What a year we had in 2016! As ever, it goes by in a blur and we find ourselves in March poised for the season ahead.
The winter was spent catching up on a few lieu days, eating the odd mince pie and doing lots of site visits and pre-season supplier and customer meetings before the days start to lengthen and we take to the water once again.
Our first event of 2017 is on the water as this blog is published on 7th March and sees a national construction firm using sailing as a serious management development tool. 2 days on the water in an unfamiliar environment really does challenge most people regardless of age or level of fittness. All have to work together to make the yachts go in the right direction and ensure all are fed, safe and comfortable. For ideas on team building, staff reward and team development see Click Here
Looking back on last year, June stood out as busier than usual month for us for no apparent reason. From vintage style glamping to spotting the infamous Squadron Seal in Cowes there was never a dull moment – scroll away for some inspiration for events for 2017 with the images that follow!
We began June with a big sailing regatta birthday party for a very excitable advertising agency!!
The evening was designed to emulate a boutique festival on the Isle of Wight complete with vintage glamping in the form of teepees, bell tents and 13 Airstream caravans – as well as a good smattering of glitter!
Another event from June saw thirteen matched racing yachts take to the water with an annual regatta we run for the exhibition sector. A misty day on the Solent set a very dramatic backdrop for a competitive day’s racing (almost as competitive as the fight for the last legendary Solent Events chocolate fudge brownie from the onboard catering!). A prize-giving and evening BBQ followed with yet more glamping, this time in Southampton! Don’t worry, we do regularly use a selection of great hotels for those put off by the thought of ‘Ging Gang Gooly’ round the camp fire!
Later that week we took to the water again for one of our Rib treasure hunts where teams whizz about coastal towns on the Solent in search of clues to answer triggered by GPS hot spots. The group held a sales conference before the day on the water with a stay in the lovely Careys Manor just outside of Lymington.
We think this is the best way to see the iconic Needles Lighthouse……. up close from a Rib!
Stopping in Cowes for lunch at the Royal Ocean Racing Club, the guests were treated to a show by the infamous (and adorable) Cowes Seal. Whilst seals are not native to the Isle of Wight, this fella has chosen the steps of the prestigious Royal Yacht Squadron to call home. He’s a real attention seeker and was more than obliging to pose for a few pictures.
The following week we were up early to host one of our more unusual events on the River Thames – Clay Pigeon Shooting (using live ammo and a selection of guns) from an 85 foot classic motor yacht. Used to carry the body of Winston Churchill during his state funeral, the vessel we use is a beautiful piece of maritime history and the perfect vessel for this unique experience. Mouth-watering catering cooked fresh onboard by the resident chef completes this London based event.
Fear not, the professionals remain close by to give expert tuition and the bar doesn’t open until after the last shot has been fired!
June was a fantastic month for us and the rest of the year continued in the same way with our last sailing event of the year held in late October (the sun even shone!!) As you can see from these shots, Solent Events offer custom tailored water based events to suit the individual needs of our clients down to the most intricate details*. We would love to hear from you if we may be able to get you. your clients or your team afloat this year.
*Seal sightings not guaranteed!
