PROMPT:

Is it possible to sail around the UK with a dog? We hope to sail at an average of 6 knots, and our dog Svea needs a break at least every 10 hours. We want to stay in marinas overnight so Svea can have a walk. The yacht is 10m in length and has a draft of 1.6m. The direction is anticlockwise, and we will travel through the Caledonian Canal.

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ANSWER:

Yes, it’s possible to sail around the UK with a dog on a yacht averaging 6 knots, sailing a maximum of 10 hours per day, and stopping at a marina every night, starting anticlockwise from Shotley Marina. However, this ambitious journey requires careful planning due to the constraints of speed, daily sailing time, marina availability, tidal conditions, weather, and regulations regarding pets. Below, I’ll break down the feasibility, challenges, and considerations for such a trip, addressing each aspect of your query.

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1. Feasibility of Sailing Around the UK with a Dog

•  Pet Regulations: Since January 1, 2021, the UK is no longer part of the EU Pet Travel Scheme, and pet travel rules have tightened. To bring a dog into the UK (or to sail within UK waters and return to UK ports), your dog must:

•  Be microchipped.

•  Have a valid rabies vaccination (administered at least 21 days before travel if it’s the first vaccination).

•  Possess an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) or a UK pet passport (if issued before Brexit).

•  Be treated for tapeworm 24–120 hours before entering the UK (not required for travel within the UK but necessary if you cross to Ireland or France).

•  Comply with port entry rules: Dogs must be kept on board or in secure areas at marinas unless explicitly permitted to go ashore. Some ports, like Dover, have historically been strict about animals, though enforcement varies. For example, foreign yachts have been observed with dogs on pontoons without issue, but you should contact marinas in advance to confirm their pet policies.

 

Practicality on Board: Dogs can adapt to yacht life, but you’ll need:

•  A safe, non-slip area for the dog to rest (e.g., in the cockpit or cabin).

•  A plan for toileting (e.g., astroturf mats or training to go on deck with wash-down facilities).

•  Life jackets for the dog, especially in rough seas.

•  Sufficient food, water, and any medications for the entire trip, as resupplying in remote areas may be challenging.

•  A dog-friendly marina policy, as some may restrict pets on pontoons or charge extra fees.

 

Sailing Constraints:

•  Speed (6 knots): An average speed of 6 knots is reasonable for a yacht under sail or motor, but actual speed will vary due to wind, tides, and sea state. For example, strong tides in areas like the Pentland Firth or Bristol Channel can significantly boost or hinder progress.

•  10 Hours/Day: This limits your daily distance to approximately 60 nautical miles (nm) at 6 knots, though tidal streams can extend or reduce this. Some legs may require shorter or longer days to reach a marina, and you’ll need to plan around tidal gates and weather windows.

•  Marina Every Night: The UK has a network of marinas, but availability is sparse in some regions (e.g., parts of the East Coast, North Scotland, and West Wales). You’ll need to book berths in advance, especially in peak season (summer), and have contingency plans for anchorages if marinas are full or inaccessible due to weather or tides.

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2. Route Planning: Anticlockwise from Shotley Marina

Sailing anticlockwise from Shotley Marina (Suffolk, East Coast) involves navigating the East Coast, North Sea, Scottish coasts, West Coast, Irish Sea, and South Coast back to Shotley. The total distance around Great Britain (excluding Ireland) is approximately 1,500–2,000 nm, depending on the route (e.g., via the Caledonian Canal or around the Outer Hebrides). Below is a high-level route plan tailored to your constraints, with estimated distances, marina stops, and considerations.

 

East Coast (Shotley to Scotland)

Challenges: The East Coast has long stretches with few deep-water harbors, sandbanks, wind farms, and strong tidal streams. Marinas are often tide-restricted with sills or locks.

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Sample Legs (distances are approximate, based on rhumb lines; actual sailing distances may be longer):

•  Shotley to Lowestoft (40 nm): A 6–7-hour sail at 6 knots, tide-dependent. Lowestoft is a good first stop with a marina (Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club). Rest here, as longer legs follow.

