Celebrate getting out on the water and everything that’s on offer onshore as well with this, our thirteenth edition of the Solent Handbook. Whether you’re a sailor, a nature lover, enjoy great entertainment and food, or all three, then this is the ideal publication to dip into to appreciate Solent life at its best. For expert insights into sailing and life on the water we’ve put together some fascinating features including an interview with Xavier Baker Co-Founder of the Isle of Wight Distillery and Mermaid Gin who talks about the challenge he and two friends will be undertaking, namely rowing 3000 miles across the Atlantic as part of the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge – a true life ‘three men in a boat’. We also speak to the team behind the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust’s ‘Secrets of the Solent project’ which has achieved amazing things during its four-year duration. The project is drawing to a close, but it’s hoped that the legacy it leaves behind will inspire; shining a spotlight on wildlife, using art and creativity, and encouraging meaningful change through beach cleans and sea bins. If you’re new to sailing or fancy a change of scene, then John Hodgins of Marchwood Yacht Club tells you everything that you need to know about choosing the right yacht club for you, and our guide to weather conditions around the Solent and the Isle of Wight will give you an invaluable knowledge of land effect and the flow of water and air. And to that end, please read our feature on RYA SafeTrx, a free app from the RYA that uses tracking and alerting technology designed to take the search out of search and rescue by making the user’s status and location accessible to HM Coastguard should the unexpected happen. Dates for your diary of course must include Round the Island Race on 1 July, the Rolex Fastnet Race Saturday 22 July (50th edition), and Cowes Week from the 29 July – 4 August when the competition is hot and the onshore entertainment lively, with tide tables from the UK Hydrographic Office to keep you on course. And remember that we have our online handbook at solenthandbook.com where we can keep you up to date with what’s happening on the water, race fixtures, and any other Solent sailing news. Thanks for the support of our advertisers without whom we wouldn’t be able to produce the handbook and please return that support when you are on the Island or sailing along the south coast. From the Solent Handbook team, we wish you safe and happy Solent sailing. Managing Director Published by Inspired Media Andy Kinnaird © 2023 Inspired Media Sales Yasmin Attrill Accounts Louise Kinnaird Design Laura Craven t: 07773 276215 | e: [email protected] | solenthandbook.com www.SolentHandbook.com 3