After a successful summer in Scotland, the classy sailing yacht ‘Vivid’ is now located in Lymington, New Forest and ready for day or weekend charters until the end of October! You’re free to sail this beauty down the Solent, where you can stop off at the charming town of Cowes, Isle Of Wight for a scenic stroll through the seaside town or for lunch at one of their beautiful restaurants. Yarmouth is another great location in the Isle of Wight to visit where you can walk through the cobbled streets and enjoy a drink or meal on the waterfront. This is the perfect place to watch the sunset while on land or onboard.
The calm and protected waters of the Solent allow for maximum relaxation and the ideal sailing conditions for your trip. It is arguably one of the most famous sailing areas in the world due to the annual international sailing event hosted in Cowes. Another must see cruising location near Yarmouth and at the west end of the island is ‘The Needles’, an incredibly popular and well visited row of rocks, comprising of three striking chalk stacks with a lighthouse at the end.
Vivid allows for ultimate relaxation due to her enclosed deck saloon, protecting you from any cold or harsh winds whilst still being able to enjoy the scenery.
Start your trip off in the stunning town of Lymington and move across the Solent from the comfort of your very own yacht. There really is no better way to explore these areas than from a yacht, where you can sit back, relax and immerse yourself in your beautiful surroundings. I highly recommend stopping off in Cowes, a little further than Yarmouth, due to it’s slow paced and relaxed feel as well as their huge selection of seaside restaurants to choose from.
Cowes
Fancy a bite to eat ashore? Stop off at Cowes and wander through their rustic town where you will come across a selection of easy going and chic restaurants to suit whatever you fancy. Ranked one of the best restaurants on the island, ‘Call It What You Want’ is the ideal place for a relaxed dining experience with delicious food and only a short walk from the coastline. Indulge in some of their tasty cuisines from a large varied menu, and as you can see below there really is something for everyone. Amazing food, drink, music and company… it’s the place to be. Some other top restaurants include Number 3, Murray’s Seafood Restaurant, Burr’s Restaurant, Mojave’s Restaurant & Bar and Harbour Kitchen, just to name a few.
There are a number of pretty seaside and inland walks where you can take a break from being at sea and explore the picturesque views available here at Cowes that you won’t want to miss! From personal experience the best walk in Cowes, whether its a short or long walk you would like, is through the small town of Cowes where you can pop in and out of the local shops and ice cream parlours and along the delightful seafront past a collection of small harbours and café’s. I will never forget the incredible scenery on those walks, particularly the mountains that line the entire stretch of sand and the calming waters of the Solent. I strongly recommend it if you fancy a walk after lunch.
Yarmouth
Just across the water from Lymington you will find the pretty town of Yarmouth which is also a lovely stop for a bite to eat or to stretch your legs. ‘The Terrace’ harbour-side restaurant is the ideal place for lunch or dinner, offering a huge selection of delicious meals and small plates using only quality ingredients. Their dining room and Harbour Terrace has a more formal atmosphere with a daily changing menu, classic dishes and the freshest of produce. In comparison to their Castle Terrace that offers a tapas style seafood menu for a more relaxed and informal dining experience. The restaurant is in the perfect spot surrounded by blue waters with amazing views of the Solent, harbour and Yarmouth Castle!
If you are looking for a more casual lunch/dinner near the coastline, try the Boathouse Yarmouth, On The Rocks or Salty’s for a selection of tasty local dishes. There are a variety of walks around Yarmouth that will allow you to explore the island a little more and visit some of the landmarks like Yarmouth Castle and Fort Victoria Country Park. Make sure to visit ‘The Needles’ if you have time, on the opposite end of the island to Cowes, where you will find the distinctive and natural chalk stacks attracting almost half a million visitors each year – an unmissable sight if you’re visiting the Isle of Wight.


Upon your arrival back in Lymington why not go for dinner at The Haven Bar & Restaurant where you can indulge in their fresh seafood, sharing platters and classic specialties. With floor to ceiling windows you won’t miss out on the incredible views of the sun setting on Lymington Marina and the Solent.
If this sounds like the trip for you, don’t hesitate to contact us at charter@diyachting.co.uk for more information and to book your ideal getaway with us now!