The UK has miles and miles of beautiful coastal waters to explore and there are plenty of hidden treasures along the way.
For those who love spectacular views and scenery or are purely looking for somewhere to relax with a little peace and quiet, a little exploration will take them a long way.
For those who are used to sailing they will no doubt be ready to take advantage of the summer sun, but novices have nothing to fear either.
There are plenty of sailing courses that can help to teach them the basics, while more advanced courses such as powerboat training or in yachting can assist the slightly more experienced.
Another important aspect to consider before taking to the water is whether the necessary first aid and safety precautions have been taken.
If they have, and the sailor believes they are in a position to get started, there really is nothing to stop them from exploring all that the UK waters have to offer.
The Hampshire and Dorset coastsIt might sound difficult to find spots of this coastline that are unexplored, but the spectacular scenery, rock formations and beaches definitely make it worth a visit.
Many RYA sailing courses take part in the area too, so for beginners this coast will often be among the first examples that they get to see.
Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door are just two pieces of nature’s artwork that could be found on this stretch of coast, while much of the coastline is designated as areas of outstanding natural beauty.
Thousands of breeding and wintering birds descend on the Estuary, making it a fantastic place to see a large number of different species.
A number of old historical sites can also be found along the water’s edge, providing a unique insight into how people lived alongside the river in days gone by.
The Estuary is tidal and contains a large number of mudflats, but with the right navigation equipment and skills, it’s possible to see plenty of spectacular sights.
If unspoilt scenery is what a sailor wants then the Norfolk Broads and surrounding area is the perfect solution.
Again, a number of sailing clubs and training courses are run in this area, providing both experienced and novice sailors with access to the water.
What makes this part of the UK particularly popular is its sheer scale –the region maintains its beautiful character regardless of where exactly a sailor finds themselves.
For anyone in the North of the UK, the coast off Oban in Scotland offers the opportunity for a truly amazing sailing experience.
A number of stunning islands, striking beaches and rugged coastlines can be found, while there are endless opportunities to explore the remote and unspoilt region.
The southern Isles of the Inner Hebrides are within distance, while almost all of the south west coast of Scotland can be experienced under a sail if someone wishes.
There are plenty of sailing opportunities in this part of the UK, with 24 miles of sheltered estuary and plenty of other coastline to enjoy.
The nature reserves of Skomer and Skokholm can be found by sailing to the West, while back down the coast to the east lies the picturesque town of Tenby.
For those willing to venture further East into Carmarthenshire, the spectacular Pendine Sands – scene of Malcolm Campbell’s land speed record – are just a short sail up the coast.
Bala Lake, North WalesTo end the list, the picturesque sailing waters of Bala Lake are simply too good to ignore.
There are plenty of open water lakes across the UK that provide fantastic sailing experiences, but Bala Lake, set against a backdrop of rolling hills and mountains is truly spectacular.
Conditions on the lake are perfectly suited for sailors of all abilities, regardless of whether they have completed only basic training or day skipper courses.
The largest water body in Wales is increasingly popular as a sailing destination and shouldn’t be missed by those searching for the UK’s sailing gems.