One of the most dynamic places in the UK for getting afloat, this region is a haven for boating with a coastline that includes the English Channel, the Solent and the Isle of wight.

Home to world class clubs offering everything from sheltered dinghy racing to offshore sailing, the south coast is known for celebrated events like Cowes Week, the world’s oldest and largest annual sailing regatta, and for hosting the first-ever edition of the America’s Cup.

It is no surprise to find that Portsmouth, steeped in maritime history, is the home of Britain’s state-of-the-art modern challenges for the America’s Cup, and is a major host of international events such the global phenomenon that is the SailGP Championship series.

Other coastal highlights include Chichester Harbour and Hayling Island with their brilliant backdrop for watersports and abundance of sailing clubs - which along with their lake-based inland counterparts, offer outstanding facilities for beginners and experts alike.

With a myriad of yacht clubs and marinas, there is a huge inshore and offshore racing scene out of locations like Hamble, Warsash, Lymington and Cowes - while easy access across the Channel also makes the south coast ideal for cruising or as a starting point for bigger adventures.

Whether you're drawn to competition or cruising or keen to learn the ropes, the South Coast delivers an unrivalled breadth of opportunities for getting on the water.

Buckinghamshire • Hampshire & The New Forest including Chichester Harbour, Havant, Portsmouth & Southampton • Milton Keynes • Oxfordshire • Reading • The Channel Islands • The Isle of Wight • West Berkshire

The team