First sailing holiday on the Broads?

Sailed before? You're ready for the Broads.

If you've done some sailing, a dinghy course or time crewing for friends, a traditional Broads yacht is the perfect next step. We'll match you to the right boat, show you round at the yard, and you're off exploring the quiet Upper Thurne.

See our yachts Call 01493 740249

A boat for your ability
From easy-handling yachts for newer sailors to fast, lively boats for the experienced.
Tuition is on hand
Add a refresher or have an instructor join you on board for your first sessions.
Quiet waters
Sail the Upper Thurne, Hickling Broad and Horsey Mere without going under Potter Heigham Bridge.
Real Broads yachts
Traditional wooden and classic yachts, looked after by a family-run yard.

How your first sailing holiday works

Four simple steps, from your first phone call to casting off.

1

Tell us about your sailing

Give us a ring before booking. Tell us your experience and who's in your crew, and we'll suggest the yacht that suits you.

2

Add tuition if you'd like it

A bit rusty? An instructor can join you on your yacht for a refresher on sailing, mooring and manoeuvring.

3

Your handover

We'll show you round your yacht and how everything on board works before you set off, and answer every question.

4

Set sail

Head out onto the Upper Thurne at your own pace. We're only a phone call away if you need us.

What's different about sailing on the Broads

If you've sailed on a lake or the sea, river sailing is a lovely new challenge. Here's what to expect.

Narrow rivers

Tacking up a river means short boards and quick crew work. It's great practice, and the open water of Hickling Broad gives you room to stretch out.

Bridges and masts

You can enjoy the Upper Thurne without passing a bridge. Going further, masts are lowered where needed. Not confident with the bridge? Our staff take some of our larger yachts through Potter Heigham Bridge for you.

Mooring up

Moorings along the rivers and broads are a big part of the fun. If you'd like practice first, an instructor can go through it with you.

Good yachts for a first sailing holiday

We have different boats for different abilities. A few to start with:

Twilight · 3 berth

An easily handled yacht, suitable for new and experienced sailors alike.

Leading Lady · 4 berth

A 27ft yacht with a fibreglass hull, brilliant sailing and an electric motor.

Jacindar · 5 berth

A 30ft traditional gaff-rigged Broads yacht built in 2018, with plenty of space for a family.

Ready for more?

Try Zoe, built in 1897 and the only Victorian counter-sterned Broads yacht in hire.

See all our yachts

First sailing holiday questions

How much sailing experience do I need?

You'll need some knowledge of sailing to skipper one of our yachts. Every crew is different, so please talk to us about your experience before booking and we'll help you choose the right boat, or suggest some tuition first.

Can an instructor come out with us?

Yes. Working with The Norfolk Broads School of Sailing, instructors can join you on your yacht. Sessions are a minimum of three hours and can cover sailing, handling under power, mooring and manoeuvring.

Do we have to go under Potter Heigham Bridge?

No. The Upper Thurne, Hickling Broad and Horsey Mere are all on our side of the bridge. If you'd like to go further, our staff take some of our larger yachts through the bridge for you.

Can I do a short break?

Yes, short breaks are available on our yachts as well as full weeks. If you need a different start or finish day, give us a call and we'll help.

What if we need help while we're out?

Just call us. You'll have our number from the start, and out of hours you can reach us on 01493 740249.

Never sailed before? Start with a taster

Book a half-day on one of our open half deckers with an experienced helm. You'll steer, trim the sails and find out if sailing is for you, then come back for a yacht holiday.

Sailing tuition

Rather not sail?

Our traditional motor cruisers need no experience at all, and we'll teach you everything at handover.

First time motor cruising

Ready to set sail?

Tell us about your sailing and your crew. We'll find the right yacht and help you plan your first Broads sailing holiday.

See our yachts Call 01493 740249