Sailing in the Solent Sailing in the Solent
Solent Sailing Club and Yacht Share
A south coast not-for-profit sailing club with a difference!
Try us out, come for a sail
Tops’l could be just what you’re looking for!
Solent sailing and yacht share
Sailing in the Solent Sailing in the Solent
Sailing in the Solent Sailing in the Solent
A most satisfying way to sail the Solent, South Coast and beyond, based at Port Solent with three top notch yachts to share
- Tops’l welcomes new members of all sailing abilities
- No limit to when or how many days you sail
- Sailing charges relate only to days sailed
- Three different boats providing a range of sailing experiences
- Gain a real sense of ownership without the associated worries
- Emphasis on cruising; choice of sailing areas each season
- Club mentors to help build skills and confidence >see Phil’s Story<
- A club run by the members for the members
- Reduced sailing rates for winter
These are just a few of the many benefits Tops’l offers its members
Our Yachts
Southerly 110
Carina of Solent has added a new dimension to our sailing. Her twin rudders and swing keel offer the flexibility of sailing shallow waters, exploring creeks and of drying out, sitting upright! Together with a tall fractional rig she gives good performance and is a stable, comfortable and fun yacht – perfect for an upcoming cruise in the Netherlands.
Dufour 380
ELFIDA replaced our Dufour 36 – with twin steering wheels and large cockpit space, she is a popular, fun yacht and an ideal club boat. Below deck, there are three sleeping cabins, suitable for families or three couples and her roomy main cabin includes a smart galley with a large top loading fridge; ideal for cruising in Brittany and the south coast.
Hallberg Rassy 36
JOCALIA is a heavier displacement sea kindly yacht and it’s no secret that the HR 36 is a well proven blue water cruiser. With her well-protected centre cockpit, great deck seats at the stern, comfortable, cosy cabins and secure galley, she is a much loved yacht for both local and offshore cruising. She has visited The Azores & Madeira.
About Us
Founded in 1979, Tops’l members still enjoy a flexible, affordable way to sail in great waters (not always in the UK) and in effect are all part owners of not one but three very different top quality yachts.
With an emphasis on cruising, our yachts carry up to date safety equipment and are maintained to the highest standard. Members enjoy fabulous south coast sailing, offshore passages and exploring new cruising grounds together with opportunities to improve sailing skills.
Organised club sails and social events add to the welcoming club atmosphere and there is always someone to sail with. Our inclusive, like-minded members come from all walks of life and some travel from quite far afield to sail with us, testament to our supportive friendly club and the satisfaction of sailing superb yachts.
You may have your own boat but are now looking for an alternative way to sail or perhaps you are thinking of becoming a boat owner but not yet sure – come and try us first! Whether you are a lone sailor or have a sailing family; how much or how little time you have to spend on the water or whatever your sailing ability, you are welcome to come for a sail and see for yourself.
time and cost effective way!
Click >Port Solent< for more information
Our Sailing
Club Cruises
With a spirit of adventure we have cruised to Greece, the Spanish Rias, the Azores, Holland, Brittany, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland and many more locations. Skippers and crew members get together to book for a week or longer taking part in offshore passages or exploring new areas. Our exclusive ‘family & friends’ option affords skippers especially, a real sense of ownership. (see costs)
Local and Club Sailing
Whilst our boats can be away cruising at least one boat stays at base for individual bookings by members. Ladies sails and monthly club sails held both at a weekend and also midweek are planned in advance. These sociable events can be a couple of days in the Solent or a longer crossing maybe to France or the Channel Islands and are ideal for members to meet each other and plan future trips.
Skills and Mentoring
By sailing with experienced mentors and taking part in Club Boat Handling Days, members may improve their sailing skills to a high standard in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. First Aid and Survival Courses are arranged and periodically RYA training and exams may be arranged using our own boats.
For any members interested in maintenance there are opportunities to become involved.
Costs
Through the purchase of shares, all Tops’l members are effectively part owners of the club’s assets and have the benefit of sailing top quality yachts. Tops’l is a not for profit organisation and charges are set so that members may both enjoy and maintain high standards by covering costs together with the effects of depreciation and inflation in an affordable way.
Unlike some schemes, the cost you pay is related to the amount you sail.
What will it cost to join us?
There are three cost elements to Tops’l membership – share purchases, monthly subscriptions, and daily sailing charges.
Share Purchase:
On joining, a minimum of 600 shares @ £3.59 * = £2,154
Monthly Subscription:
Individual £38 (crew), £56 (skipper)
Family Membership:
For an additional £12/month family and friends may sail
A member’s children or grandchildren under 18 sail free
Daily Sailing Charge:
£57/day (less Discount – see below)
Plus a share of fuel and away from base mooring costs
Family Exclusive:
Exclusive use of yacht for family and friends £228/day
NB Charge is for four berths and the discount may also be used
* Share price to 2026 AGM.
Please email admin@topsl.net for further information.
Shares: The minimum requirement for a member’s holding is 600. Members’ shareholdings vary considerably and in most cases are very much dependant on individual circumstances and usage of the club. For instance, the average holding of a skipper is in the region of 2,700 shares. Fairness is achieved through an annual shareholder discount. Shares must be held for a minimum of five years and, when the member leaves/retires, the shares can be redeemed back to the club at the latest share price.
Subscription: There is a low subscription which is paid monthly and in the first instance everyone joins as crew. For a small additional monthly supplement a ‘family and friends option’ is available and all family and friends must be nominated on an easily amended list.
Sailing Charges: Based on a berth/day concept. A member books a berth rather than the whole boat so the individual charge is the same whether three persons or more are on board.
Engine Charges: These cover the cost of fuel, gas and maintenance and are charged per hour of use shared by the crew.
Discount: The discount is in the form of Annual Sailing Vouchers: Each block of 100 fully paid for shares attracts one voucher to be used during the year of issue and may not be carried forward. One voucher per person per day reduces the daily sailing cost by £20. A member may use them for anyone in his/her crew.
Other Charges: Insurance excess min. £1,000 excess depending on sailing area – shared by the crew in the event of an incident.
Contact
Does all this sound too good to be true?
You’ll never know if you don’t get in touch.
Drop an email (with phone contact) to admin@topsl.net and we’ll get back to you
Tops’l Sailcruise’s >Privacy Policy<