Sail Poole Harbour can be booked through the 'borrow a boat' website.
'To be able to charter you need to be able to prove that you can sail a small yacht in tidal waters. Ideally you will have an RYA ‘day skipper qualification (or higher) and a VHF licence. However, if you can show that you are an experienced sailor then charter should be possible.
In all cases you will need to email with details of your sailing experience and qualifications
The booking process is all handled by ‘borrow a boat’ which is the UK's number one peer-to-peer yacht charter site. On the 'borrow a boat' website you will be able to see availability, the legal conditions of charter etc and to book and pay the deposit.
In all cases you will need to email with details of your sailing experience and qualifications
The booking process is all handled by ‘borrow a boat’ which is the UK's number one peer-to-peer yacht charter site. On the 'borrow a boat' website you will be able to see availability, the legal conditions of charter etc and to book and pay the deposit.
Covid-19 update
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic we have had to make changes to the way we operate. This is to protect ourselves and our customers. Boating is an ideal way to socially distance yourself from others as long as you operate within the government guidelines. The changes that we have made are:
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic we have had to make changes to the way we operate. This is to protect ourselves and our customers. Boating is an ideal way to socially distance yourself from others as long as you operate within the government guidelines. The changes that we have made are:
- We will only operate and charter Skate whilst the UK government allows us to do so.
- We offer two handover locations: Poole Quay is busier where as Lake yard is quieter and easier to achieve social distancing - you can choose.
- We only offer minimum two day charters. This is so that we can leave the boat for three days before thoroughly cleaning all surfaces above and below decks including dishwashing all utensils, crockery, cutlery etc etc (whether used or not).
- We do not supply any bed linens, cloths, pillows etc so that you can bring everything with you and know that it is clean.
- We will send you a pre-handover pack and video links so that you can familiarise yourself with Skate before you arrive. This is to minimise the interaction between ourselves during handover and maintain the 2m social distancing. All handovers will be conducted on the pontoon or in the cockpit.
- You need to supply evidence of your qualifications and ID before arrival to minimise the handover of any items.
- We ask that you do not 'raft up' and allow any other persons then you and your crew on board Skate.
- What happens if forecast is poor? If winds of F6 or greater are forecast 24 hours before your arrival then Sail Poole Harbour will cancel or change your booking for no fee. Should severe weather develop during the charter period then no refund will be given. We use the Met Office Inshore waters forecast, '24 hour forecast' and 'outlook for the following 24 hours' for Selsey Bill to Lyme Regis. www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/specialist-forecasts/coast-and-sea/inshore-waters-forecast
- What are the standard charter timings?
- Weekend: 18:00 on Friday through to 16:00 on Sunday
- Week: 18:00 Sunday to 16:00 Friday
- We have a minimum two-days charter
- we are flexible - if you have other timings in mind, then just ask and we will see what we can do!
- Is there parking? There is free parking at Lake Yard, but you would need to pay for parking when using Poole Quay Boat Haven.
- If I get the train how do I get to the marina? Poole mainline railway station is a taxi ride from both Lake Yard and Poole Quay
- What happens when we arrive for charter? Upon arrival call me and I will meet you. We will finish any paperwork and collect a security deposit. We will also need to take copies of your ID (passport or driving licence). There will be a full briefing, inventory check and handover of the yacht, after which you are free to unload your bags from your car and then your holiday can begin.
- Who must Sail Poole Harbour hand the yacht over to? We can only hand Skate over to the nominated charter skipper who in turn must hold appropriate qualifications or show relevant sailing experience.
- What happens when we return from our charter? At the end of the charter Skate must be left clean and tidy. We will be at either Lake Yard or Poole Quay Boat Haven to inspect her and officially take her back from you at the agreed hand-back time. There is no facility to fill the fuel tank up so any used petrol for the outboard engine and meths for the stove will be charged at cost (you will start with full tanks). Please also top up the water tank and plug the shore power back in. We will empty the portapotti.
- What equipment is on Skate?
- Cooking utensils
- Crockery and cutlery
- MOB gear
- Lifejackets and harness lines
- Fenders and warps
- Dinghy pump and oars
- Flare pack
- Anchor chain and warp
- First Aid kit
- Navigation instruments
- GPS, charts and pilot book
- Fog horn
- Hand bearing compass
- Binoculars
- Echo sounder and log
- Bilge pumps
- Compass deviation card
- Fire extinguishers
- Can I hire waterproof sailing gear? We do not hire this - you will need to bring your own.
- Can I hire bedding? We do not hire this - you will need to bring your own.
- What gear do I need to bring?
- Sensible deck shoes or shoes with non-marking soles
- waterproofs and sailing boots
- Hat and gloves
- Sleeping bags and pillows
- Bed Linen, towels, tea towels and cloths
- Clothes, toiletries and sun-protection
- All packed in a soft hold all which you will need to use to store your clothes whilst on board.
- What paperwork do I need to bring?
- Passport or drivers licence
- Sailing certificates
- What is included in the charter fee? The charter fee covers the complete yacht for period of the charter. We do not charge extra for engine hours, mileage, electricity or water. There is a separate fee for petrol for the outboard engine and meths for the cooking stove.
- Do I have to pay mooring fees? All marina mooring costs, for example at Wareham or Poole Quay, are payable by you, the charterer. However, we would suggest that the most enjoyment will be found at the free anchorages in the harbour, such as Blood Alley (Brownsea), Arne and outside the harbour at Studland. We include the first night in the charter. At Lake Yard you would have the use of the mooring for the entirety of your charter.
- What security deposit is payable and when does it get returned? Like most charter companies we require a security deposit. This is for £750 and is 'pre-authorised' by borrow-a-boat onto your credit card. Under normal circumstances this deposit is returned 7 days after charter completion.
- Where can I buy food for my charter? There is a Tesco at Poole Quay and a Co-Op a short drive from Lake Yard.
- Can I bring my kids? There are four berths, it works perfectly to have your little ones in the front, and with the large cockpit there is plenty of space when sailing. We spend a lot of time with ours anchored at Brownsea Island, swimming and exploring the island and woodland playground!
- Where can I sail in Poole Harbour? Please see our 'cruising grounds' page.