The United Kingdom is a great historical sailing nation island in northwestern Europe. Home of the Royal Yacht Association and many international sailing championships.
"The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom (UK or U.K.), or Britain, is a sovereign country in north-western Europe, off the north-western coast of the European mainland. The United Kingdom includes the island of Great Britain, the north-eastern part of the island of Ireland, and many smaller islands within the British Isles. Northern Ireland shares a land border with the Republic of Ireland. Otherwise, the United Kingdom is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, with the North Sea to the east, the English Channel to the south and the Celtic Sea to the south-west, giving it the 12th-longest coastline in the world. The Irish Sea separates Great Britain and Ireland. The total area of the United Kingdom is 94,000 square miles (240,000 km2).
The United Kingdom is a unitary parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. The monarch is Queen Elizabeth II, who has reigned since 1952. The United Kingdom's capital is London, a global city and financial centre with an urban area population of 10.3 million.
The United Kingdom consists of four countries: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Their capitals are London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, respectively. Apart from England, the countries have their own devolved governments, each with varying powers. Other major cities include Birmingham, Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, and Manchester.
The union between the Kingdom of England (which included Wales) and the Kingdom of Scotland in 1707 to form the Kingdom of Great Britain, followed by the union in 1801 of Great Britain with the Kingdom of Ireland created the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. Five-sixths of Ireland seceded from the UK in 1922, leaving the present formulation of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The UK's name was adopted in 1927 to reflect the change.The nearby Isle of Man, Bailiwick of Guernsey and Bailiwick of Jersey are not part of the UK, being Crown dependencies with the British Government responsible for defence and international representation. There are also 14 British Overseas Territories, the last remnants of the British Empire which, at its height in the 1920s, encompassed almost a quarter of the world's landmass and was the largest empire in history. British influence can be observed in the language, culture and political systems of many of its former colonies. The United Kingdom has the world's fifth-largest economy by nominal gross domestic product (GDP), and the ninth-largest by purchasing power parity (PPP). It has a high-income economy and a very high human development index rating, ranking 15th in the world. It was the world's first industrialised country and the world's foremost power during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The UK remains a great power, with considerable economic, cultural, military, scientific, technological and political influence internationally. It is a recognised nuclear weapons state and is sixth in military expenditure in the world. It has been a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council since its first session in 1946.
The United Kingdom is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the Council of Europe, the G7, the G20, NATO, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), Interpol and the World Trade Organization (WTO). It was a member of the European Union (EU) and its predecessor, the European Economic Community (EEC), from 1 January 1973 until withdrawing on 31 January 2020." Wikipedia
Latest Reviews
Nomad Sailing
4.4
Joe and Lou from Normad were great to deal with. Always available. We had a small issue with our boat but Joe was readily available to help. Thanks Joe and Lou, we had a great week on our boat.
Keyhaven Lake
4.2
Windy and exposed to strong tides with a ledge quickly dropping from 15 to 0m depth at low tide. We anchored briefly for lunch watching the plethora of yachts battling downwind against the tide and others shooting past on close haul.
Lymington Yacht Haven Marina
4.2
A buzzing hive of activity with many dingy’s in and out alongside the large ferries and numerous fishing boats and yachts. 15 min walk to town.
Berthon Lymington Marina
3.8
A compact marina in a narrow channel shared with large ferries. Large hard standing area. 10 min walk into pretty town centre. Marina itself a little commercial and distinct aroma of diesel.
Lymington Marina
3.8
A friendly welcome but pricy and limited availability meant we were displaced down river to Dan Brown pontoon to later learn that there were no facilities due to Covid. But we could walk up to Town Quay facilities (20min). Town quay security non existant but Dan Brown ok. Pretty town.
Studland
4.6
Studland bay, or otherwise known as Old Harry Rocks, was a lovely place to drop anchor for the night. Very very pretty with the white rocks and green rolling hills. A great night stay.
