Cruising

HOEOCA Rallies form the basis of our cruising programme and are organised by Beryl Reed, Rear Commodore Cruising. 

We offer three main rallies each year to give everyone an opportunity to have a go at sailing, whatever their level of experience.

Spring Rallies are to beautiful destinations including France, the Channel Islands and the West Country in May or June whilst 'Hot-Hot-Hot' trips take us to the Mediterranean, normally in September. The Autumn Rally, from the Solent, is usually held in November

Spring Rally

In May or early June we try to use the longer days to venture across to France, the Channel Islands or the West Country for a 5-7 day trip. These trips allow members to experience a channel crossing, collect some night hours and record a 60 mile passage for RYA qualifications.

We use a mix of owners and chartered boats and put together crews based on experience. Where possible, we cruise in the company of at least one other boat and plan to meet up overnight. The highpoint is an organised dinner together at the rally destination.

Autumn Rally

Our 4-day rally in November usually takes place in the Solent and is more about practising skills and socialising than accumulating miles. The weather at that time of year can be surprisingly good and the waters are much emptier.

The format is similar to the Spring Rally. We again use a mix of owners and chartered boats and our aim is to cruise in company. The rally dinner, normally held in one of the excellent yacht clubs in the area, again provides the main event and may be centred on a fancy dress theme (alternating years).

Hot-Hot-Hot

We have now been on over 20 trips to warmer climes in the late summer / early autumn. On these longer (7-10 day) trips we operate as our own mini flotilla, typically with 4 or 5 boats and a pre-planned route, allowing us to explore a new cruising area and enjoy the local food, drink and culture.

To date we have visited Greece, Turkey and Croatia several times. Also Corsica, Elba, Majorca, Malta, Montenegro, Sardinia and Sicily. We've also been to the Caribbean and Phuket. Thailand.

Social Cruising

We run additional Social Cruises, normally from the Solent, to provide shorter sailing opportunities for both seasoned sailors and newbies alike. These cruises can be long weekends or mid-week, either with a single yacht or a mini flotilla. We'll normally charter from Fairview in Port Hamble as we do for the Spring and Autumn rallies.