News
Valhalla Yachting hits the headlines! 08 May 2009
A host of yachting press attended Valhalla Yachting’s press day last week!
Keep ahead of the news and read all about it now ….
A memorable experience aboard a pair of classic Swan 55 foot yachts
With two beautiful matched Swan 55 foot yachts Valhalla Yachting present a unique and memorable sailing experience. Often used for corporate entertaining and team building days, these classic yachts are also popular with private individuals for special celebrations or for cruising further afield. Whether it’s business or pleasure, a sail on these stunning yachts is guaranteed to offer an amazing and unforgettable experience.
Swan Valhalla and Swan Galiana are identical Nautor Swan 55 foot yawls designed by the prominent firm of Sparkman and Stephens. Built in the 1970’s the yachts epitomise Swans superb early designs combining aesthetically pleasing lines with performance sailing. Both yachts have been immaculately maintained above and below decks with an ongoing investment and refurbishment programme. Each yacht can accommodate 10 guests in comfort for day sailing or sleep 6 persons for cruising and has a spacious cockpit and saloon area, ideal for socialising.
Guests have the exceptional opportunity to sail these stunning 55 foot yachts ‘hands on’. Professional crew are on hand to show them the ropes, which means that experience is not a pre-requisite. Guests help to hoist and trim the sails, man the winches and take the helm. And a visit to the navigation station is always welcome.
The yachts are located at Swanwick Marina at the head of the River Hamble, close to Southampton Airport and train stations and just minutes from the M27 motorway. The Solent offers excellent opportunities for day sailing and overnighting with it’s many bustling ports from Portsmouth to Yarmouth. For those who want to sail a little further afield, there are lots of destinations that can be easily reached including France, the Channel Islands or the west country. A specific itinerary can be tailored to suit a variety of time scales.
A typical day sail starts with a boat and safety brief during the cruise along the historic Hamble River. Once out in the Solent it’s time to hoist the sails and head towards the Isle of Wight. This is when the guests get to know the boats and fully take part in the sailing of the yacht. With 2 masts and up to 5 sails flying there are plenty of jobs to go round and guests can get involved as much or as little as they like.
Lunch is normally enjoyed on board in a pretty bay off the Isle of Wight; Osborne Bay, where Queen Victoria used to summer, being one of the favourite anchorages. Or there’s the opportunity to lunch ashore and enjoy some local hospitality or visit one of the many Yacht Clubs.
After a relaxing lunch there’s the opportunity to enjoy some matched racing between the two yawls in the afternoon. It’s always a close run race between the two sister ships and is certain to raise the adrenalin and the fun! Or if guests are a little too relaxed for such activity, they can while away the afternoon on the wide teak decks where the world simply passes by.
And if there’s a need for speed the RIB is always on hand to take guests for a spin enabling them to take photos of the yachts, spectate other boats and generally enjoy the thrill of a high-speed powerboat.
You’ll definitely see Valhalla and Galiana taking part in the major Solent Regattas, such as Cowes Week and the JP Morgan Round the Island Race. Suitable for novice and experienced sailors alike, some coaching from the expert crew quickly escalates guests to race crew as the yachts cross the start line. Guests can experience the thrill of racing in close quarters with the rest of the fleet and the tension at the mark roundings is sure to get their pulses racing. Assisted by the professional race crew and utilising a full suite of Kevlar racing sails and spinnakers, this offers one of life’s great experiences.
Whilst the yachts offer a lot of fun and memorable experiences out on the water they can also be used by businesses for team training and development. The yachts provide a natural active learning environment; to get the boat moving there are a multitude of tasks that need to be completed in a timely and efficient manner. Packages are available for team working focussing on communication, leadership and strategic development.
Hospitality forms an important part of any sailing event whether the emphasis is on entertainment, cruising, racing or training. Valhalla Yachting team up with Portsmouth based catering company ‘Fuizion’ to supply a range of menus befitting of a sail on an elegant yacht. Every need is catered for from breakfast on arrival to the much acclaimed afternoon cream teas that are served on the return trip along the pretty River Hamble, or a full catering package is offered for cruising charters.
