Places for boating abroad

[Tim M]

Bit of an expansive question, but....

Where are good places for boating abroad? I was brought up in Norfolk, and was aware when living there that the Solent was basically the home of boating in the UK, hence I chose to come to uni here and then set up my RIB charter business. I have travelled across most of Europe on holidays but never really got a sense of where the equivalent of "the Solent" was elsewhere. Can anyone advise? Basically places in Europe/Australia (not America) where there is a lot of boating; what I would call the equivalent of the Solent abroad.

[Hightower]

How about Monte Carlo?

[Andy Moore]

The Channel Islands.

[OceanEco]

Vancouver Island B.C. Canada

Here is a link to a photostream to give you an idea....

http://www.flickr.com/photos/oceanecoventures/

[Hightower]

I would guess that Sydney would be a natural choice in Aus.

[Polwart]

Originally Posted by Tim M

Basically places in Europe/Australia (not America) where there is a lot of boating; what I would call the equivalent of the Solent abroad.

Tim,

Why would you want the equivalent of the Solent anywhere? Seriously the Solent might be great for critical mass of boats and back up facilities and interesting (?) sailing waters but there are loads more places around which will feel less like the M25... ...if you are looking to set up a business then unless you are servicing the existing community you are going to be in the middle of stiff competition; if you are talking of going on holiday then busy may not be ideal?

[Hightower]

[codprawn]

Originally Posted by Hightower

I would guess that Sydney would be a natural choice in Aus.

Nope it's Perth - first place to hold the America's cup outside the USA. Perth is THE main sailing area in Oz but Sydney may be better for powerboats.

In Spain I would say possibly Barcelona and of course you have the stunning French/Italian Riviera.

Then a lot closer to home we have the stunning Milford Haven and river - according to Captain Cook one of the finest natural harbours in the World.

[prairie tuber]

Originally Posted by codprawn

- according to Captain Cook one of the finest natural harbours in the World.

I'm guessing that he found it much more harbour-like than Hawaii.

[Apherel]

Originally Posted by Hightower

I would guess that Sydney would be a natural choice in Aus.

What's the criteria? busy waters, numbers of paying customers? top cruising?

Sydney has the most scenic harbour, lots of traffic , lots of people, lots of tourists. Some great places in Queensland as well.

But you can't go past Auckland Harbour and the Hauraki gulf for cruising.