Master's Weekend
Join the Master for her Grand Finale....
...on the Isle of Wight

Friday 12 - Sunday 14 September 2025

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As a qualified RYA Yachtmaster Offshore and member of the Royal Southampton Yacht Club, and long-time resident of the New Forest, Elena has a unique combination of local knowledge, a deep love of the sea, and a lifelong passion for sailing, maritime heritage, and classic literature. With her personal connections and insider access, she invites you to join her for a weekend unlike any other: A richly curated blend of culture, connection, and coastal charm.

Step aboard for a captivating three-day journey across the Isle of Wight – filled with exclusive visits, literary legends, gourmet experiences, and the untold stories of this remarkable island, shared by those who call it home.

To ensure an exceptional experience, numbers are strictly limited to just thirty participants. Some of the weekend’s most memorable highlights are only accessible by minibus, and with two outstanding local guides leading the way, this promises to be an intimate and expertly curated journey.

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FRIDAY 12 SEPTEMBER

Arrival and Afternoon Immersion

11:00 Arrive at the Red Funnel Southampton Terminal 1, which services both vehicles and foot passengers. Parking is available at the terminal – please book in advance for Friday to Sunday. Two private minibuses will meet you, and they will serve as our group’s transport for the entire weekend.
12:00 Ferry from Southampton → East Cowes (arrive 13:00)
Your Isle of Wight adventure begins as our two private minibuses will bring you to the west of the island.

13:45 – 14:45 | Private Guided Visit: Farringford Farm, Freshwater Bay
Welcome to the former home of Alfred Lord Tennyson, Queen Victoria’s Poet Laureate.
Meet your guides, Jane Richter (owner of Isle of Wight Guided Tours) and her colleague Kelly Wetherick.
Today, it is a rare opportunity to explore this private estate with Kelly Wetherick — your guide, and a member of the family who owns the farm. Discover how Tennyson shaped the land into a model farm. Walk the gardens and grounds that inspired his greatest works. Access areas not open to the public – a genuine behind-the-scenes visit!
Group photo outside Farringford House (see photo below):

15:00 – 15:30 | Tea & Cake at Dimbola Museum and Galleries
Step into the bohemian world of Julia Margaret Cameron, Victorian pioneer of portrait photography and great-aunt of Virginia Woolf.

15:30 – 16:30 | Talk at Olympus Gallery: “Robert Hooke – The West Wight Polymath”
Presented by island historian Kevin Shaw, this illustrated talk celebrates Freshwater-born 17th-century genius Robert Hooke – scientist, architect, inventor, and often forgotten visionary.

16:30 | Depart for Accommodation both in Freshwater Bay and Cowes hotels. For a seamless and sophisticated experience, the group will be evenly divided between two exceptional locations: the nautical elegance of Cowes and the coastal serenity of Freshwater Bay. This arrangement also ensures smooth logistics throughout the weekend, with dedicated minibuses and coordinated transport.

20:00 I Dinner at The Smoking Lobster, Cowes
Quite possibly the Island’s best restaurant and a real must for the authentic first class Isle of Wight culinary experience.

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SATURDAY 13 SEPTEMBER

Morning: Dickens & Vineyards

10:00 | Illustrated Talk at The Albion, Freshwater Bay
Meet Ian Dickens – great-great-grandson of Charles Dickens – for an inspiring talk on five generations of the Dickens family and their unique connection to the sea, starting with Charles Dickens's father and through to Ian of the current generation. (We are hoping that signed copies of Ian's book 'Sea Change' may be available. This charts his personal experiences whilst he circumnavigated the world during the Clipper 2000-01 race). You may also have heard of his brother, the actor Gerald Dickens?

15:30 – 16:30 | Private Tour of the Classic Boat Museum – Boat Shed, Cowes (West)
An exclusive tour of the Classic Boat Museum - Boat Shed, Cowes (West) in 2 groups . See the boats and hear the story of the maritime history of Cowes unfold, as told by its Deputy Chair Dr. Victoria Preston and her husband Chris Preston, experienced sailor and former chair of the Royal Yachting Association (RYA).

16:30 – 17:00 | Return to Accommodation & Change for Dinner
Cowes guests return quickly to local accommodation. Albion guests enjoy a scenic drive back to Freshwater Bay.

19:30 | Formal Black Tie Gala Dinner at the Royal Yacht Squadron (Cowes)
An unforgettable evening at the prestigious Royal Yacht Squadron — a private club with unrivalled history and grandeur hosted by Mark Dowie CBE, former CEO of the RNLI and current NED on Navy Board, Royal Navy.

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SUNDAY 14 SEPTEMBER

12:30 – 14:00 | Farewell Lunch at The Rock, Albion (Freshwater Bay)
Relax and relive the highlights over a delicious Sunday Roast Lunch. Thank you to our wonderful guides, Kelly and Jane.

15:30 | Ferry from East Cowes to Southampton 
Both minibuses depart after lunch to return to the mainland with smiles, stories, and unforgettable memories.

COSTS
(not including accommodation)

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

There are three different accommodation options available – please contact Elena Oderstone by 10 August 2025 to arrange the booking. Payments should then be made directly to the hotels.

OPTION1: The Albion at Freshwater Bay (having had a major refurbishment last year) offers stunning views of The Bay.  You are close enough to dive straight into the sea from your balcony or terrace - although we really don’t advise it!  Ultra modern now – there has been an inn with rooms here since the 18th century. £200 per room per night – double occupancy. (Availability – 15 people max to fill one minibus).

OPTION 2: The Royal Yacht Squadron (RYS) – incorporating the former West Coast Castle and where ‘sailing’ as we know it today first started with racing and regattas – the first of which because of a drunken bet made by Kind William IV – uncle of Queen Victoria. It is one of the most exclusive yacht clubs in the world. £220 per room per night – double occupancy (very limited availability!).

OPTION 3: Villa Rothsay is perched high, overlooking the RYS, and commanding magnificent views over the sea. It is Victorian and proud; both its exterior and interior feature Victorian décor. Your host, Margaret Ankers, is one of the best-known and most beloved characters in Cowes, and she will keep you thoroughly entertained with all her fascinating stories and marvelous hospitality. This has more of the feel of being part of a ‘home’ rather than a hotel. £198 per room per night – double occupancy (limited availability!).

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Please book early!  To ensure an exceptional experience, numbers are strictly limited to just thirty participants. Some of the weekend’s most memorable highlights are only accessible by minibus, and with two outstanding local guides leading the way, this promises to be an intimate and expertly curated journey.

BOOKING DEADLINE
SUNDAY 10 AUGUST