•  Lowestoft to Wells-next-the-Sea (50 nm): About 8–9 hours. Wells has a tidal harbor, so time your arrival for high water. Check marina pet policies.

•  Wells to Grimsby (60 nm): A full 10-hour day. Grimsby Marina is accessible but requires navigating the Humber Estuary’s strong tides.

•  Grimsby to Scarborough (55 nm): 9–10 hours. Scarborough Marina is welcoming but exposed in onshore winds.

•  Scarborough to Hartlepool (45 nm): 7–8 hours. Hartlepool Marina is a reliable stop.

•  Hartlepool to Amble (50 nm): 8–9 hours. Amble Marina is dog-friendly but tide-restricted.

•  Amble to Eyemouth (40 nm): 6–7 hours. Eyemouth is a small marina, book ahead.

•  Eyemouth to Anstruther (40 nm): 6–7 hours. Anstruther’s marina is quaint but shallow; confirm depth for your yacht.

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Considerations:

•  Avoid night sailing on this stretch, as Cromer and Sheringham are unsuitable for night approaches due to hazards.

•  Plan for tidal gates (e.g., the Wash, Humber Estuary). Use tide tables and apps like Windfinder for Shotley and Harwich tides.

•  Marinas may be busy; call ahead to secure berths and confirm pet policies.

 

North Scotland (East Coast to West Coast)

Challenges: Harbors like Wick and Whitehills have tricky entrances (90° turns) and are dangerous in strong onshore winds. The Pentland Firth has ferocious tides (up to 12 knots).

 

Sample Legs:

•  Anstruther to Arbroath (40 nm): 6–7 hours. Arbroath Marina is accessible.

•  Arbroath to Stonehaven (45 nm): 7–8 hours. Stonehaven has a small marina.

•  Stonehaven to Peterhead (40 nm): 6–7 hours. Peterhead Marina is reliable but can be busy.

•  Peterhead to Fraserburgh (40 nm): 6–7 hours. Fraserburgh Marina is an option.

•  Fraserburgh to Wick (60 nm): A 10-hour leg. Wick Marina requires careful entry timing.

•  Wick to Stromness, Orkney (50 nm): 8–9 hours, crossing the Pentland Firth. Time this for slack tide and favorable weather. Stromness Marina is welcoming.

•  Stromness to Scrabster (30 nm): 5 hours. Scrabster is a good base for the North Coast.

 

Considerations:

•  The Pentland Firth requires precise timing (slack tide) and good weather. Have a Plan B (e.g., wait in Wick).

•  Marinas are scarcer; book early and confirm dog policies.

•  Wildlife (seals, dolphins) is abundant, which may excite your dog.

 

West Coast of Scotland

Advantages: Numerous anchorages and marinas (e.g., Oban, Tobermory, Portree). Stunning scenery with deep inlets.

Challenges: Weather can be unpredictable, with frequent low-pressure systems. Avoid the Caledonian Canal to experience the Hebrides and Orkney.

 

Sample Legs:

•  Scrabster to Kinlochbervie (50 nm): 8–9 hours. Kinlochbervie has a small marina.

•  Kinlochbervie to Lochinver (40 nm): 6–7 hours. Lochinver Marina is basic but scenic.

•  Lochinver to Stornoway, Lewis (50 nm): 8–9 hours. Stornoway Marina is modern.

•  Stornoway to Portree, Skye (60 nm): 10 hours. Portree has a marina but is tide-dependent.

•  Portree to Tobermory, Mull (50 nm): 8–9 hours. Tobermory Marina is popular and dog-friendly.

•  Tobermory to Oban (40 nm): 6–7 hours. Oban Marina is a major hub.

•  Considerations:

•  Shorter legs are possible due to abundant marinas. Adjust for weather windows.

•  Check for midge season (summer); they’re not maritime but may affect shore visits.

•  Your dog will love the scenic walks near marinas like Tobermory.

 

Irish Sea (Scotland to Wales/England)

•  Challenges: The Irish Sea can have confused swells, especially after storms. Marinas are fewer in West

Wales.