Studland
4.4
A great anchorage with beautiful views of chalk cliffs and green hills. Irritating jet skis and small power boats early evening but start to disappear as the sun starts to set. Good holding in a consistent 3m over sand. Didn’t venture ashore but pub is supposed to be great. We have line caught mackerel on board for dinner. Nom nom.
Weymouth Marina
3.7
Sailing into Weymouth is a treat. In Weymouth harbour we were treated to watching some military ocean training with large destroyers going up and down. We then sailed up the mouth to the entrance of the marina and it’s just so pretty with all the old, multi coloured buildings. It was buzzing. The marina itself is great, and well equipped. The local are very friendly. There are quite a few homeless around and some local yobs make it a little less inviting, so lock your boat up securely.
Weymouth Bay
4.2
A large and pleasant wide bay with five cruise liners moored up. A large military navy destroyer running around up and down preparing for an exercise in the nearby firing range. Good holding on sand.
Forecast

Top facilities
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![]() 1 . Sunsail Yacht Charter4.1Sunsail have been at the forefront of sailing vacations for over forty years. Since our very first Flotilla set sail from Aegina in the Saronic Gulf in 1974, we've expanded to destinations across t... |
![]() 2 . Nomad Sailing3.5Nomad Sailing have two matched Jeanneau Sunfast 37 yachts available for charter - Nomad 1 and Menai III. Both yachts are fully equipped, well maintained and clean. The yachts are located at Gospor... |
![]() 3 . Cornish Cruising2.5Based in one of the largest natural harbours in the world, Cornish Cruising is uniquely placed to offer fantastic sailing holidays with our yacht charter or to improve your knowledge and safety wit... |
![]() 4 . Solent yacht Charter2.5Solent Yacht charter offer a variety of craft for bareboat charter, including sailing yachts from 36 to 50 foot, or high speed motorboats and RIBs. All boats are comprehensively equipped and compl... |
![]() 5 . Hamble Point Yacht Charters2.5In addition to yacht charter – both bareboat and skippered – and corporate sailing events, we offer private sail training and scheduled sailing courses as well as organising numerous events thr... |
![]() 6 . Dream Yacht Charter2.5When Loic Bonnet started dream Yacht Charter in the Seychelles in 2001 it was with only 6 yachts. Through Mr. Bonnet's dynamic leadership the company has grown and expanded to locations throughout ... |
![]() 7 . Yachtforce Yacht Charter2.5We are based on the South coast of the UK with both bare boat and skipper yacht charter, private yacht tuition and yacht sailing events mainly from our base at Mercury Yacht Harbour on the Hamble r... |
![]() 8 . Charter Haus2.5We offer a fantastic range of racing programs many of which are unique in the sailing world. Working closely with Sailing Logic Racing and Atlantic Charters Racing in Gibraltar, our philosophy is t... |
![]() 9 . Fairview Sailing2.5Fairview Sailing is the Solent’s premier yacht charter company for over 30 years, starting with one yacht in 1988. Fairview Sailing now has a fleet of 30+ yachts including a matched fleet of 18 B... |
![]() 10 . PROMOCEAN YACHT CHARTER2.5Gareth Williams started sailing at 6 years old when he sailed onboard Ocean Spirit the 1st ever Ocean 71 and at the time the largest GRP yacht in the world to Cape Town from Malta with Sir Peter... |
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Top Marinas, Harbours and Anchorages
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![]() 1 . Haslar Marina3.8The friendly atmosphere at Haslar Marina is supported by the active Haslar Yacht Club, helpful on-site businesses and bars, and the can-do approach of our staff. Some of our berth holders have been... |
![]() 2 . Yarmouth Marina3.8A largish marina with good shelter and moorings and a short walk into the picturesque fishing, ferry and yachting port, widely regarded as one of the jewels of the South Coast. The deepwater harbou... |
![]() 3 . Port Hamble Marina3.8Port Hamble Marina is on the River Hamble, right in the heart of the South Coast's sailing scene. With thousands of visitors every year, this busy marina is popular with racing enthusiasts and crui... |
