About Time: You Set Sail This Summer with Click&BoatBy Angelica Malin
With self-catering accommodation in the UK selling out fast and tourist hotspots expected to be busy this summer, take to the water instead and hire a boat for an alternative peaceful way to holiday with Click&Boat.
Avoid the traffic jams and congested car parks at beauty spots by sailing along Britain’s picturesque coastline or inland waterways, perfect if you’re looking to explore our island’s secluded beaches, quaint villages and waterside inns.
Sailing regulars and first-timers can charter a private boat through Click&Boat for a day outing or a week-long escape, and with none of the stress of organising accommodation and transport, families, friends and couples can enjoy the peace of mind and social distancing that come as standard during a sailing holiday. Whilst seasoned sailors can captain their own boats, for guests without a license, a local skipper can be arranged, acting as a guide to recommend the best beach spots, local eateries and lesser-known ports of call.
Here, Click&Boat suggests three UK sailing destinations to book this summer:
Sail Past the Stunning Natural Sights of Dorset
The Lowdown: Poole and its natural harbour, which is the second largest in the world, provides the perfect backdrop for a sailing break. Travellers can circumnavigate Brownsea Island before stepping foot onto its sandy paths to seek the resident red squirrels and array of birdlife. The market town of Wareham offers a leisurely sail along the River Frome, with its reed beds and marshy flats, or for those keen to taste salt water on their lips, sail past multi-million-pound houses on Sandbanks towards the beautiful Studland Bay, with its famous Old Harry Rocks.
The Details: Click&Boat guests can charter a Elan 333 Sailboat from Poole, Dorset accommodating six people across two cabins with one bathroom and a kitchen. Prices start from £527 for two nights in August 2021.
Discover the Maritime History of the Solent
The Lowdown: One of the most famous sailing areas in the world, the Solent combines action packed sailing with beautiful ports and must-see attractions. Enthusiasts can learn about the Solent’s importance at the SeaCity Museum in Southampton before sailing on to Cowes, home to the oldest and biggest sailing regatta in the world, with quiet beaches scattered along the Isle of Wight coastline. Further down the Solent, travellers can explore hidden creeks and marshland best viewed from the water where the New Forest meets the sea, before mooring in the historic town of Lymington for a spot of shopping.
The Details: Click&Boat guests can charter a Beneteau 40.7 Sailboat from Hamble-le-Rice, Hampshire accommodating 10 people across three cabins, including one bathroom and a kitchen. Prices start from £1,470 for four nights in July 2021.
Marvel at Scotland’s Rugged West Coast
The Lowdown: If dramatic scenery and wildlife appeals, sailors can explore the rugged west coast of Scotland over seven days, journeying on a leg from the Mull of Kintyre, to the islands of Jura and Gigha, past rocky outcrops and soaring seabirds to Skye, Lewis and Harris. Along the way, guests will be able to explore villages ashore, taking in the whisky distilleries and local pubs that offer a real feel for this remote area. Whilst out at sea, glimpses of puffins, humpback whales, otters, basking sharks, and orca will be sure to leave a lasting impression.
The Details: Click&Boat guests can charter a Beneteau First 40.7 on a leg from Oban on the west coast of Scotland, accommodating eight people across three cabins, including a bathroom and kitchen. Prices start from £3,020 for seven days in August 2021, including professional crew.
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