Halifax Sailing Club, Warley Moor Reservoir.

This is where I learned to sail and is possibly why I love sailing in really high wind and I’m not too bothered by the cold as both conditions are common up at Warley Moor.

Pros:

• It is a pretty big lake and you feel like you are on top of the world as you’re surrounded by loads of Yorkshire moorland and some huge wind turbines.
• Because it’s mainly moorland there is very little wind shadow, so you can sail in any direction dependant on the wind and it can be really windy this far above sea level.
• It has a clubhouse usually open at weekends or when the dinghy sailors are out on the water.
• It’s a very remote spot, not much traffic and only sailors or windsurfers make the effort to drive up there.
• You can rig on the grass but beware of the geese and sheep.
• Suitable for all levels depending on the weather conditions.

Cons:

• The clubhouse is pretty basic and isn’t open that often.
• There is little safety cover so you have to work on a buddy system.
• You have to be a member as they have stopped day passes.

The lay of the land.

Great for Learning...

Serious airtime of Rhosneiger.

Rhosneigr, Anglesey

This was where I first tried to sail in the waves and scared my mother as she was convinced I would get decapitated by a kite surfer.

Pros:

• The roads through to Anglesey are really good so it can be a fast ride early in the morning.
• Always seem to be great waves and plenty of sailors to keep you company and share experiences with.
• When it’s windy, it’s very windy!
• Great shop on the beach with toilet and changing facilities and you can make a hot drink there.
• Really cool village with places to buy supplies and eat a nice lunch.
• Great beach for walking the dog and playing games if there’s no wind.

Cons:

• Parking can be a bit tricky as on a really awesome weekend places fill up really fast.
• Long walk to the sea if the tide is out.
• Better for intermediates and advanced, beginners may want to go on the small inland lake nearby.

West Kirby

I only discovered West Kirby this year and it is an awesome place to sail and this is shown by the growing numbers of youth sailors now competing on the UKWA Tour from this place.

Pros:

• Easy to find and really friendly people.
• It’s shallow so perfect for beginners and freestylers.
• Because it’s so shallow it is much warmer than a lot of lakes.
• Because it’s a sea lake, when the tide comes, in you get the best of both worlds and can go and try out your wave sailing or freestyle on the sea.
• Rigging is easy and there is good safety cover and a supermarket nearby if you forgot your jaffa cakes.

Cons:

• Spine fish that can go in your feet – ouch.
• Rigging on tarmac so watch your kit.
• There is a lot of water traffic.
• If the wind is coming over the sea wall then it isn’t so great.

Breathtaking surroundings.

Tralee, Argyll. West Highlands

I go here when we are on holiday in Scotland.

Pros:

• Remote. There are not many people and so you have this beautiful beach all to yourself.
• Right next to a sail repair shop so if you have a bad day and destroy a sail there’s always hope!
• Good for beginners as it is shallow and safe unless it is an offshore wind.
• It is warm in summer (honest) with easy parking on the beach.
• There is a campsite nearby.
• Near a food supply shop which sells most things.

Cons:

• There is no safety cover so no room for error.
• Doesn’t work in northerly wind directions.
• There aren’t many waves if you want a wave sailing experience.
• It can be hard to find. You have to go down a track opposite the old Highfield dive centre.