Savills Portugal

Words by Chris Clifford

Today is the first day of sailing at Savills Shrimper Camel Week – north Cornwall’s premiere sailing regatta. The race series, which is dedicated to Cornish Shrimpers, a locally-built class of boat, is held annually at Rock Sailing and Waterski Club on the Camel Estuary.

Rock is one of many hotspots for sailors dotted around Devon and Cornwall. Boasting over 700 miles of coastline, the peninsula is arguably the most impressive in the UK, offering dramatic expanses of open water, alongside pretty and unspoilt coves, and wonderful estuaries.

Once you have moored up, there is plenty to explore and get involved in, with the sailing scene firmly embedded in so many of our local communities.

Home to the third largest natural deep water harbour in the world, Falmouth, on the south coast of Cornwall, is probably the most famous sailing destination in the country, and perennially popular. Its sheltered harbour provides easy access to both the sea and the calm waters of the river Fal. The lively town plays host to many nautical events throughout the year, including, this year, the internationally renowned Tall Ships Race (15-18 August).

Facing Falmouth, across the Penryn River, are Flushing and Mylor. Rich in maritime history, these pretty fishing villages have a different, more laid-back feel, and good sailing and yachting clubs which sit at the heart of the community.

The south-facing harbour village of St. Mawes, on the eastern side of the Fal Estuary, has long been one of Cornwall’s most desirable destinations. Centred around a small stone harbour, it is buzzy and stylish, without having lost its old maritime charm. For me, it epitomises what sailing in Devon and Cornwall is all about and is my favourite place to sail from.

Following the southern coastline to the east, we eventually land in the bustling city and port of Plymouth, home to Plymouth Sailing School, one of the UK’s longest established sea schools. Plymouth Sound offers sheltered waters and a wonderful backdrop for all sorts of boating and sailing. Plymouth Hoe, which looks out over the Sound, is known as one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world, and is where Sir Francis Drake played his legendary game of bowls before heading out to defeat the Spanish Armada.

The South Hams, which encompasses the 50 mile stretch of coastline between Plymouth and Torbay, is world-renowned. Boasting the mildest climate in the UK, it is a sailors paradise, while its towns and villages dotted up and down the coast play host to an impressive line-up of maritime events and sailing regattas throughout the year.

Sailing is by far one of the most popular pastimes in Salcombe with both visitors and locals alike. To fully appreciate and make the most of Salcombe’s exquisite natural beauty, there is no better way to discover its magnificent coastline with its sheer cliffs, hidden coves and creeks, or secluded beaches, than by the water.

Blessed with a vibrant food, cultural and sailing scene, Dartmouth has been one of Devon’s most desirable seaside towns since it was founded in 1147. It is home to the historic Britannia Royal Navy College and is generally regarded as one of the finest cruising destinations in the UK, with the excitement of Start Bay out to sea, and sailing from Dartmouth Castle up river to Dittisham, or the beautiful village of Kingswear opposite the town.

Research regularly shows that those who live close to the water are, on the whole, happier and healthier than those who do not. Sailing enthusiasts, such as myself, perhaps feel that pull more than anyone, and as such, owning a home in one of the West Country’s many sailing hotspots, is the dream.

Below is our pick of some of the very best homes for sailors on the market today.