The Route
This sailing mile builder is around 400 miles long and heads from Scotland’s west coast to the south coast of England. You’ll weave your way through the Scottish islands, then head into the Irish Sea, with possible stops at Dublin or the Isle of Man. Further south, you’ll round Lands End and the Isles of Scilly, before navigating your way east along the English Channel to Falmouth.
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
This route is fairly continuous sailing through the day and night, so you will get plenty of night hours and experience of being in a watch system. There is a mix of coastal and offshore sailing. It is not a pleasure cruise with stops each night, so come prepared for a proper passage on a thrilling 60′ expedition yacht and lots of learning.
Expert Instruction Onboard
Aboard our vessel, receive top-notch instruction from both the skipper and the first mate covering crucial skills like navigation and sail trimming. You’ll accumulate significant experience and log approximately 500-600 sea miles.
Weather Conditions and Sailing
Our journey covers a considerable distance, and we sail under various weather conditions, within safe limits. The 60-foot yacht is well-equipped to handle rougher seas, providing you with exceptional sailing days and ample mile-building opportunities along the UK’s coast.
The Importance of Quality Experience
While RYA or ASA certifications like the Day Skipper are important, real skill development occurs with hands-on experience. Learning ineffective techniques can be detrimental, highlighting the importance of quality instruction. Rubicon 3, known as Europe’s premier adventure sailing academy, offers guidance from highly experienced expedition skippers and mates, ensuring you receive the best possible training.
Experience Night Sailing
Night sailing introduces a new set of challenges, with commercial vessels appearing suddenly on the horizon. Our mile builders often include overnight sails, offering you the chance to gain valuable night-time sailing experience under expert supervision.
Passage Planning Expertise
Effective passage planning is crucial for successful mile building. You’ll learn the ins and outs of planning and executing passages, with hands-on involvement to enhance your learning experience onboard.
Your Next Steps
Joining a mile builder with us is an excellent introduction to Rubicon 3, our yachts, and our ethos of supportive, patient instruction. Many of our crew members find this experience an ideal stepping stone towards achieving their RYA Day Skipper certification or joining one of our larger expeditions to destinations like 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 England 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.