 

Sample Legs:

•  Oban to Campbeltown (60 nm): 10 hours. Campbeltown Marina is a good stop.

•  Campbeltown to Bangor, Northern Ireland (50 nm): 8–9 hours. Bangor Marina is modern and pet-friendly.

•  Bangor to Dublin, Ireland (60 nm): 10 hours. Dublin’s Poolbeg Marina requires an AHC for your dog if entering Ireland.

•  Dublin to Milford Haven, Wales (60 nm): 10 hours. Milford Haven Marina is accessible.

•  Milford Haven to Fishguard (40 nm): 6–7 hours. Fishguard has a small marina.

 

Considerations:

•  If you visit Ireland, ensure AHC compliance for your dog’s return to the UK.

•  Tidal streams are strong (e.g., North Channel). Plan passages carefully.

•  Marinas like Bangor are busy; book ahead.

 

South Coast (Wales to Shotley)

 

Challenges: The Bristol Channel has massive tidal ranges (up to 12m). The South Coast is busy in summer, with crowded marinas.

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Sample Legs:

•  Fishguard to Lundy Island (50 nm): 8–9 hours. Lundy has a basic marina.

•  Lundy to Padstow (60 nm): 10 hours. Padstow Marina is tide-restricted.

•  Padstow to Falmouth (50 nm): 8–9 hours. Falmouth Marina is a major hub.

•  Falmouth to Plymouth (40 nm): 6–7 hours. Plymouth’s Mayflower Marina is dog-friendly.

•  Plymouth to Dartmouth (30 nm): 5 hours. Dartmouth Marina is scenic.

•  Dartmouth to Weymouth (60 nm): 10 hours. Weymouth Marina is busy.

•  Weymouth to Southampton (50 nm): 8–9 hours. Southampton’s Ocean Village Marina is modern.

•  Southampton to Brighton (60 nm): 10 hours. Brighton Marina is pet-friendly.

•  Brighton to Eastbourne (30 nm): 5 hours. Sovereign Harbour Marina is accessible.

•  Eastbourne to Dover (50 nm): 8–9 hours. Dover Marina may restrict dogs; confirm in advance.

•  Dover to Ramsgate (20 nm): 3–4 hours. Ramsgate Marina is welcoming and dog-friendly.

•  Ramsgate to Shotley (60 nm): 10 hours, completing the circumnavigation.

 

Considerations:

•  The Bristol Channel requires precise tidal planning.

•  Marinas like Southampton and Brighton are busy; book early and confirm pet policies.

•  The final leg (Ramsgate to Shotley) crosses the Thames Estuary, which has strong tides and heavy shipping traffic.

 

Total Duration

•  Distance: Approximately 1,500 nm (excluding Ireland) or 2,000 nm (including Ireland).

•  Sailing Days: At 60 nm/day (6 knots × 10 hours), the trip takes 25–34 days of actual sailing, assuming no delays.

•  Total Time: With weather delays, rest days, and marina layovers, plan for 2–3 months (May–July or June–August) to complete the journey comfortably. A leisurely pace allows exploration of coastal towns.

•  Anticlockwise Advantage: Starting in May, you’ll have southerly/easterly winds on the East Coast and reach Scotland in summer, avoiding harsher autumn weather. However, you may face headwinds in the Irish Sea.

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3. Yacht Requirements

•  Type: A seaworthy yacht (e.g., 28–40 ft, like a Beneteau or Sadler) with a reliable engine, good sail inventory, and shallow draft (to access tidal marinas) is ideal. A bilge or twin-keel yacht can take the ground if needed, opening more harbors.

 

Equipment:

•  Chartplotter with AIS/radar for busy areas (e.g., Thames Estuary).

•  VHF radio for marina communication.

•  Anchor (e.g., Rocna with 40m chain) for emergencies, though you’ll prioritize marinas.

•  Solar panels/wind generator to minimize engine use for battery charging.

•  Dog-specific gear: life jacket, non-slip bedding, toileting area.

•  Speed: A yacht capable of 6 knots under sail or motor is sufficient, but ensure it handles rough seas (e.g., Force 6) and has a clean hull for efficiency.

