The Needles in the Isle of Wight is Heather’s favorite seaside spot in the UK (Image: SWNS)
Heather’s list was topped by The Needles in the Isle of Wight, Salcombe in South Devon and Anglesey’s Menai Strait in north-west Wales.
Rising 30 meters out of the sea at the western end of the Isle of Wight, The Needles’ distinctive chalk piles took first place for their grandeur and spectacular clifftop scenery.
Mallaig, in Scotland, is also mentioned by Heather as a must visit location, known for its beautiful sunsets and wildlife including dolphins, whales and sea eagles.
And Carrick Roads, in Cornwall, offers plenty of rivers, creeks and beaches to explore, making it another worthy addition.
Heather, who worked with Honda to compile the list, said: “Owning a boat has changed our adventures and being out on the open water just us and the incredible natural world around us is where we feel most at home. to feel.
“We have seen natural beauty we never knew existed, and experienced some of the best days of our lives as a family from the most unique position: on the water.
“We rarely go back to the same place, always looking for something new.
“We have a list of places we want to visit and we decide where to go based on the forecast at the time – always heading for the sun!”
Heather and her family explore the UK by boat and record their journeys on Instagram (Image: Heather Kemp)
We experienced some of the best days of our lives as a family from the most unique position – on the water
Heather and husband Sam, who both grew up in Birmingham, said living centrally fed their hunger to explore all parts of the UK – and beyond – at a young age.
The couple, now based in North Worcestershire, embarked on their first motorhome adventures after the birth of their two children, now eight and five, and hired a boat everywhere.
Seeing places in a different light from a new angle had prompted Heather and Sam to invest in a boat as travel opportunities opened up as the Covid lockdown eased in early 2021.
Heather now estimates that the family, along with their working cocker spaniel Ruben, spend at least six weeks a year on the open road and on the water in search of new natural beauty and tranquility spots.
Heather, who collaborated withHonda electrical equipment and uses a Honda BF100 outboard with a six-meter rib boat, said: “Getting out on the water gives a sense of adventure like no other.
“The key to a successful boat day is preparation. Being prepared for any eventuality and knowing what to do in an emergency will help you relax and make the most of the experience.
The mother of two also loves Salcombe, in South Devon (Image: SWNS)
“We also strongly believe in doing your research and buying and servicing quality products you can trust. Our demands when it came to an engine were reliability, efficiency and power.
“Maintaining your engine annually, replacing the water separator filter, maintaining the quality of the fuel in the tank, checking the 12V battery status and checking the electrical system regularly are all essential steps to ensure that your sailing trips run smoothly.
“Finally, always rinse your boat after a trip and flush your engine with fresh water.”
Heather’s list also included the Skomer and Skokholm Islands, off the coast of Pembrokeshire in Wales, which together house the largest puffin colony in the south of Britain – with numbers reaching nearly 50,000.
Cardigan Bay in Wales was also on the list, due to the largest population of dolphins in the UK – best seen in the summer right after high tide.
The Isle of Mull, in Scotland, where basking sharks and bald eagles can be seen, and Poole, in Dorset, Europe’s largest natural harbor, round out the list.
Heather also provided tips for planning a day out on the boat, where preparation was key.
Heather teamed up with Honda to compile her top 10 list (Image: Honda)
A fully stocked boat should include life jackets, man overboard equipment, spare fuses, fire fighting equipment, flares and spare fuel.
Beyond that, it is recommended that you carry certificates of boat ownership and insurance, as well as an emergency guidebook.
Steve Morris, Head of Power Equipment for Honda UK, added: “We are approaching the end of the summer season but there is still plenty of fun to be had on the water.
“Even if you’re not really experienced, starting with small trips along the coast can be incredibly rewarding.
“We have a wide range of powerful and reliable marine products, enabling people of different needs and budgets to experience boating adventures – from portable and lightweight inflatables to powerful V6 engines that can be used with sports boats.
“And as Heather rightly says, the more prepared you are, the more you’ll enjoy the scenery around you — and the safer you’ll be.”
Honda will be exhibiting a range of its marine products at the Southampton International Boat Show in Mayflower Park, Southampton until September 25, 2022.
HEATHER’S TOP 10 SAILING DESTINATIONS IN THE UK:
- The Needles, Isle of Wight
- Salcombe, South Devon
- Street Menai, Anglesey
- Mallaig, Scotland
- Carrick Roads, Cornwall
- Skomer Island and Skokholm Island, Pembrokeshire
- River Dart, South Devon
- Cardigan Bay, Wales
- Isle of Mull, Scotland
- Poole, Dorset
