Around UK & Ireland: a perfect challenge

Sam Steele explains everything you need to know about a circumnavigation of Britain and Ireland

- Sam Steele

There inevitably comes a moment on most summer cruises when you must decide when to turn around and head home. The pressure of schedules and responsibilities reminds you that your holiday has a finite end.

But imagine if you could continue exploring new waters? While the idea of venturing into exotic, far-off waters may be tempting, turning that dream into reality often requires major sacrifices -like selling your home. However, we tend to forget that some of the world's most spectacular cruising grounds are right on our doorstep. A circumnavigation around the UK and Ireland, or a Round Britain adventure, offers the perfect challenge.

Advantages of a circumnavigation close to home

■ With so many harbours to choose from, you can easily hop along the coast, with only a few overnight passages needed.

■ You are never too far away from home in case of emergencies.

■ Remote working means that for some, it might even be possible to work from your boat.

■ Unlike bluewater cruising, coastal cruising requires less self-reliance since many harbours have skilled mechanics on hand.

■ In Ireland you are not constrained by the 90 days within 180-day rule that applies when cruising in other European countries.

Not just our experience

Mags Campbell and I sailed around Britain in Ituna, our Rival 38. The journey took us 115 days from May to August, covering just under 2,200 miles.