![]() 4 . Cowes Yacht Haven Marina3.8Cowes Yacht Haven represents the heart of the sailing world in Cowes. Whether you are looking to berth your boat or entertain corporate clients in a unique setting, Cowes Yacht Haven has it all. Ce... |
![]() 5 . Folly Reach Marina3.7It can take as little as 20 minutes to motor to Folly Reach from the harbour entrance. Almost halfway up the River Medina, it is a world away from the hustle and bustle of Cowes and is designated a... |
![]() 6 . Port Solent Marina3.7Port Solent is at the northern most point of Portsmouth Harbour some 45minutes of motoring up a dredged channel. The marina provides excellent shelter and facilities. Port Solent is a worthy recipi... |
![]() 7 . Weymouth Marina3.7Weymouth Marina is tucked away at the head of the harbour, with quiet, secure berths just a stroll from the beach and shops. |
![]() 8 . East Cowes Marina3.7With the exception of a few berths, the marina is dredged to 2m. We've happily moored Clipper round-the-world yachts, Swan 60s and even a Volvo 70. Very deep draught yachts should check clearance a... |
![]() 9 . St Katherine Docks Marina3.6St. Katharine Docks offers great facilities in an iconic setting. As the only central London marina, visitors can enjoy the unique experience of sailing up the Thames and mooring right next to the ... |
![]() 10 . Keyhaven Lake3.4A U bend behind the sandbank is shallow and all but dries in low tide but may provide anchorage for the right boat in the right condition. |
![]() 11 . Lymington Yacht Haven Marina3.4Lymington Yacht Haven has 600 berths all-tide berths, serviced with water, electricity and free Wi-Fi. Marina facilities include brand new state-of-the-art luxury washrooms and laundry faciliti... |
![]() 12 . Weymouth Bay3.4A large bay north of Portland and east of Weymouth providing shelter from westerlies. |
![]() 13 . Lymington Marina3.2Lymington is one of the UK’s premier yachting centres and is located in an enviable position at the ‘gateway’ to the western Solent making it a popular destination for sailors, power boaters ... |
![]() 14 . Berthon Lymington Marina3.2One of the first yacht marinas to be built in the UK, Lymington Marina offers 280 deepwater, well-protected Lymington River berths for yachts up to 45m (150ft) LOA in the Georgian town of Lymington... |
![]() 15 . Gunwharf Quay Marina3.1Fantastically located at the mouth of Portsmouth Harbour, beneath the iconic Emirates Spinnaker Tower, Gunwharf Quays Marina offers immediate access to the Solent and some of the best sailing and c... |
![]() 16 . Noss Marina3.1Set on the sunny eastern bank of the River Dart, in a secluded area of outstanding natural beauty and just minutes from Dartmouth, Noss on Dart Marina offers easy access to some of the most beautif... |
![]() 17 . The Shipyard Harbour3.0The Shipyard Littlehampton provides deep water pontoon moorings only a few hundred yards from the harbour entrance on the river Arun. |
![]() 18 . Trinity Landing Harbour2.5Trinity Landing is located just inside the entrance to Cowes Harbour and provides walk-ashore access to the heart of Cowes. It is often used as a landing point for visiting vessels. |
![]() 19 . Cowes Roads Swinging Moorings Harbour2.5Two rows of heavy duty yellow swinging moorings are laid, one to the west of the harbour entrance between Egypt Point and the Royal Yacht Squadron, providing deep water moorings for vessels up to 2... |
![]() 20 . Shepards Wharf Marina2.5Short-term and overnight berthing managed and run by friendly staff who know and love their local area and whose mission is to help you draw the best from your boating experiences. Wide water acces... |
![]() 21 . Town Quay Harbour2.5Adjacent to the Red Jet terminal and in front of the Cowes Harbour Office providing easy, walk-ashore access direct to Cowes High Street. Vessels of up to 7m in length are permitted to use the pont... |
![]() 22 . Whitegates Pontoons Harbour2.5Visitor moorings just past the Chain Ferry on the port side. You will need to use the water taxis or your dinghy to get ashore. These moorings are quiet and ideal for craft wishing to stay overnigh... |
![]() 23 . Island Marina2.5Island Harbour is set in a beautiful and secluded valley and offers easy access to Newport, Osborne House and (just once a year) the site of the Isle of Wight Festival. The marina offers over 200 b... |
