Going sailing on a holidays in South West Wales provide plenty of challenges to sailors of all abilities. The offshore waters provide some of the finest sailing in Britain, with Viking-named islands like Caldey, Skokholm, Skomer, Ramsey and Grassholm beckoning across clear blue-green seas. Sailing closer inshore provides a spectacular coastline of soaring cliffs and sweeping sands easily accessed from a great range of ports and anchorages. Many of the region’s beaches also have launch facilities for smaller craft.
There's nothing like taking to the water and steering a course in your own boat as Orlando finds out when he hooks up with a local sailor in Swansea Bay. Meanwhile, Aline takes in the sights of the local countryside.
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If you’re just beginning to find your sea legs and sailing is new to you, the Milford Haven Waterway and the Daugleddau Estuary make the perfect starting point to your sailing holiday in South West Wales. Admiral Nelson described this as the finest natural harbour in the world so it comes well recommended.
The more experienced sailors will enjoy sailing that offers challenging tidal races between the various islands. The further east you sail along the Bristol Channel, the bigger the tides - the second biggest on the planet, in fact.
Whether your sailing experience rivals that of a 'Cabin Boy’ or a 'Captain’, sailing in South West Wales can be enjoyed by all. We have sailing schools which can offer everything from helping you distinguish a reef knot from a granny knot through to sharpening your skills in the most challenging conditions.
How & where
There are sailing schools at all the major marinas and harbours in South West Wales where you can get expert tuition in sailing pretty much any kind of craft. A great spot for sailing holidays in Wales is the Milford Haven Waterway, it’s a sailing nirvana, with Neyland Marina, which has over 400 berths, Milford Haven Marina with its wide range of visitor facilities, and Dale, a focal point for sailors manning everything from tiny Pico dinghies to ocean-going yachts.
Other great locations for a sailing holiday in South West Wales include Swansea’s magnificent new 600-berth marina as it has a vast array of facilities and is close to the city centre. At the other end of the scale are smaller harbours and anchorages such as Fishguard and Saundersfoot, Solva and Newport, set amongst lovely coastline.
Sailing courses, boat and crew hire, lessons are all available from the operators listed on the right hand side of this page.
Top Tips
Let’s be honest. If you’re new to sailing dinghies, you will definitely capsize your craft and end up in the drink at some point! But hey, it’s all part of the fun of sailing holidays and they’re easy to right.
When packing for your sailing holiday don’t forget to take plenty of sun cream with you. South West Wales is one of the sunniest parts of Britain, and when you’re out at sea that sunlight is reflected right back, making it easy to burn. Not to mention the effects of windburn. All of which will see you going home with a healthy sailor’s tan.
More info
The Royal Yachting Association’s website has useful info on the West Wales sailing scene.