A sailing break in Weymouth

Dorset’s charming Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour, host to the Games sailing events, offer world-class sailing, bucket-loads of quaint seaside family fun and a gateway to the ancient natural wonders of the World Heritage Jurassic Coast. 

Day 1

Morning
The new Weymouth SEA LIFE Tower is the perfect start to a waterside break, with whopping 360-degree panoramic views of Weymouth Bay, Portland and the undulating Jurassic Coast. Towering 174ft above the shoreline, this futuristic attraction lifts passengers skywards in its moving observation deck. Afterwards, there’s another family-friendly outing to be had at Weymouth SEA LIFE Adventure Park , home to such characters as gliding sea turtles and waddling penguins, plus a walk through the Ocean tunnel.

Afternoon
Sail in the wake of the world’s best with a private lesson on the same waters that hosted the Games sailing. Sail Laser is based at Games’ venue Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy, and half a day’s private tuition here caters for all ages and sailing abilities. Those won over by the fabulous coastal views and exhilarating sea air can sign up for longer courses and sailing certificates.

Evening
Weymouth’s glistening waters offer up a bounty of glorious seafood. Sample fresh fish delights at one of many seafood restaurants. The Crab House Café  near Portland enjoys a wonderfully rustic waterside setting and its menu changes regularly depending on the local fishermen’s catch – it is particularly lovely on a sunny evening. For a budget-friendly fresh fish feast pop into a fish and chip shop and tuck in on the beach. 
 

Day 2

Morning
It’s not just sailors that make the most of this popular stretch of H2O. Watersports of all shapes and speeds are on hand here, from windsurfing, kite surfing, water skiing, jet skiing and wakeboarding to more leisurely kayaking and rowing. The waters off Weymouth and Portland are also popular with scuba divers; wrecks and reefs pepper the seabed, offering plenty of chance for novices to hone their skills and more advanced divers to head off and explore.

Afternoon
After an active morning on (or in) the water, treat yourself to a relaxed afternoon on Weymouth’s golden sands? Swimmers love the calm shallows, and, when the sun shines, the seafront is awash with kitsch seaside fun, from traditional Punch and Judy shows to donkey rides along the beach – not to mention plenty of candy floss and chips. If the weather isn’t playing fair, head to the harbour and watch the boats float by from the comfort of a harbourside eatery.

Evening
As night falls, Weymouth’s water transforms into a lively mass of colour, as an evening laser show darts bright green lights out onto the sea. The new Weymouth Lasers spring in to action 30 minutes after sunset, and come on every six minutes until midnight. This eye-catching spectacle is part of a whole regeneration project that has revamped the seafront.

Did you know?
If watersports aren’t your thing, a cruise is a more relaxed way of taking in the Jurassic Coast. Try Coastline Cruises .