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The two-night tour based at the southern end of the New Forest overlooking the Solent and the Isle of Wight from the Macdonald Elmer Lawn Hotel. You will cross by ferry to the Isle of Wight to have an exclusive private lunch at the Royal Yacht Squadron with the opportunity to see part of the Castle, originally built in 1539 as one Henry VIII forts and hear the unique history of the RYS within the sailing world. This is followed by a visit to Osborne House, Queen Victoria’s favourite residence and a panoramic tour of the Island. The following day you will take the ferry from Keyhaven to Hurst Castle, another of Henry VIII’s original forts that formed part of the ring of defence around the Solent.

Sunday 13 May
Arrive and check into the hotel. The rooms are set near the Manor House in their own courtyard but dinner and breakfast are in the main house. A welcome drink will be followed by dinner.

Monday 14 May
A coach will take you the short distance to the Lymington/Yarmouth ferry over to the Isle of Wight. On arrival at the Castle, home of the RYS coffee will be served before a talk about the Squadron and Castle. The Club was founded in 1815 - originally a gentleman could become a member if he was the owner of a vessel not under 10 tons – today it is interpreted as a gentleman “actively interested in yachting”. Past and present members include kings, princes and prime ministers to mention a few. The Squadron took up residence in Cowes Castle in 1855 and did much to establish the rules of sailing. The most prestigious racing event the America’s Cup was first held here in 1851. It is of course the headquarters for the highlight in the yachting world – racing during Cowes Week. You will have lunch in the Pavilion overlooking the entrance to Cowes Harbour. This is then followed by a visit to Osborne House. Bought by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1845 this was a family residence in the country – ‘a place of one’s own – quiet and retired’. Queen Victoria spent much of her time here after Albert died and since her death little has changed at Osborne. The interiors are fascinating with many of the royal couple’s possessions, photographs and paintings still in place, Queen Victoria’s role as Empress of India is celebrated in the richly decorated Durbar Room and the grounds including the restored walled kitchen gardens and Italiate gardens are superb. After the visit you will return to the hotel for dinner.

Tuesday 15 May
You will be taken to Keyhaven to board the ferry for the short ride over to Hurst Castle where there will be a guided tour and an opportunity to explore this rather unusual castle in its unique setting. Situated on the seaward end of a shingle spit 1 ½ miles from the mainland and only ¾ mile across a narrow channel of water from the Isle of Wight, the ebb and flow of the tides create strong currents and put would-be invaders at its mercy. Built by Henry VIII in 1544 as one of a chain of coastal fortresses. Charles I was imprisoned here 1648 before being taken to London for trial and execution. Modernised during the Napoleonic wars and used during WWI and II as a coastal gun battery. After the visit we return to Keyhaven by ferry and a late lunch can be found in the cobbled and very attractive small town of Lymington before returning to the hotel and departure.

Price per person £385: Single Supplement £40: Non refundable deposit £75:
Includes:

• 2 nights dinner bed and breakfast
• Welcome reception
• Private Lunch at RYS
• Entries, ferry tickets and guided tours
• Professional guide and executive coaching