The preserved English south coast based heritage steam-ship S.S. Shieldhall operated by Steamship Shieldhall Charity, will provide a wonderful viewing and photographic platform to witness the premier yacht racing events of Cowes Week and the Fastnet Race.
Among the Southampton based Sheildhall's seasonal sailing programme (up to September) there will be three exciting cruises to get close to the action on the Solent with the return of Cowes Week, commencing with a relaxing Friday (28 July) evening cruise.
This is followed by a Cowes Week Racing Cruise on the Saturday (29 July), and a Sunday (30 July) trip westwards to the iconic Needles chalk formation.
Whether you’re a fan of sailing, steam or simply spectacular sights, there’s a cruise for you over this packed weekend.
Friday 28 July – Evening Cruise to the Solent, 6.30pm – 9.30pm
Join our volunteer crew on the second of three Friday evening cruises being staged during the 2023 sailing season. Get your weekend off to a relaxed start with a leisurely cruise on Southampton Water to the Solent, passing lots of marine traffic on our return trip to the north shore of the Isle of Wight. To book, click here.
Saturday 29 July – Cruise to see the racing at Cowes Week, 10am – 2pm
Steam down Southampton Water and see the yachts racing at Cowes Week, one of the country’s most celebrated sporting events. Enjoy the colour and spectacle of the occasion up close from the decks of Shieldhall – make sure you have your cameras at the ready! A guest commentator will explain the nuances of the racing and what and who to look out for! We will also pass the cruise ships Iona, Sky Princess and Ventura in berth. To book, click here.
Sunday 30 July – Cruise to The Needles, passing Hurst Castle and the New Forest Coast, 10.30am – 6pm
Cruise down Southampton Water to the Solent, then head west along the New Forest Coast, travelling out beyond Hurst Castle and the Needles Passage to the Needles themselves, one of the most photographed and iconic coastal locations in the UK. To book, click here.
Cruise to watch the Fastnet Race: Saturday 22 July, 9:30am - 4:30pm
The RORC expects a fantastic fleet to attend one of the world’s great ocean races! After witnessing the departure of the multihulls and IRC 2, IRC 1 and IRC Z & VO65 classes from Cowes, described with an expert commentary, Shieldhall will continue westwards towards The Needles, one of the most photographed and picturesque coastal locations in the UK.
To make a booking, click this link.
For further information on the full Shieldhall sailing programme of excursions (up to September) and how to book, click here.
