Inspirational sailing holidays in west Sweden

Sailing holidays may usually be associated with island hopping in the Med and southern Europe, but the archipelagos of northern Europe also offer some fantastic sailing holiday opportunities.

For holidaymakers looking for an inspirational and fun active break in west Sweden there is a chance to see some of the world's most talented yachtswomen battling it in a sailing competition this summer.

The Lysekil Women's Match takes place over five days from July 31st 2007 in the top sailing location of Lysekil, located half way between the city of Gothenburg and the border with Norway.

The event attracts big crowds, in part thanks to it being the one of the top women's yachting events of the year with around £30,000 in prize money being raced for, and is a lively time to visit the region.

Additionally, the race in Lysekil is an excellent starting point for a sailing holiday exploring the rocky Bohuslän Coast archipelago.

The archipelago has over 60 guest harbours as well as many natural rocky ones, lots of lighthouses, and numerous fishing villages to visit, where holidaymakers can sample the fresh local seafood at the wide range of restaurants available across the islands.

As the archipelago is made up of over 8,000 islands and islets, the tourist board recommends more experienced sailors buy charts ("an absolute necessity"), if they are planning to man their own yacht to explore the region.

Charges for mooring at the guest harbours are usually around 140SEK, which is just over £10. If you would prefer to stay overnight in a natural cove, you will need mooring wedges, long lines and an anchor.

From May, the Gästhamnsguiden - a free list of all the guest harbours - is published, and is available across the archipelago's harbours. The tourist board warns the maps are in Swedish, but do include international service symbols and aerial photographs.

One of the most popular stops in the archipelago is Smögen, which has a bustling 600-metre long quay, and is known for its fresh shrimp caught nearby.

Other places to go ashore in the region include the island of Skärhamn's Nordic Watercolour Museum, the pretty island of Käringön, which has many 18th- century buildings, as well as an unusual oyster bar where food is served on the water on floating trays.

For traditional Swedish seafood, one of the best islands to stop at is Klädesholmen for its Salt & Sill restaurant, known for its tastings of herring and akvavit (a Swedish spirit flavoured with herbs).

If you are keen to get away from it all, there is a nature reserve on the island of Hallö where you can take in rocky landscapes and unique plant life. Other fishing ports worth seeing on the way include Hunnebostrand, Bovallstrand, Hamburgsund, Fjällbacka and Grebbestad.

For more information about the Bohuslän Coast visit www.west-sweden.com