When envisioning the quintessential image of sailing, many minds conjure the romantic notion of a Helm gracefully guiding a vessel through the open seas, hands on the wheel of a classic ship. Yet, there exists another perhaps lesser-known (unless a hardened dinghy sailor) method of steering a yacht-one that offers a unique and immersive experience: the tiller helm.
In contrast to the wheel helm, which often separates the helmsman from direct contact with the boats movement’s, the tiller helm places the sailor in connection with the boat’s dynamics. A tiller allows a helmsman to exert precise control over the rudder stock and the feel is very different and much more responsive and sensitive.
1. Tillers provide an immediate and intuitive response offering a more direct connection to the yacht’s movements.
2. Simplicity and Reliability: Unlike complex wheel systems with mechanical linkages and hydraulic components, tiller helms are straightforward in design, reducing the likelihood of mechanical failure and simplifying maintenance requirements. This simplicity also translates to ease of use, making tiller-steered yachts accessible to less experienced sailors and seasoned veterans alike. They are a good stepping stone for youth and younger dinghy sailors to get into yachting.
3. Tiller steering is a sensory experience of sailing, amplifying the connection with the wind, water and weather. Feeling the subtle nuances of the yacht’s response through the tiller, sailors become attuned to the every-changing conditions of the environment, heightening their appreciation of seamanship.
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor seeking a new challenge or a transitioning dinghy sailor wishing to get into yachting, the tiller helm beckons. The next time you are thinking of taking a yacht charter consider taking one of our smaller tiller helm yachts out and experience the thrill of steering a yacht in its purest form.
We offer a variety of yachts within our fleet and have tiller vessels available for charter. Take a look at Red Kite, an Elan 31 she's a fabulous all-rounder. A popular and versatile yacht, fast in light winds but also highly capable and easy to handle in more challenging conditions, equally important to the cruising family and the race crew. Another is our fabulously fast cruiser racer Jukebox, a Beneteau First 32 with a powerful new engine. She is a little older than the rest of our fleet but we think she is a great little yacht and perfect for a getaway with a small group of friends or family!
Charted a Bavaria 36 for a weekend trip. Last minute booking and super impressed with how we managed to sort thing out so quickly and easily after just a couple of e-mails and phone calls. Arrived late Friday after office was closed but check in pack had been left for us to pick up and overnight onboard. Boat very nicely kitted out and left Sat morning to ride Westerly tide to Lymington. Great local knowledge given during the morning walk through about where to moor and get dinner. Nice sail back on Sunday. Weather turned foul but she handled really well under full sail. Everyone on board enjoyed themselves and it's exactly what I'd hoped for from the weekend. This was first time sailing from Hamble and it's a great location to get quickly into the Solent. Definitely will be back once weather warms up and days get longer to try some longer trips. Thank you Hamble Point Charters for a great weekend !
My family and I had a great charter experience recently thanks to Alex, Andy and the whole team. Well maintained boat, friendly service and advice. We plan to charter again next year with them.
Alex, Becca and the team could not have been more helpful considering we called them at 4:45 Tuesday for a boat on Wednesday, another charter company had let us down at the last minute. Check-out and back in was well organized and we had a great 3 days sailing.
As a family, including our 4 year old Labrador, we recently chartered a 'bareboat' yacht from Hamble Point Charters for 7 days to cruise the Solent. The company were fantastic from our first enquiry to handing back the boat. The yacht was clean and well presented. A great week and we will happily use them again!
We have just had another wonderful week on a yacht we chartered from Hamble Point Yacht Charters. We have sailed several of their boats, this time it was a lovely 35 foot Bavaria. Chartering from HPYC is always an easy choice for us: the boats are well maintained, support is excellent, and the staff are always super friendly and helpful. On top of that, Hamble Point is such an ideal starting location for sailing around the Solent.
This is truly a 5 * service. The team really looked after us both ashore on arrival and also while at sea. We were a relatively inexperienced crew but always felt the team ashore had our backs. Thoroughly recommended.
I just wanted to say Thank-you very much for the weekend charter. It was exactly what we were after (albeit cold!) plus Andy was an awesome teacher and great company. We’ll definitely be keen to book again soon!
We had a fabulous four days. Marina is ideally placed for the Solent, boat was in great condition, well equipped and a joy to sail. We were well briefed and the shore side team including the dog very friendly.
We charted one of the sailing yachts for a fantastic weekend cruise in the Solent. The boat was in superb condition and well equipped, the staff was very helpful explaining how things work on the yacht and there was also a video available with all the important information. 10/10 would recommend!
Had a fantastic week chartering Blue Otter, Alex was incredibly helpful and sent loads of information and date checking prior to booking. There was a handover video and both the handover and return were really smooth. The boat was lovely and well maintained and Lee was really helpful in recommending places to visit (and helping identify the steering issue as an autopilot takeover - doh!). Definitely will be back and would fully recommend!
Just back from a lovely week in the Solent. Great service from HPYC from first inquiry through to return handover. Very straightforward to deal with, and the yacht was in excellent condition. We've chartered from many companies in the UK and abroad and the attention to detail (and flawless inventory!) was second to none. Everything about the yacht and equipment had clearly been well looked after and was in immaculate condition. Great service, will use again.
Always very friendly service, and well-maintained yachts. Easy check-in and checkout. Will be back...
We had a great time and were very happy with everything. Your team were genuinely friendly and were very helpful when we needed it. Is a big contrast to many charter companies I have dealt with in the past.
Watching the sun go down with a glass of bubbly on the deck of a sparkling yacht was unbelievable. What a treat, and a much needed change of scenery in these troubled times. We will be back for sure
Fab service, nothing too much trouble, including my daft questions. I'll be a repeat customer for sure!