Click on the table rows to be taken to the corresponding trip page.

What is the Summer Programme?

Every summer we take our yacht Skylark on a sailing adventure to a destination we otherwise wouldn’t be capable of reaching during term-time! This year we have decided to sail around UK, visiting some of the most remote and beautiful places the British Isles has to offer.

The programme is divided into a number of 1 or 2 week trips which are categorised as either Cruising or Adventurous. Cruising trips tend to be more relaxed and are ideal for beginners - you will likely stay within coastal waters sailing for up to 8 hours a day before spending the night in a marina or at anchor. Adventurous trips are better suited to those with some prior experience - they will likely involve longer distances, with some passages lasting for over 24h as well as more challenging conditions off-shore and at night.

Our yacht, Skylark is a Beneteau First 40.7,  bought by the Club in 2016. She has three cabins, each sleeping two persons with an additional two berths in the Saloon. She is equipped with state-of-the-art navigation and safety equipment as well as many domestic comforts including a fridge, gas oven & hobs, diesel heater and BBQ!

How does it work?

At the beginning of each trip, the new crew meets Skylark at the pre-determined destination, receiving her from the previous crew. The new crew must then sail Skylark to the next destination in the allocated time but is otherwise free to explore the area in which ever way they choose.

On every trip a fully-qualified skipper and first-mate will be there to teach you the ropes, help you to navigate and keep everybody safe. It is important to note our trips are not designed as holiday packages and everybody on board will have equal responsibility for sailing, navigating, cooking and keeping the boat clean!

How much does it cost?

You must first become a member of Cambridge University Yacht Club before signing up to our trips. Our membership fee is currently £15 per year. Each trip will then cost £195 per week for current students of the University of Cambridge and £215 for Senior Members (past-students of the University of Cambridge) and Affiliates. This fee is used to cover the cost of maintaining Skylark and ensuring we can continue to run future trips.

Additional costs are then incurred throughout the trip including the cost of food, diesel and marina fees. At the end of the trip the total additional costs are divided equally amongst all members on board and paid through the CUYC website. We are also able to offer each crew member a full set of waterproofs and boots to hire for a fee of £15.00.

You will be responsible for any costs involved in travelling to and from the boat but please do not book any travel before your place has been confirmed and you have heard from your Skipper. All of our meeting points are easily accessible by public transport and have been chosen to keep costs to a minimum.

 

Stash!

You will have the option to purchase a CUYC Summer 2018 fleece when signing-up to a trip.

We have secured a deal on The North Face Cornice Fleece in black which will come embroidered with our Summer 2018 Logo for the price of £38.00.

Sizes S, M, L, and XL will be available in both genders.

 

 

#Oneless

In light of the growing global concerns regarding single use plastic pollution, CUYC would like to encourage all members on this year’s Summer Programme to take the #Oneless pledge.

To help we have teamed up with Blue Tap and #Oneless Cambridge to offer all our member’s a Blue Tap Stainless Steel Everyday Water Bottle (0.5 L) with the Summer Logo, for a cost of £12.00.

Our goal is for no disposable plastic water bottles to be brought aboard Skylark during this year’s programme!

 

For more information, please visit https://www.onelessbottle.org. 

 

 

When will trips be released?

 

Legs 1-7

28th March – VIP-access to those at launch event (sign-up with code in email)

29th March – general release on website

5th April – confirmation Junior places

12th April – confirmation Senior & Affiliate places

 

Legs 8-13

4th April – VIP-access to those at launch event (sign-up with code in email)

5th April – general release on website

12th April – confirmation Junior places

19th April – confirmation Senior & Affiliate places

 

Please note, priority will be given to Junior members before places are allocated to Senior members and Affiliates. Those who sign-up with our Launch Event code will also be given priority over other members in their membership category.