Steamship Shieldhall Round the Island Race sailing

Spend a leisurely day on the Solent, enjoying the spectacle of the Round the Island Yacht Race from the great viewing platform of the Shieldhall! The race regularly attracts over 1,700 boats and around 16,000 sailors, making it one of the largest yacht races in the world and the fourth largest participation sporting event in the UK after the London Marathon and the Great North and South Runs. Very popular with photographers, Shieldhall is a very stable vessel and provides a wonderful viewing and photographic platform.During our trip to the Solent we will pass the cruise ships Aurora, Independence of the Seas, Iona and MSC Virtuosa in Port at close quarters - always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’!As part of your cruise, see the impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork; admire the ship’s steam assisted steering gear (similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and our volunteer crew; listen to the informed commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and The Solent; pass close to the great ocean liners and container ships; walk the teak decks; relax in the Saloon with a wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; real ale; a range of bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, including ice cream, available on all trips.Courtesy parking is available close to the berth.Children will have fun with our interactive Shieldhall Log Book, collecting stickers from various stations on board!