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4. Challenges and Mitigations

Marina Availability:

•  Issue: Marinas may be full, especially in summer. Some have sills or locks (e.g., Shotley, Wells), limiting access to high tide.

•  Solution: Book berths 1–2 weeks in advance via phone or apps like Navily. Have Plan B anchorages (e.g., Hamford Water near Shotley) and Plan C ports.

 

Tides and Weather:

•  Issue: Tidal gates (e.g., Pentland Firth, Bristol Channel) and sandbars restrict timing. Weather windows are critical, especially in exposed areas like the North Sea.

•  Solution: Use tide tables (e.g., Windfinder for Shotley) and weather apps (e.g., Windy, Met Office). Wait for favorable conditions, even if it means staying in port for days.

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Dog Welfare:

•  Issue: Long days on board, restricted shore access, and rough seas may stress your dog.

•  Solution: Train your dog for boat life in advance (short sails from Shotley). Choose marinas with nearby green spaces (e.g., Tobermory, Ramsgate). Monitor for seasickness and consult a vet for medications.

 

Fatigue:

•  Issue: 10-hour sailing days can be tiring, especially with navigation and dog care.

•  Solution: Take rest days every 3–4 sailing days. Consider a crewmate to share duties, though ensure they’re dog-compatible.

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5. Additional Considerations

•  Navigation: No specific sailing license is required for recreational sailing in the UK, but RYA certifications (e.g., Day Skipper) are recommended for safety. Shotley Marina offers RYA courses if you need a refresher.

•  Charts: Use Admiralty Leisure Craft Folios and Imray charts for full coverage. Antares charts are useful for Scotland’s west coast.

•  Costs: Marina fees vary (£20–£50/night, depending on yacht size). Budget for fuel, food, and dog supplies. SuperGrok or X Premium subscriptions may offer higher usage quotas for real-time marina booking or weather apps, but check https://x.ai/grok or https://help.x.com/en/using-x/x-premium for details.

•  Safety: Carry life jackets, harnesses, and a well-stocked first-aid kit (for you and your dog). Ensure your yacht has a recent survey and safety equipment (EPIRB, flares, etc.).

•  Dog-Friendly Marinas: Examples include Ramsgate, Tobermory, and Brighton. Always call ahead to confirm.

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6. Sample Itinerary (Abbreviated)

•  Week 1: Shotley → Lowestoft → Wells → Grimsby (3–4 sailing days, 1–2 rest days).

•  Week 2–3: Grimsby → Scarborough → Hartlepool → Amble → Anstruther → Peterhead (5–6 sailing days, 2–3 rest days).

•  Week 4–5: Peterhead → Wick → Stromness → Scrabster → Stornoway (4–5 sailing days, 2–3 rest days).

•  Week 6–8: Stornoway → Tobermory → Oban → Campbeltown → Bangor → Milford Haven (6–7 sailing days, 3–4 rest days).

•  Week 9–12: Milford Haven → Padstow → Falmouth → Plymouth → Southampton → Ramsgate → Shotley (7–8 sailing days, 4–5 rest days).

 

Total: ~30 sailing days, ~15–20 rest/weather days, ~2–3 months.

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7. Conclusion

Sailing around the UK anticlockwise from Shotley with a dog, averaging 6 knots, sailing up to 10 hours/day, and stopping at marinas nightly is feasible but challenging. The key is meticulous planning:

•  Route: Stick to 40–60 nm legs, prioritizing marinas like Lowestoft, Tobermory, and Ramsgate.

•  Dog: Ensure compliance with UK pet regulations, train for boat life, and choose dog-friendly marinas.

•  Timing: Allow 2–3 months, starting in May for optimal weather.

•  Preparation: Use RYA training, updated charts, and booking apps. Monitor tides and weather closely.

For further assistance, contact Suffolk Coast Sailing at Shotley Marina for local advice or RYA courses (https://www.suffolkcoastsailing.co.uk). If you need specific marina recommendations or tidal calculations for a leg, let me know.