Spinnaker Abseil – Final Joining Instructions

It’s nearly time! The Spinnaker Tower abseil is now just over a week away on Saturday July 31. It’s been a long time coming and we hope you’re as excited for the big day as we are. We really want to thank you for your patience and understanding with the postponement, and for your continued dedication to St Barnabas House!

To make sure you enjoy your abseil and those amazing views as much as possible, here is everything you need to know to be Abseil Day ready. Please do read carefully and let us know if you have any questions.

Your abseil details

Please check your individual on the day email to find your abseil time slot. We have sent this to you from our ‘Events’ mailbox; please do check your junk folder. If you can’t find your email please contact us on 07717891222 and we can confirm your time slot.

You should arrive no earlier than 30mins before your abseil time in order to register and complete an on the day medical form. We kindly ask you keep to this time to help with social distancing.

Spinnaker Tower details

If you are coming by car, you’ll be able to park in Gunwharf Quays underground car park. Use the postcode PO1 3TZ on your sat nav. Parking costs start from £2.90 for 2hrs. You can find more details about the car park here: www.gunwharf-quays.com/centre-info/our-car-park. Please be aware , there are fewer spaces at this time at Gunwharf Quays car park, so leave plenty of time to park

If coming by train, Portsmouth Harbour railway station is right next to Gunwharf Quays.

From inside Gunwharf Quays, Spinnaker Tower is signposted. You can find more details about getting to Spinnaker Tower here: www.spinnakertower.co.uk/how-to-find-us/

Where to meet us

When you arrive, please head to the main Spinnaker Tower entrance. You’ll find us just to the left of the main entrance. We’ll be there with a St Barnabas sail flag, so you can’t miss us.

You’ll be met by Fiona Anderson, a member of the Events Team, who will register you in and introduce you to the Spinnaker Team to complete your on the day medical form. If you’re running late or having trouble finding Fiona, please do call her on 07899 968331.

A representative from the Spinnaker Tower team will then take you up to the viewing platform where you’ll get into your harness. . The team will run through a safety briefing with you before taking you to the abseil platform. From here you’ll enjoy an incredible abseil…just be sure to take it all in and give your supporters a wave!

Where can supporters watch?

Talking of supporters, whilst they can’t come up to the viewing platform with you, they will be able to watch you from the ground along the promenade outside Gunwharf Quay, with a great view of the side of the Spinnaker you’ll be coming down.

What to wear

Jeans and trainers are fine to wear, or any tight fitting clothing, nothing too loose. We’d also suggest bringing an extra top layer in case of cooler or wetter weather. You’ll still be able to wear your hospice t-shirt over the top – you can get yours from Fiona when you arrive.

In terms of face coverings, although it won’t be mandatory to wear for your abseil, you would need to wear a mask when inside areas of Gunwharf Quay, so please make sure you bring one with you.

Spinnaker safety measures

If you haven’t already, do read through the Spinnaker’s ‘Know Before You Go’ and our ‘Abseil FAQs’, which details the additional health & safety and social distancing measures being put in place and should answer any questions that you have around your abseil.

Making your drop count

Some of you are well on your way with your fundraising goals but if you need some extra inspiration, take a look at your Fundraising Guide and your Virtual Fundraising Hub too. Both are bursting with ideas to get you started and handy hints to take your fundraising even further.

We’ll see you really soon. In the meantime, if you have any questions about your Spinnaker Abseil, please get in touch with Hannah anytime on 07717891222 or at events@stbh.org.uk, we’d love to hear from you!

We can’t wait to see you there!