![]() 24 . Gosport Marina2.5Just 500m from the mouth of Portsmouth Harbour, Gosport Marina offers immediate access to the Solent and with it the opportunity to experience all the delights of boating on the South Coast. A wort... |
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![]() 26 . Royal Clarence Marina2.5Once the Royal Navy Victualling Yard, Royal Clarence is a deep water marina of 145 berths, accessible at all states of the tide. Its fantastic sheltered position, close to the mouth of Portsmouth h... |
![]() 27 . Southsea Marina2.5Nestling on the Eastney Peninsula, in the quieter reaches of Langstone Harbour, Southsea Marina is perfectly located for exploring the delights of the Solent. A friendly, working marina, ideal for ... |
![]() 28 . Hamble Point Marina2.5Hamble Point Marina is hard to beat for its location alone, right at the mouth of the River Hamble with easy access to the world famous waters of the Solent. This makes the marina a magnet for comp... |
![]() 29 . Swanwick Marina2.5Set in the quiet upper reaches of the Hamble River, Swanwick Marina offers 24-hour access to the cruising grounds of the Solent. Nearby, the delightful waterside villages of Bursledon, Hamble and W... |
![]() 30 . Universal Marina2.5Universal Marina is an independent, family operated marina on the Hamble, just 20 minutes from the river mouth and only 5 minutes drive from the main access roads to the river. Set in 68 acres of t... |
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Top Towns
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1 . Cowes
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![]() 2 . Hamble4.1Hamble-le-Rice is a village and civil parish in the Borough of Eastleigh in Hampshire, UK. It is best known for being an aircraft training centre during the Second World War and is a popular yachti... |
![]() 3 . Weymouth4.1Situated on the mouth of the river Wey this pretty east facing town is on the southern coast of England. |
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![]() 5 . Gosport3.8Gosport is a Borough town in the South Hampshire conurbation, on the south coast of Hampshire in southern England. The 2011 Census recorded its population as 82,622.Wikipedia |
![]() 6 . Studland3.8A small town on the southern coast of England south of Poole with a large east facing bay. |
![]() 7 . Torquay3.8A large town in Devon built around a natural peninsula on the southern coast of England. |
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8 . Yarmouth
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![]() 10 . Portsmouth3.8Portsmouth is the second largest city in the ceremonial county of Hampshire on the south coast of England. The local authority, Portsmouth City Council was given unitary authority district status i... |
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12 . East Cowes
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![]() 15 . Newton Ferrers3.7A large town on the tidal River Yealm and a safe harbour a short distance up from the rocky southern coast. |
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![]() 17 . Lymington3.6Lymington is a large town west of Southampton overlooking Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight. |
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![]() 20 . Swanage3.1A large east facing town on the south coast of England south of Poole and Studland Bay. |
![]() 21 . Littlehampton3.0The river Arun runs through Littlehampton and is home to the Arun Yacht Club and a local Harbour on the town side not far from the train station. |
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22 . Braye
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![]() 24 . Rochester2.7Rochester is an old historic town in the south east of England set back from the sea but accessed by the Rover Medway. |
![]() 25 . Lytham St Annes2.5Lytham St Annes is a conurbation in the Fylde district of Lancashire, England. The neighbouring towns of Lytham and St. Annes-on-the-Sea have grown together and now form a seaside resort. Wikipedia |
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26 . Ryde
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![]() 28 . Bristol2.5Bristol is an inland city linked to the Sea by the River Avon. Bristol has a 19th century harbour that now contains restaurants and shops. |
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