Boating Bucket List – How many have you sailed?
With hundreds of thousands of sea miles between us in the office, we know a thing or two when it comes to getting afloat in some of the best destinations and at some of the best events. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to sailing bucket list experiences, so you don’t have to. Most of these are available through your Pure Latitude membership…..
Our cruising bucket – three of the best
Maddalena Islands – Sardinia’s secret islands
The archipelago of La Maddalena is a quiet place of turquoise lagoons, deserted islands and the most heavenly beaches in Sardinia, with barely a footprint to spoil them. In the translucent seas of the La Maddalena archipelago, you’re in another world – the perfect sailing venue.
It doesn’t feel like the Mediterranean here. It feels like a more rugged version of the Caribbean. Suspended between Sardinia and Corsica, this scatter of seven large islands and 55 tiny isolotti has some of the most spectacular beaches in Italy, and some of the cleanest and clearest water.
Scilly Isles – Seclusion on your doorstep
Just 30 miles off the south-west coast of England lies the picturesque Scilly Isles – five beautiful islands with white-sand beaches, glittering turquoise seas and sub-tropical gardens, all pristine and completely unspoilt.
With most visitors arriving by boat, the isles are the epitome of remote – though not completely deserted. These islands offer a certain quality of life – simpler, kinder and more peaceful. A quality long lost to many other parts of the UK.
Each island has its own distinct characteristics. The isles boast incredible ancient history and archaeology, alongside rugged undeveloped coastlines and amazing wildlife.
Sweden – Stockholm’s archipelago
Stockholm’s archipelago is a delicious chocolate box of 30,000 alluring granite islands, each with its own character, history and wildlife. It forms the central section of a larger archipelago of over 100,000 islands – the world’s largest. With summer temperatures hitting the mid-to-high 20s and endless hours of daylight – it can feel like a deserted paradise.
Pick an island to call your own for the night – drop the anchor astern, tie your bowline to a tree, step ashore, light the barbeque and reeeeeellllaaaxxx!
Our racing bucket – three of the best
Round the Island Race – June / July
The Round the Island race is THE “must do” event of the year, with over 1,600 yachts lining up to race the 60 mile course around the Isle of Wight. Close quarters racing with hundreds of other yachts around you is a truly exhilarating experience and unique to this legendary race.
Our fabulous 2-day programme offers a very competitive package, providing a wonderful mix of training, racing, fun and socials. If you do no other race, try to experience this classic event.
Cowes Week – July / August
Cowes Week has been running since 1826, attracting over 800 boats from around the globe to take part in some of the best ’round the cans’ racing held in the challenging waters of the Solent over 8 days in August every year.
The 8,500 competitors taking part in the event range from weekend sailors to Olympic and world class professionals racing on anything from dinghies to 100 foot super maxis. More than 100,000 spectators flock to Cowes, keen to watch the sailing, enjoy the legendary parties and soak up the unique atmosphere – this is one event that really has to be experienced!
Rolex Fastnet Race – August
The Rolex Fastnet Race is the highlight of the Royal Ocean Racing Club’s (RORC) calendar. Taking place every other year, it has earned the reputation as one of the most demanding offshore races and is widely regarded as a must-sail race for most sailors.
The 608 mile Rolex Fastnet Race is a real test for skipper and crews with its tricky tidal currents and changeable weather conditions. The race attracts entrants from all around the globe with a diverse entry ranging from the fastest grand prix race yachts to small cruiser racer family boats. If this sounds like a challenge you’d like to take on, join Pure Latitude for a the experience of a lifetime.
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