Top tips for planning your 2026 cruising season with MDL Marinas

Choosing where to cruise – and how to make the most of it – is one of the great pleasures of boat ownership. Alex Warner from MDL’s Queen Anne’s Battery Marina in Plymouth, Devon shares his top tips on destinations, routes and planning ahead for 2026, highlighting handy stopping points, standout locations and making the most of MDL’s marina network.

Make Plymouth your cruising launchpad

Perfectly positioned for east, west and offshore cruising, Plymouth gives boaters huge flexibility for planning short trips or longer adventures.

"Plymouth is a fantastic location for cruising potential both east and west along the Southwest of England, and for the more adventurous looking to cross the channel and breach the shores of Northwest France. Our nearby Torquay and Brixham marinas also provide convenient cruising jumping off points along the way."

Book visitor berths early

Popular marinas fill quickly during peak periods, so forward planning is essential.

"We offer dedicated visitor berthing here at QAB, although booking ahead is recommended for peak periods. Last minute requests can sometimes be catered for, depending on availability. Torquay and Brixham marinas, both nearby in Torbay, make excellent alternatives or extensions to a Southwest cruise.”

“Berths can be booked online, which allows you to check availability in advance and make arrangements before you arrive.”

Choose destinations that always deliver

The most popular cruising spots combine safe access, beautiful scenery and rewarding shore time.

"Popular destinations within easy reach include Fowey and Falmouth to the West, as well as a further reach to the Isles of Scilly in the right weather window. Heading along the coastline to the east, a short reach will find you sheltered in the beautiful harbours of Noss Mayo, Salcombe and Torbay."

Plan flexible cruising routes

Having a range of route options allows you to match your plans to the weather and your available time.

“Sailing from Devon to the Isles of Scilly is a classic West Country adventure. Looking for a day trip? Noss Mayo up the River Yealm. If you’re looking for a round trip, head out to the Eddystone Lighthouse and back.”

Build key events into your season

Races, regattas and festivals add colour to the cruising calendar and are great reasons to visit new ports.

“The Eddystone Pursuit Race, Plymouth Race Week, Fowey Royal Regatta and Plymouth Boat Fest are all worth planning around. A highlight here at QAB is our front row seats for the British Firework Championships in August.”

Use MDL marinas as natural stop-offs

Well-located, sheltered marinas make ideal gateways and endpoints on longer coastal voyages.

“We are well protected with easy access to the sea via Plymouth Sound, and while our Devonshire marinas sit furthest west within the MDL network, they prove a fantastic end point to any voyage along the South coast.”

Look for marinas with the right facilities

Good shoreside facilities make extended cruising far more comfortable and convenient.

“Here at QAB we offer a wide spectrum of marina facilities and shore-based provisions from our busy fuel berth, bustling boatyard and MDL Fitness 24/7 facility on site.”

Take time to explore the hidden gems

Some of the most memorable cruising days are spent close to home in quieter anchorages.

“Enjoy a short cruise into and around Plymouth Sound, Cawsand Bay, Barn Pool and up and into the Tamar River… Anchor up, drop the ladder and jump in for a natural swim.”

Connect your whole itinerary with MDL

A wide marina network allows owners to plan longer trips with confidence and consistency.

“Through our Pass-Ports Escales programme, we offer access to over 160 marinas across the UK, Spain, France and Portugal. MDL berth holders and visitors also enjoy exclusive rewards through Otium.”

Prepare thoroughly for longer cruises

Careful preparation before you leave makes for safer, more enjoyable passages.

“Planning involves meticulously preparing your boat, provisioning thoroughly, monitoring the weather and always having potential stopovers planned.”

Pick one must-do cruise for 2026

Having a standout destination in mind helps shape the whole season.

“I would recommend a cross-channel cruise to the shores of Trebeurden, France. If looking for something closer to home – Fowey in Cornwall makes for a lovely cruise from Plymouth.”

With early planning, flexible routing and the support of MDL’s marina network, 2026 offers plenty of opportunity for memorable cruising – from short visitor stays at Queen Anne’s Battery to longer itineraries taking in Torquay, Brixham and beyond