Discover the joy: Why You Should Try Steering a Yacht with a Tiller Helm
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.
The Art of Tiller Steering:
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.
3 reasons why we love tiller steering
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.
Red Kite, Elan 31
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!
The charter fee for Red Kite and Jukebox includes an hour of complimentary tiller tuition should you wish, meaning you can set sail confidently with a tiller helm.
Jukebox, Beneteau First 32
WHAT CLIENTS SAY
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!
We had a great time sailing with Lee for a few days at the beginning of September. Hamble Point Yacht Charters supplied us an impeccable 45 ft Hanse yacht, which was handled with complete mastery by Captain Lee. It was a privilege to sail with Lee, who is clearly a highly skilled professional taking great pride in his work ... but who is also a fantastic character with a great sense of humour and plenty of fun stories to keep the whole family entertained. He balances the serious side of safety and learning about sailing with a whopping dose of amusement and good cheer. We sailed the Solent in some decent seas, visited Bucklers Hard on the banks of the Beaulieu River and learned lots about British nautical history. Our boys started somewhat of a fishing trend catching bass off the back of the boat in Portsmouth and we would love to sail with Lee again in the future. The man truly knows his stuff, maintained the boat impeccably and went to every effort to ensure that we had a great time. Many thanks to “Shippers” and Hamble Point Charters. We’ll be back.
Chartered bareboats with HPYC on numerous occasions most recently in Sept 2020. Always helpful and accommodating. Highly recommend.
We had a fantastic weekend sailing on Loxley B. Boat in super condition and spotlessly clean, Alex. and the team very thorough and always on hand to answer any questions. A great experience. We will be back. Thank you!
Lots of information from office with a friendly service. We selected a one of the cheaper yachts and was please with find everything work and was cleaned and tidy. We will definitely be back
This was the first time we had tried chartering and as experienced racing sailors we didn't know what to expect. Covid has closed down all our events this year so this was a chance to get afloat at least once in 2020. What a great experience and Alex and all the Hamble staff could not have been more friendly or helpful. We had a great three days and we will be back !! We would have no hesitation is recommending Hamble Point Yacht Charters.