Solent Windship Co
At Solent Windship Co. our focus is on people and sailing with a purpose. Our goal is to connect communities, promote fair trade and transport cargo in the most efficient and environmentally sustainable way possible.
Crew
Our ship is being designed for both speed and ease of handling for the crew, while prioritising safety. We will utilise modern technology to enhance performance and provide an exciting edge, enabling crew to sail as fast and efficiently as possible.
Our crew will consist of a quorum of qualified officers with intrinsic knowledge of the ship, as well as sail trainees, ecotourists, and adventure sailors.
Sail Training
Our passion lies in providing sail training opportunities that enable individuals to be part of something greater. Feeling the power of mother nature, combined with the tranquillity and wildlife of the ocean, is one of the most humbling experiences we can have.
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We plan to make our ship a sail training platform for all. We aim to provide at least one paid passage through the Solent Windship Trust bursary for those who would greatly benifit from the experience.
Ecotourism
Our ship will be equipped with two spacious ensuite cabins, designed to provide a unique and comfortable ocean journey. Whether you seek inspiration away from land distractions or simply want to embark on an adventure, experiencing the age of sail cargo transportation, our ship offers a comfortable haven to enjoy the majesty of the ocean.
Adventure Sailing / Ocean Racing
We believe in sailing with purpose and our goal is to combine cargo shipping under sail with ocean racing. We plan to make each trip a timed challenge of 'time over distance' along trade routes, providing a platform for adventure ocean racing that also ships cargo as quickly as possible.
The Solent itself is steeped in maritime history and is considered the home of ocean racing, as the birthplace of the Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race, held in 1973-74. After sponsoring a further 7 editions of the race, Volvo took over sponsorship in 2001. It is now known as the Ocean Race.
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Ocean racing has a rich history, with merchant ships racing to be the first into port with their cargo, including the famous Tea Clipper ships. As a sport, ocean racing has grown in popularity over the years and we want to harness this competitiveness. While many yachts have "raced" historic cargo routes, none have undertaken this challenge authentically. Our ship will provide that platform, enabling crews to make a genuine attempt at beating historic passage times in a sailing ship carrying cargo.