Sailing & Boating - Golden Leisure in the UK
With adrenalin levels not quite back to normal for the average proud Brit, talk in clubs and pubs is still very much centred on the gold medals won and in particular those won by Britain’s sailors such as the now legendary, Ben Ainslie. Once again they have inspired a new generation to take to the water.
Judging by the more than 1000 UK online sailing sites it is already a pastime enjoyed by many. Britain is historically a proud nation of sailors and with this latest confirmation of its prowess on the water many more are sure to rediscover this heritage. Whether training to be future Olympians or not,
the UK’s more than 3,000 miles of inland waterways offer the beginner and the seasoned enthusiast the opportunity to explore the British landscape from a stunning perspective.
Testing the watersThere is no shortage of sailing venues in Britain and finding a club is as easy as consulting one of the relevant internet directories. You will find clubs that participate in almost every conceivable manner of traversing the waters of Britain’s lakes, canals, rivers and ocean. For the newer enthusiast there are companies right across Britain who will provide adequate tuition as well as reliable boats for hire. Sailing is an ideal way of bonding not only with family and friends, but with nature itself. It literally lets you drift away from life’s every-day stresses and soak up the peace and tranquillity which water is renowned for providing.
Putting the wind in your sails or your oar in the waterYachting has somehow always been associated with being the leisure activity of the wealthy, yet if it appeals as a holiday, then there are quite a few charter companies that tailor packages to suit your pocket. Cruising along the Thames to experience the renowned southern English countryside is guaranteed to give you a new appreciation for its magnificence. The very popular Norfolk Broads also promises a journey of fresh discovery. If yachting is not quite what you had in mind, then there are numerous other exciting ways to earn your water wings. Dinghies, kayaks or canoes are the more adventurous means of travelling the water route. It will definitely require a certain level of fitness, but even our Olympic medallists had to start somewhere. Weekends spent building up strength and stamina with some leisurely rowing on a nearby lake may lead to crossing that finishing line in 2016 to the wild cheers of proud British supporters. At the very least it will increase your personal fitness level and the open air and reduction in stress will definitely improve your overall well-being.
The Olympic sailing results have had a transforming effect on the small Dorset town of Weymouth which hosted the events. Hopefully it will have the same effect on those who have not yet enjoyed the sheer thrill sailing. It is not an exclusive sport, but one that binds families, friendships and the freedom of nature.
