Sailing Holidays in the UK: The West Country

1,515 views | March 6th, 2021

There has never been a better time to explore our wonderful coast and a UK Sailing Holiday is the perfect way to do it. The West Country coast offers a beautiful backdrop of quaint fishing villages, seaside towns and rolling hills.

The beautiful British counties of Devon and Cornwall with their amazing coastal scenery, historic charming harbour towns, tranquil anchorages, along with a welcoming sailing community offer stunning cruising options. Sailing in the West Country provides something for all levels of sailing, whether in our modern charter fleet or aboard our restored 1908 gaff rigger. Whether you’re drawn to the modern marinas, the rich marine history, peaceful coves, amazing seafood, or fish and chips on the harbour wall you’re bound to find something that floats your boat. Our sailing holidays are ideal for those wishing to build their sea miles and improve their navigation skills, or for those just wanting a relaxing break. Even if you’re familiar with the West Country; arriving by sea gives a whole new vantage point.

Sailing Destinations in the West Country

Places to visit are conveniently within a day or even half a day sail to the next port. Sail into Dartmouth, its entrance majestically guarded by a castle, and enjoy it’s quaint town. From there you could sail to Salcombe, only a short jaunt across Start Bay. Salcombe is a picturesque seaside town opening up to gently undulating hills. Quintessential West Country. Check out The Crab Shed, right by the water. Further to the West, we have the thriving naval port of Plymouth. Then around to charming Fowey. Here you’ll find medieval buildings standing beside Georgian splendour. Fowey is within a protected area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. I’d also recommend the Fowey Valley Cider and Gin. Then along to Falmouth, we have two more castles on the Fal Estuary. Pendennis Point on the left and St. Mawes castle to the right. Here you can discover creeks and villages scattered about. The rock pools at St.Mawes are teeming with marine life. For a more unspoiled experience head further west to enjoy the sleepy, beautiful Helford River.

Modern or Traditional Sailing

First Class Sailing has a number of options from our fleet of modern cruising yachts including Jeanneau, Beneteau, and Bavaria, and this year we are very excited to also offer our freshly renovated old gaff rigger. She is a traditional wooden Brixham Mumble Bee sailing trawler built in 1908. Our modern yachts are all spacious cruising yachts with comfortable double cabins and single berths.

Our Brixham Mumble Bee, one of the last remaining pair, is called Golden Vanity. Whilst we retain traditional seamanship, with no winches on board, hoisting and lowering the sails is by manpower we have installed some mod cons, like hot water and heating to make for an enjoyable adventure. With her spacious decks and cavernous below deck, she can take 12 in bunk style, there will only be a maximum of 5 plus skipper and mate. The accommodation is perhaps ‘cosier’ than modern counterparts, but delivers a memorable and unique experience. Imagine tracing this historic and majestic coastline in this extraordinary vessel. Check out Golden Vanity and her history and what she has to offer. You can even complete your Day Skipper practical on Golden Vanity.

Westward Ho!

Most of us think we know the West Country and think we know what it has to offer, but with some of the best cruising in the world, a sailing holiday offers an amazing and fresh perspective of this beautiful coastline. There are a number of 5 and 7-day voyages to choose from and a choice of boats. Our skippers are highly qualified instructors so you can choose to relax and enjoy the ride or get hands on, build sea miles, learn new skills, increase your experience and apply your seamanship.