A sailing event may seem like something reserved for weekends or holidays, but it can also present a fantastic opportunity for businesses. From an innovative way to improve teamwork to providing a platform to wow clients, corporate sailing days are a perfect solution.

To learn about the top reasons to book this kind of event, read our guide.

Simplicity

A corporate sailing event may sound like something difficult to organise and execute, but it can actually be very simple. Indeed, you will find Port Solent on the UK's south coast is easy to reach, which means travelling to and from the venue need not be difficult.

Meanwhile, a dedicated account manager can help you to organise the day itself and ensure your goals – whatever they may be – are achieved by the itinerary. What's more, no-one in your party needs prior sailing knowledge, so you do not have to worry that this kind of event will be restricted to experienced seafarers.

Treat your best clients

In the current economic climate, reliable clients that either hold large contracts or consistently purchase your products or services should be particularly well-valued. If you are keen to say thank you to one of your top customers – and strengthen your business relationship for the future – a sailing day can be the ideal choice.

By doing something out of the norm and exciting, you will be able to demonstrate how much their custom is valued. What's more, this kind of treat may also encourage them to do business with you in the future, or even increase their current order. Neither you nor your clientele will need previous sailing experience, which makes organising this kind of day out all the more straightforward and hassle-free.

Say thank you to your staff

Of course, your clients are by no means the only people you may want to say thank you to. After all, ensuring you reward your staff for good work will help boost morale and keep them motivated – something that should translate to strong returns for your business.

These kinds of events work in a similar way to treating your clients, in that you can spend the day simply cruising around the scenic Solent and relaxing. This is also a perfect way for your team members to get to know each other better in a less formal setting.

Incentivise your team

If your team is drawn to the idea of corporate sailing days, you could also consider using this as means of incentivising them to hit their targets. For example, you could set a goal for the sales team and promise that, when this is met – or if it is reached within a given timeframe – they will be treated to a day on the water.

Bring your workforce together

Perhaps one of the best reasons to organise a corporate sailing day is simply that it can act as a fantastic teambuilding exercise. Indeed, sailing naturally draws participants together to work towards a common goal – but events like this can also be tailored to your business's specific needs.

For example, if you perceive your team has a problem communicating, this can be an area of focus for the day, as can skills such as leadership and problem solving. Typically, racing events are particularly effective for this.

Your staff will be divided into teams and will have to work together in order to reach the finish line first. This can bring out skills such as collaborating successfully with new people, crisis management, conflict resolution and more.

Find hidden talent

Another reason to book a sailing event is that, by taking your workforce out on to the water in this way, you will have an excellent opportunity to see your team members in a new light. Skills that were not evident in the office may become more obvious in this new environment, and could even give you ideas of how to make the best use of individuals' skills.

This could lead to changes in personnel, the restructuring of a department or perhaps the creation of a brand new role. Or, you may find someone to head up an all-important new project. So, remember to observe your employees keenly throughout the day.