The yachts are available to charter between April and October for corporate entertainment, team training and for private parties or entry into Solent based regattas.
For full information of Valhalla Yachting charter packages please visit www.valhallayachting.com or call Sue Mongey on +44 (0)7760 203128 or email sue.mongey@valhallayachting.com
Ends.
Notes for editor:
For technical specifications of the yachts, more details of the charter packages and itineraries or more photographs, please contact Sue Mongey.
Telephone: 0870 246 7755 or 07760 203128
Email: sue.mongey@valhallayachting.com
Office Address: Avery House, 52 Brooks Mews, London W1K 4EE
Marina Address: Swanwick Marina, Lower Swanwick, Hampshire SO31 1ZL
It's going to get hot in the city .... 08 Apr 2009
Following the cold snowy winter, the weather forecasters are predicting a ‘proper’ summer, when we can enjoy some beautiful long sunny days. We’re sure you will want to escape the heat in the city and what better place to be than aboard one of our beautiful Swan 55 foot yachts on the Solent. Now is an ideal time to start planning your summer sailing event to ensure you get the pick of our dates and get your event firmly scheduled in your client’s diaries.
Easter Gems 03 Apr 2009
If you want your pound to go further this Easter holiday, but still want a med style holiday, then cruising aboard a beautiful classic yacht could be just the ticket. Valhalla Yachting has two classic Swan 55s which come with a skipper and hostess to look after you and show you the ropes. Day sailing in the Solent for up to 12 people taking in the delights of the Isle of Wight or extended cruising, with up to 6 sleeping on board are both possibilities. It’s hand’s on and lots of fun for all the family or a group of friends. Early season savings with prices from £1200 per day. Call 0870 246 7755 or email sue.mongey@valhallayachting.com or check out the website www.valhallayachting.com and you too could be sailing off into the sunset.
New website launched 01 Apr 2009
Valhalla Yachting launched it’s new sleek, easy to use website today April 1st 2009.
Visitors to the site are encouraged to learn more about the beautiful Swan 55s Valhalla and Galiana that are available for sailing charters in the Solent. Equally popular for corporate sailing days and team building events, typical itineraries and menu suggestions are available on the site. Or for families and private charterers there are some suggestions for day sailing and cruising further afield. A whole host of special events taking place in the Solent in summer 2009 are listed for those who wish to incorporate these into their own event.
Valhalla makes a big splash! 15 Mar 2009
It may seem like summers still a little while away, but we were delighted to relaunch our two Swan 55s in the sunshine today. Now is the perfect time to start planning your summer calendar, whether you want to entertain your clients or build relations with your team. We’ve got some exciting new packages for Summer 2009 and some excellent discounts too!
Valhalla & Galiana our two beautiful classic Swan 55s are available for:
- client entertaining
- team building
- meet and sail packages
CALL US TODAY ON 0870 246 775 or 07760 203126 or email
sue.mongey@valhallayachting.com
For business or pleasure, you won’t get better value per head.
Prices from £150 per guest.
Our clients report that despite leaner times that we still represent excellent value for money and that their guests really enjoy the experience. Plus you can enjoy some precious time spent with your valued clients.
New for 2009, Meet & Sail Package 15 Feb 2009
Why not combine your sailing day with a business meeting? You can enjoy a breakfast meeting with private room in the comfort of the Royal Southern Yacht Club on the picturesque waterfront at Hamble. We’ll pick you up on our lovely Swan 55 from the Club’s private moorings. And you don’t have to worry about losing valuable sailing time, as we’re happy to start and finish at times to suit you. Plus, if you’re not in a hurry home we can assist with dinner arrangements and the Yacht Club have some lovely refurbished rooms where you can stay overnight.
New for 2009, Race Strategy Challenge 15 Jan 2009
Designed for those who want to work their minds as well as their bodies! This is an action packed day starting with a race in the morning where we guide you around the course, teaching you about navigation and tides as well as racing tactics. In the afternoon it’s a race with a difference; armed with your newfound knowledge you decide the course you want to sail! The objective is to collect maximum points by rounding scored bouys within a given time limit and without incurring penalties! It’s a fun competitive day and definitely a great one for team working.