Sailing with a dog into Weymouth

We left Brixham at 04:00 to catch slack water at the Bill. With wind and tide on our side, we arrived an hour early, just in time for a bit of a rollercoaster. Pete and I rode the waves with grins on our faces, but Svea… not so much. She gave the sea a wary glance and made it very clear that solid ground in Weymouth was far more her style. Tail wagging, paws firmly planted, she claimed the harbour as her own.

Weymouth, tucked into the shelter of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, has long been a favourite with sailors. It’s lively, practical, and well-placed for passages east or west. For us, it became home for four days while we waited out the storm.

Rimau was moored right on the quayside, opposite the Royal Dorset Yacht Club which meant we were at the heart of the action, but also had the perfect excuse to tackle boat maintenance, repairs, and a mountain of paperwork. Pete managed to get a haircut and Jen spent time writing her book. Sometimes a weather pause is exactly what you need.

🐾 Dog Walks in Weymouth

Svea was delighted with Weymouth. From the quay, walks were never far away:

• Weymouth Beach – during dog-friendly hours, this long sandy stretch was perfect for chasing balls and burning off energy. Dogs are allowed on the beach at the Northern end of the beach in Summer.

• The Nothe Gardens & Fort – a short stroll from the harbour, offering grassy paths, shady trees, and sweeping views back across the bay. A great walk on a blustery day.

• The Rodwell Trail – following an old railway line towards Portland, this traffic-free path made for easy, longer walks with plenty of sniffs along the way.

• Portland Harbour Edge – if you’re keen on stretching further, head down towards Portland and enjoy the mix of coast path and historic naval scenery.

⛵ Sailing Clubs

Weymouth is proud of its sailing heritage, and the clubs are central to the town’s identity:

• Weymouth Sailing Club – right by the old harbour, with a lively social scene and plenty of local knowledge. Svea was even allowed in the clubhouse, a rare privilege for a dog, and was thoroughly spoiled by the staff.

• Royal Dorset Yacht Club – just along the Town Quay, where one of the committee members is a wine connoisseur. The Malbec was excellent (and very reasonably priced). Svea was again welcomed inside, making this stop a real treat.

Both clubs embody the strong sailing spirit of the town, which hosted the Olympic sailing events in 2012 and still feels like a true hub of activity on the water.

🍻 Food, Pubs & a Furry Favourite

The quayside is a lively stretch of waterfront, lined with pubs and restaurants, many of them delightfully dog-friendly. A couple of our favourites:

• The Crown, a proper sailor’s pub where Svea was treated like royalty by both staff and locals. With hearty meals, well-poured pints, and views over the glistening water, it’s no surprise these spots soon became our regular haunts.

• The George bar and grill is a waterfront streak house frequented by locals. Pete struck up new friendship which resulted in Rob, Lisa and their dogs joining us the next day for coffee at Rimau.

Sundays are a special treat in Weymouth. The air fills with live music as sea shanties drift from The King’s Arms, soon joined by ’70s classics sung outside The Red Lion. Dogs are welcome at both, making it the perfect setting for a relaxed afternoon near the quay.

⚓ Skipper’s Notes

• Mooring: Quayside berths drop you right into the middle of the action, with water and power at hand. If you prefer a quieter life, the nearby marinas offer a more peaceful retreat. Prices have crept up over the years, but with sparkling, state-of-the-art facilities, it’s money well spent. Svea, of course, didn’t care about the cost, she was far more interested in the passing seagulls.

• Supplies: Everything is within easy walking distance, from chandlery to supermarkets and laundry. Pete couldn’t find his usual fishmonger, but a local fisherman came to the rescue with a fresh lobster for £10. Cooking it on a yacht stove, however, was a slightly more delicate operation.

• Weather Pauses: Weymouth is perfect for waiting out a blow. The harbour offers excellent protection, and there’s plenty to keep both skipper and dog entertained from waterside strolls to exploring the lively quay. Even a grey, windy day can feel like a treat here.

Weymouth in a Nutshell

What began as a forced stop became a blessing in disguise. Weymouth’s mix of practical facilities, coastal walks, welcoming pubs, and strong sailing culture made our four-day pause not just bearable, but genuinely enjoyable. Svea approved of the beaches and pub fuss, while Pete got Rimau ship-shape again, proof that sometimes, waiting out the weather is all part of the adventure. 🌊🐾🍻

Rating: Svea gives Weymouth an 8 paw rating - 🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