Are you planning a yachting holiday for this summer? Not yet decided on your destination? Then this article will try to gently sway you in the direction of Cornwall. Why? Well, firstly, because Cornwall is home to what is arguably the finest stretch of coastline and set of beaches anywhere in the British Isles. The Cornish coast features stunning sandy beaches, dunes, hidden coves and inlets, deep blue waters, and a plethora of peninsulas, port towns and villages.
The second reason to head for the far South West is that sailing and the sea are prominent and longstanding parts of Cornish culture, making Cornwall a truly great place to immerse one’s self in the philosophies of sailing.
So, now we’ve established that Cornwall is a great place to sail, here’s some details of a few of the highlights of the Cornish coast:
Hotspot 1 –The Roseland Peninsula
One of Cornwall’s lesser-known spots, this is a hidden gem you must see. Lying just east of Falmouth, the peninsula’s heritage coastline is set against the backdrop of a thickly wooded hinterland and lush valleys, and features gentle cliffs descending to numerous hidden bays. Take a walk around St Anthony Head at the tip of the peninsula and discover incredible flora, fauna and birdlife, a ruined castle and stunning views of Falmouth harbour in the near distance.
Hotspot 2 – St Ives
Winner of Best UK Seaside Town in the British Travel Awards two years running (2010 and 2011), and Best Seaside Town by The Guardian newspaper in 2007, St Ives is renowned for its four stunning and varied beaches, the narrow, winding streets of its old town, and its vibrant artistic and cultural scene. Spend your day lounging from dawn till dusk on the town’s fine stretches of sand, relax in one of the many continental-style cafes, or soak up some culture at the Tate St Ives or the St Ives Museum – the choice is yours, and the choices are plenty!
Hotspot 3 – Penzance
Another of Cornwall’s more prominent destinations, Penzance, slightly larger than St Ives, is an old market town with a truly beautiful historic centre. It is situated in gorgeous surrounds with spectacular views across Mounts Bay. As well as exploring the old town and the slightly newer Georgian segments that surround it, there are many walks that can be taken around Penzance, and the town is also a perfect base from which to explore the country further afield around Land’s End, which features highlights such as Minack Theatre (an open air theatre cast out of a rocky granite outcrop) and the quaint fishing village of Porthcurno.
Heading Inland
Cornwall’s attractions don’t stop at the coast either: there are lots of things to see and do inland too, such as visiting the Eden Project (a multiple greenhouse complex housing vast displays of exotic fauna), and hiking on the rugged moorland of Exmoor and Dartmoor.
So there you have it. Hopefully this brief guide has sparked your interest in a Cornish sailing holiday. www.yachthavens.com, based at Plymouth Yacht Haven point out, “Cornwall’s maritime location and inclination mean it is equipped with plenty of quality sailing facilities, along with a multitude of berthing and marina options.” Start planning today and make it an adventure to remember!
Wendy Lin is an entrepreneur and lover of all watersports. She enjoys water skiing and wakeboarding. Her family also owns 2 sailing boats which are very well loved and used…
