The yacht

You’ll be sailing aboard Bossy Boots, a Contessa 32 — one of the most respected and seaworthy yachts ever built.

• Fully refurbished to an exceptional standard

• New mast, new sails, modern systems throughout

• Commercially coded and maintained well beyond requirements

• Classic offshore design known for strength, stability, and comfort

• Small numbers onboard (maximum 5 guests) — never crowded

This is a yacht designed to look after people properly, not cram them in.

Safety & peace of mind

Bossy Boots is commercially coded to Category 2, allowing operation up to 60 miles offshore — far in excess of normal Solent sailing.

She is equipped with:

• Full professional safety equipment

• Modern navigation and communication systems

• Medical kit, emergency beacons, detectors, and redundancy throughout

Decisions are made conservatively. Comfort and safety always come first.

Your skipper

Sailed and skippered by Matthew North.

• Yachtmaster Ocean (commercially endorsed)

• RYA Cruising Instructor

• Over 15,000 nautical miles sailed

• Extensive offshore and instructional experience

Matthew is known for a calm, patient, and reassuring style — happy to explain and involve you, or simply let the day unfold quietly.

There is no pressure to perform, learn, or impress.

How the days work

Sailing runs between March and October each year

• One weekday every week (day varies depending on weather) and a few weekend days each month during March to October (days posting on www.navaia.co.uk)

• Depart Hythe Marina waiting pontoon around 09:30–10:00

• Sail to a Solent destination or enjoy a relaxed sail and lunch onboard

• Return mid-afternoon

Destinations vary with weather and tide and may include Cowes, the Beaulieu River, the Hamble, or a peaceful Solent anchorage.

Who it’s for

Anyone who would like to try sailing or sail more often

• Boat owners short of crew or confidence

• Partners and friends who want to come along without pressure

• Any age. Any experience level — including none at all

You choose how involved you’d like to be.

Pricing

Pay as you go

• £75 per person per day — Hythe Marina residents & their guests

• £90 per person per day— non-residents

Bulk purchase

• £600 for 10 day passes - no expiry date - marina residents only

• Family offers available - please enquire

Lunch

• £10 per person

• Fresh, home-cooked, healthy

• Includes soft drinks plus one beer or glass of wine

Payment

• Payment on invoice via bank transfer or credit card

Sailing dates for 2026

April

• Thursday 2nd

• Thursday 9th

• Sunday 12th

• Thursday 16th

• Sunday 19th

• Thursday 23rd - booked (ask for wait list)

• Thursday 30th - booked (ask for wait list)

May

• Thursday 7th -booked (ask for wait list)

• Thursday 14th

• Sunday 17th

• Thursday 21st

• Sunday 24th

• Thursday 28th

June

• Thursday 4th

• Sunday 7th

• Thursday 11th

• Thursday 18th

• Sunday 21st

• Thursday 25th

July

• Thursday 2nd

• Sunday 5th

• Thursday 9th

• Sunday 12th - booked (ask for wait list)

• Thursday 16th - booked (ask for wait list)

• Thursday 23rd - booked (ask for wait list)

• Sunday 26th - booked (ask for wait list)

• Thursday 30th

August

• Thursday 6th - booked (ask for wait list)

• Sunday 9th - booked (ask for wait list)

• Thursday 13th - booked (ask for wait list)

• Sunday 16th - booked (ask for wait list)

• Thursday 20th - booked (ask for wait list)

• Thursday 27th

September

• Thursday 3rd

• Thursday 10th

• Sunday 13th

• Thursday 17th

• Sunday 20th

• Thursday 24th

October

• Thursday 1st

• Sunday 4th

• Thursday 8th

• Sunday 11th

• Thursday 15th

• Thursday 22nd