With a cool breeze at the back of your neck, full sails and the famous chalk cliffs in view, the English cruising grounds offer sailing enthusiasts a unique combination of nature, culture and active sailing. No wonder England is so popular with sailors: here romantic past meets cool modernity.
Best travel time
June - September
Currency
British Pound
Spoken languages
English, Scottish, Irish, Gaelic and various dialects
Tips
Great Britain is a region with a rich seafaring heritage. The English south coast in particular is home to countless quaint harbour towns with long, eventful histories. The strong winds and large tidal range of the English Channel present an exciting challenge for even the most experienced sailors.
The areas around the United Kingdom (especially England) are tidal waters. The skipper should have a sound knowledge of high and low tide times, expected water levels, currents and associated dangers. Always watch out for so-called "races". At certain times, wind, current and shoals create wave formations that can cause serious damage to a yacht.
Depending on the cruising area, you may also have to deal with the sometimes very heavy commercial shipping. Many traffic separation areas (TSS) with large and fast ships require special attention from the skipper and the entire charter crew.