Vari Solo Sailor - Cornwall & Devon

The Vari Solo Sailor is a new favourite of ours in Cornwall, a proper dive for those who love a fresh wreck. It’s only been down since July 2023, so you’re seeing it in its very early stages of colonisation. We’ve found the stern section is particularly interesting, with the rudder still clearly visible and some of the cabin structure surprisingly intact, even after the initial salvage work declared it dangerous. Being a relatively shallow wreck at 23m, it's a good choice for divers wanting decent bottom time without pushing deco limits. What we really appreciate here is watching the evolution; you can already spot the first soft corals appearing and schools of juvenile pollack circling the mast. Our top tip: dive it on a calm day with good visibility. The light penetration is excellent then, giving the whole site a slightly eerie glow as you explore the deck fittings and rigging, which are still very much present. We think it’s best for experienced divers who appreciate the history of a wreck and observing how marine life claims a new habitat. It's a snapshot in time.

Location
Cornwall & Devon, United Kingdom, Mediterranean & Europe
Coordinates
50.648735, -1.624083
Type
wreck
Maximum Depth
23m

Marine Protected Area: The Needles

Best Time to Dive in Cornwall & Devon

The warmest water temperatures in Cornwall & Devon occur in January, averaging 9.6°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 9.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 9.6°C (air: 7.3°C)
  • February: 9.6°C (air: 8.4°C)
  • March: 9.6°C (air: 8.6°C)
  • April: 9.6°C (air: 10.1°C)
  • May: 9.6°C (air: 12.6°C)
  • June: 9.6°C (air: 15.2°C)
  • July: 9.6°C (air: 16.6°C)
  • August: 9.6°C (air: 17.1°C)
  • September: 9.6°C (air: 15.9°C)
  • October: 9.6°C (air: 13.5°C)
  • November: 9.6°C (air: 10.7°C)
  • December: 9.6°C (air: 8.7°C)

Nearby Dive Sites in Cornwall & Devon

Nearest Dive Centres to Vari Solo Sailor

Marine Life in Cornwall & Devon

Home to 192 recorded species including 93 reef fish, 18 sharks & rays, 13 whales & dolphins, 11 crabs & lobsters, 11 other, 10 seagrass & algae.

Notable Species

Recommended Packing List for Vari Solo Sailor

Based on average water temperature of 9.6°C.

  • Drysuit - water at 10°C demands a drysuit with thermal undergarments
  • Hood & Gloves (7mm+) - critical to prevent heat loss
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories