Frequently Asked Questions
What is UKFSC, and how can i get involved?
UKFSC is the premier Sailing Event for Emergency Services based on the Solent, in and around The Isle Of Wight. Click here to find out more!
HOW MUCH IS THE ENTRY FEE?
UKFSC entry fee is £1450. This covers up to 8 competitors per boat, and includes all mooring fees: electric, water and facilities, and meals and entertainment each night. Additional crew members (Sunsail Boats only) may be entered at a cost of £70 per person. Smaller teams that 8 may enter but the entry fee will remain the same.
WHERE DO WE GET A BOAT?
UKFSC currently partner with two charter companies:
Sunsail - who support us with our Spinnaker Fleet Based at Port Solent
Fariview - who support us with our White Sails and Spinnaker Fleet Based at Port Hamble
WHERE WILL WE BE STAYING?
After racing, all boats will moor at Cowes Yacht Haven and traditionally crews sleep on the boats and share cabins. Some competitors, however, do choose to stay on land at their own expense. The Marina has lovely facilities with showers and toilets (very much like a campsite!) and your yacht will be supplied with an electric hook up and fresh water.
WHAT DO I PACK?
Please speak to your skipper or crew for advice on what to bring to UKFSC. Wet weather gear is a must, and this can be hired from the charter company if necessary. All crew members should wear a lifejacket whist racing, and these are supplied with the yachts.
HOW DO I FIND OUT MORE?
For full details please see the official Notice of Race which can be found here
We’d love to hear from you. Please contact us at info@ukfsc.org.uk
Who can be on our crew?
For teams entering a boat charted through Fairview the maximum team size is 8 people per boat. For teams entering a boat chartered through Sunsail the maximum team size is 10 people per boat. Two of these team members can be ‘experienced crew’ and are not required to be part of an emergency service. The rest of the crew must either be: Currently serving, previously serving, or retired from an emergency service. This includes all employees, from clerical staff to operational responders.
At least one member of the team will need to hold RYA Day Skipper as a minimum. Please speak to your associated charter company for confirmation on their qualification requirements.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO HIRE THE BOAT?
To participate in UKFSC, crews must pay an entry fee to the UKFSC and charter their boats separately:
Sunsail Charter: £2167.20 inc.VAT - this includes fuel and hire of wet weather gear - a 40% deposit is required. Maximum team size of 10 people.
Fairview Charter: £2049.00 inc.VAT - this includes fuel and cost of Spinnakers - a 25% deposit is required. Maximum team size 8 people.
Please note: these charter prices are subject to change and are set by the respective charter companies. The UKFSC cannot be held responsible for any price changes made by the charter companies. Please contact them directly for more information.
HOW DO WE PAY AND WHEN?
After the team organiser or skipper registers the team, they will shortly receive an invoice with details on payment. We will require a deposit of £560 to secure your space, and then the balance will be due no later than March 1 2025.
After we have received your deposit we will direct you to your charter company where you can book your boat and pay your charter deposit.
Please note. The charter company will not allow you to book your boat until you have paid your entry deposit to the UKFSC. The UKFSC are not responsible for booking your yacht your team organiser / skipper will need to do that independently.
The total cost of the event is as follows:
Entry for the event = £1450 (plus any additional crew members at £70 per person)
PLUS
Charter of the yacht = £2167.20 or £2049.00 depending on who you charter with
This amount can then be divided between all the crew members, eight for example.
Still unsure? Get in contact here!..
