Cobnor Activities Centre welcomes dinghy cruising rallies to Chichester Harbour

by Liz Rushall 19 Feb 14:12 GMT

Cobnor Activities Centre is reporting a growing interest in dinghy cruising, which the Dinghy Cruising Association describes as 'increasingly fashionable".

Located in the heart of the beautiful waters of Chichester Harbour, Cobnor is a welcoming base for dinghy cruising rallies. From the serenity of the Chidham peninsula, the Centre offers easy beach launching at all states of tide for dinghies in a relaxed setting.

With the increasing growth in dinghy cruising around the UK, it is a peaceful base for sailing clubs and class associations seeking a safe and accessible sailing venue on the South Coast. Visiting sailors can explore the variety of Harbour creeks to historic villages such as Bosham and Emsworth. Or venture out to East Head, a fabulous sandy beach located near the Harbour mouth and best reached in a dinghy.

As well as offering access to fantastic sailing, Cobnor's shoreside facilities provide excellent opportunities for a sociable rally. With a choice of camping or bunkhouse accommodation with changing rooms and showers, there are various catering and BBQ options, as well as quiet evenings star gazing around the firepit.

Each September, Island Barn Reservoir SC bring over 60 members including sailors and non-sailors for a weekend to gain experience sailing in open water and tides. The club says, "We have been coming to Cobnor Activity Centre Trust for many years and highly recommend the venue. We rent dinghies and power boats from Cobnor and bring some of our own boats. Typically, we'll sail to East Head beach for lunch and games, enjoy the private firepit and BBQ back at Cobnor and stay in the Trust's bell tents, our own tents/camper vans and in the comfortable dorms. This is very much a family weekend catering for sailors and non-sailors and Cobnor is a firm fixture of our annual diary. We would like to thank the centre's management team for hosting us and for their flexibility in accommodating our requirements with enthusiasm."

Tom Collins, Cobnor Activities Centre Manager comments "We are thrilled to be getting an increase in enquiries from cruising groups and clubs from the Midlands and beyond. Cobnor is a stunning location set in one of the UK's National Landscapes. It is particularly suited for weekend visits and off-season adventures, which are often popular for groups interested in seeing the harbour's birds and wildlife."

For family friendly weekends, additional activities can be part of the cruising package. These include the Centre's impressive new climbing and adventure wall, a low ropes course, the high-energy areoball trampolines and kayaking.

www.cobnor.com