All aboard! Get ready to set sail on an adventure, wherever the wind takes you. CHRISSY HARRIS highlights the best places for sailing off the UK and Ireland’s coast.
Cowes, Isle of Wight
Cowes Week (July 27 to August 2 this year) is the largest and most respected sailing regatta of its kind in the world. Up to 7,000 competitors and 100,000 spectators arrive to these accessible waters to be part of an event that dates back to 1826. Being in and around Cowes is a treat all year round, however. The maritime gateway to the Isle of Wight is full of sailing and ship building history. Visitors arrive at The Parade, next to Cowes Castle which was originally built by Henry VIII in 1539.
Dale, Pembrokeshire
Dale is a calm, flat location that’s not actually on the open sea. Instead, it faces into Milford Haven, which, as the name suggests, is a safe waterway. It’s sheltered sailing here and well away from the westerly waves (although it can get choppy in easterly winds). Dale is a popular spot and busy if the sun’s out and the wind’s right. The nearby Boathouse café and bar serves an impressive post-sail burger and chips.
Isle of Mull, Inner Hebrides
The Mull coastline is a UK sailing highlight, with the chance to wildlife watch and explore some seriously beautiful uninhabited islands.
The weather is changeable but there are plenty of good days that’ll put the wind up you. Sail along the sound of Mull, past Duart Castle and towards the colourful town and fishing port of Tobermory. Bendoran Watersports offers sea sailing lessons on their two Wayfarer dinghies.
Kinsale, Co. Cork
The 34-mile stretch of water between Kinsale and Dingle is a popular cruising route, combing short sea passages with protected sailing areas. The clear waters here are warmed by the Gulf Stream, adding to this all-round very pleasant sailing experience. Kinsale is a natural harbour and bustling town, referred to as ‘the gourmet capital of Ireland’. Once fully loaded, you can sail towards other highlights along the coast, including the remote creek of Barlogue at the mouth of Lough Hyne.
Falmouth, Cornwall
Being out on the water comes naturally to folk in this coastal town. The deep harbour and the sheltered waters of the river Fal and its tributaries have been a boating playground for generations of sailors. There are lots of clubs in the area. Mylor Sailing and Powerboat School offers accessible sessions to help people with physical and learning disabilities get out on the water.
Falmouth Week (it’s more like ten days, from August 9-18) dates back to 1837 and is a key part of the yachting calendar.
Lymington, Hampshire
Anywhere along The Solent is top of the list for many seasoned sailors who want it all – a nice, narrow strait, stunning natural scenery, safe anchorages and ideal conditions. Lymington is a good place to start. Within a few minutes of leaving the marina, you can be out having fun in the Western Solent. Lymington is a major yachting centre, with three marinas and a collection of yacht and sailing clubs for all ages and abilities.
East Sussex
From the water, this heritage coastline has dramatic views of the iconic cliffs at Beachy Head, the Seven Sisters, as well as the sights and sounds of the ports of Dover, Folkestone and Rye. Any cruise along here will benefit from a pit-stop at two of the best and busiest marinas on the south coast. Brighton and Eastbourne are home to a sailor-friendly selection of waterside restaurants, bars and shops.
Cardigan Bay, mid-Wales
This shandy shallow bay is ideal for all levels of expertise. The waters vary from the safe harbour at New Quay to the exciting launch across Cardigan Bar at Poppit Sands. It’s a haven for wildlife, so expect to see some of the regular seasonal residents, including bottle-nosed dolphins. Take time to visit the towns and villages along the coast, including Pwllheli and Abersoch, a highly fashionable yachting resort.
Tor Bay, Devon
Devon’s English Riviera is set around a large, idyllic, horseshoe-shaped bay, which is sheltered by low hills. The coastline is stunningly beautiful with long sandy beaches and secluded coves to discover. The calm waters make the bay an ideal place to start out if you’re a beginner and there are easily accessed, modern marinas and harbours at Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. Torbay Royal Regatta takes place from August 24-26.
Belfast Lough, Co. Antrim
Head out across the glass-like waters of Belfast Lough for some water-based sightseeing. Points of interest include the towering cranes Samson and Goliath at the Harland & Wolff shipyard in Belfast, or the Royal Belfast Golf Club, the oldest golf club on the island. There’s an organised sailing tour you can join and no previous experience is required (see followingseas.co.uk). Belfast Lough Sailability offer people living with disabilities or disadvantages the chance to get out on the water.
