It takes me an hour to drive to Chichester harbour to sail, at present. I think it makes me go sailing less because of the inconvenience.With my kids getting older and gradually leaving home, I am looking to the future where I will downsize, and possibly move to another part of the south of England. 

In my mind, it seems a wonderful idea to move right next to a body of water, maybe cutting the drive to the sailing club down to 10 minutes, or - pure dreamland - a 2 minute walk! Since I want to cruise, not just race, I imagine nipping out for evening sails and midweek sessions all the time.

Has anyone else done this? Did you actually go sailing more often? Or is it like the childhood dream of "living at the seaside" which doesn't deliver on what is in the mind's eye?

Before that, living in London I thought at various times about joining a club, but never did, as I always found the idea of the travelling time too much. I'd definitely recomend living near a club if you can fit it in with other needs and possiblities.