. Many crew use this as a first step before signing up to RYA Day Skipper, joining one of our bigger adventure holidays, with adventures as far as Iceland, Norway and the Caribbean.
The difference between Rubicon 3 and a yacht charter
This is not a luxury yacht charter vacation on a private yacht but a proper sailing adventure.
- Tailored Experience: Unlike many yacht charters, the Rubicon 3 team works daily to tailor the experience to your interests and skill level. Whether you’re interested in learning advanced sailing techniques, exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, or focusing on particular activities like snorkeling or fishing, we look to help you achieve it.
- Expert Knowledge: Yacht charter companies will send you off with minimal instruction. Rubicon 3 has extensive local knowledge and expertise. We can find hidden gems, secluded anchorages, and the best spots that might be off the radar of the charter companies. This insider knowledge significantly enhances the sailing adventure.
- Learning Opportunities: Sailing in the UK with Rubicon 3, you don’t need any previous sailing experience. If you’re interested in learning about sailing, navigation, or seamanship, the expert Rubicon 3 instructors ensure a hands-on, educational experience. This is ideal if you see your sailing trip as a vacation and a learning opportunity.
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