1. Decide on an area to explore –What can better the south coast of Cornwall?

The Fal Estuary in Cornwall is the third largest natural harbour in the world and the area known as the Carrick Roads extends 4 miles from Black Rock to Turnaware Point with nowhere being less than 1 mile wide. The shoreline of the Fal Estuary is broken by creeks and inlets, the exploration of which can be vastly rewarding. This huge expanse of sheltered water is accessible in all weathers and at all states of the tide.

To the west of the Fal Estuary is the famous Helford River and the many miles of beautiful waters within the estuary provide enjoyable sailing even when it is blowing a gale in the English Channel.

To the east is Fowey which like Falmouth, has an outstanding and extensive natural harbour, making it one of Cornwall's primary sailing centres. Its size ensures that it is rarely uncomfortably congested and there are facilities for all types and sizes of craft. The River Fowey is a long, navigable river with numerous inlets and creeks, extending north to the historic town of Lostwithiel.

2.Choose the dates and put them in your diary - 5 dates you MUST include!

22-31 May – Fal River Festival

All the action takes place around Falmouth, Truro and the Roseland peninsular. The festival embraces the places, people, history, culture and industry connected to this very Cornish river. With its diverse mix of events taking place at dozens of locations around the water, the festival gives a real chance to engage with life on the river and discover some of its fascinating history. Live music can be heard from the harbour sides along with plenty of seafood to sample!

12 – 14 June Falmouth Classics Regatta

Classic boats from many parts of the country, the continent and the local area take part in this Classics event, with boats built as long ago as 1882. The highlight of the regatta is the Parade of Sail and Power. The boats will Parade out of the inner harbour and into Carrick Roads and will include the larger boats, making the magnificent spectacle of Pilot Cutters, Working Boats and other traditional craft under full sail.

6-16 August Falmouth Week

Falmouth Week has grown into the largest sailing regatta in the south west with more than 450 yachts racing over eight days along with a lively programme of shore side events. Six days of racing for keelboats, traditional craft and dinghies in the waters off Falmouth Bay, the Carrick Roads and the harbour.

16-22 August Fowey regatta and carnival week

Visitors flock to Fowey Royal Regatta, one of Britain’s premier sailing events. Attractions other than the daily races include a display from the Red Arrows over the harbour, fireworks on the river and live music on the quayside.

29 August Portscatho Regatta

A traditional regatta with a full programme of sailing over an exciting and highly visible course in the beautiful Gerrans Bay and a passage race from the River Fal. Participants sailing a variety of craft including 18ft yachts, working boats, dinghies and windsurfers.

So now you have the dates just put them in your diary – at least that will ensure you will be out in your boat at least 5 times!

Need a boat to enjoy the Cornish waters?

Chris Fuller is a keen sailor and owner of the online Boat Brokerage, Boatshed Falmouth, which recently expanded its coverage to Boatshed Cornwall, to include Fowey, Looe, Penzance and Padstow/Rock.