Home and away: why Jersey is this summer’s perfect sailing destination

Jersey’s magnificent coastline, maritime activities and close-to-home convenience makes it the ideal spot for a 2021 sailing holiday

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This year’s travel restrictions put restless sailors in a dilemma: do you stick to familiar cruising grounds, or risk the uncertainty of travel abroad? Perhaps the perfect solution lies in the middle, or more specifically in the Channel, and the proudly maritime island of Jersey, which is part of the UK’s Common Travel Area.

Combine a mild climate, one of the world’s greatest tidal ranges and a coastline of cliffs, beaches, reefs and pretty harbours and you have a sailor’s paradise that’s still part of the British Isles. That tidal range – up to 12m, or two miles of intertidal zone – presents fascinating navigational challenges for novices and experts alike, as well as wonderfully varied areas to discover.

RYA courses on Jersey

To explore Jersey’s coast, you could opt for a residential course at an RYA recognised training centre, or just hire a yacht or dinghy and sail along the stunning coast. And there’s no shortage of offshore destinations, with the nearby islands of Les Ecréhous and Les Minquiers making great day trips (not to mention the French coast, just 14 miles away). Walking among the fishermen’s cottages of Les Ecréhous you’ll feel a world away, yet won’t have left the British Isles and needn’t make a UK Government travel declaration.

RYA recognised training centres Go Sail and Le Mourier Marine offer RYA training courses for yachts and powerboats. Go Sail’s Day Skipper, Coastal Skipper and Competent Crew courses can be done over five days, with four nights aboard. Or if you’re still at the start of your sailing journey, you can try the two-day Start Yachting course. Alternatively, just book a skippered charter, with freshly caught local fruits de mer and a bottle of fizz, and relax.

Exploring the Jersey coast

The sea is a playground for islanders, and if you want a day off sailing you can join windsurfers in St. Ouen, head out on a RIB to spot dolphins and seals, or dive for scallops to cook for supper. The rocky north coast, with its pink granite cliffs and dramatic caves is best explored by RIB. Jersey Seafaris’ North Coast trip lets you explore every nook and cranny; you’ll get a fish-eye view of Devil’s Hole cave and hear stories of smuggling and historic seafaring.

A unique way to enjoy low tide is a two-mile guided walk to Seymour Tower, an 18th century defensive fort between sea and land, where you can also stay overnight. Finally, as the salt dries in your hair, head to the Royal Channel Islands Yacht Club in St. Aubin for a meal with one of the best views in the island. Tuck into fish and chips and plan your next day at sea.

Book a short break to Jersey this year with JerseyTravel.com and SAVE 10% with code RYA10

Stays of three nights or more earn a voucher for a Jersey Heritage Pass for entry to four Jersey Heritage attractions, including Hamptonne Country Life Museum, La Hougue Bie and Mont Orgueil Castle. Terms and conditions apply. For the latest travel information, refer to Jersey’s Safer Travel Guidance.

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