Norfolk Broads Sailing

THE UK'S PREMIER INLAND SAILING DESTINATION

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Sailing holidays on the Broads have been a traditional part of British life since the turn of the century - and are still unique and unrivalled. For decades people, young and old, have learned to sail on these sheltered waters, Olympic yachtsman have earned their stripes in the many competitive sailing events and sailing enthusiasts come back year after year to enjoy this wonderful cruising ground. Even Admiral Horatio Nelson was taught to sail here as a boy, on Barton Broad, before joining the Royal Navy and going to sea at the age of 12.

The area that we know today as the "Norfolk Broads" consists of a collection of open areas of water and interconnecting rivers in the flat and low lying, mostly rural area east of Norwich and into North Suffolk. The three principle rivers are the Yare, Bure and Waveney, which flow into the sea at Great Yarmouth. There are numerous tributaries to these rivers, including the smaller rivers Ant, Chet, Thurne and Wensum. The Broads themselves offer exceptionally beautiful sailing waters, with the open expanses of Horsey Mere, Barton Broad and Hickling Broad offering safe cruising grounds and with areas like Black Horse Broad and South Walsham Broad providing ideal nursery slopes for beginners and peaceful anchorages.

The Broads is Britain's largest, nationally protected wetland. Its rivers, broads, marshes and fens make it a unique area, rich in rare habitats, which support myriad plants and animals. The Broads has special status - it is one of the national and international family of National Parks - for its blend of wildlife, distinctive landscapes and buildings, and the opportunities for people to relax and enjoy themselves both on land and on many kilometres of lock-free navigable waterways.

On all our yachts available for hire there is an auxiliary engine, so you can easily dip into the real world of Broad-side shops, pubs and fascinating ports of call. But before long you'll probably want to slip quietly away to your own evening haven. A meal at anchor, a quiet hour as the sun sets and birds settle, much telling of sailing yarns and a peaceful night.

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More details about this special area can be obtained from the Broads Authority (www.broads-authority.gov.uk), who manage the area. The Broads Society (www.broads-society.org.uk), a voluntary body helping to secure the Broads as a unique and protected landscape in which leisure, tourism and the local economy can thrive in harmony with the natural environment.

THE BEST SAILING YARDS:

www.eastwood-whelpton.co.uk

The yacht yards of Eastwood Whelpton (www.eastwood-whelpton.co.uk) at Upton Yacht Station and The Norfolk Broads Yachting Company (www.nbyco.co.uk) at Horning operate the largest fleets of quality hire yachts in the area and The Norfolk Broads School of Sailing provides sailing instruction to RYA standards.

Upton Yacht Station is situated in the heart of Broadland's best sailing area, a perfect location to set sail in any direction you choose, along rivers with virtually no trees to restrict sailing breezes. Here, for over 45 years, Tim and Anne Whelpton and their staff have operated a fine fleet of yachts, maintained and fitted to very high standards: even including changing carpets for each hire. Every customer receives personal attention and help, and advice is freely available for beginners. Rowing and sailing dinghies are available and there is no charge for car parking or fuel. Boats cost from as low as £90 per person per week, with short breaks also available. Tim and Anne would welcome your enquiry and hope to see you on one of their boats soon.

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The Norfolk Broads Yachting Company (www.nbyco.co.uk) runs a fleet of 20 yachts from Southgates boatyard in Horning. They pride themselves on their customer care, and believe that both this and the boats offered combine to ensure a high level of return custom. The fleet comprises a selection of 2 to10 berth boats, from historic gaff yachts restored and maintained in the purist fashion of yesteryear, to modern and newly constructed craft which provide for every comfort afloat. There are many smaller and middle range yachts, including current estuary designs, which are ideal for families and newcomers to the Broads to whom we will provide advice on cruising areas and tuition free of charge. A small selection of our yachts are reserved for Friday start and short breaks all season, so that couples and families can avoid the usual weekend rush. The Norfolk Broads Yachting Company is also home to the Wherry yacht "White Moth". She was commissioned in 1915 and, entirely re-fitted by local craftsmen in 1990, she is one of the last examples of her kind, providing an idyllic means of experiencing the beautiful Norfolk Broads. "White Moth" will sleep up to ten persons and a skipper and local guide is in charge of the day-to-day running of the craft. She is available for hire for cruises of any duration.

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THE ONLY RYA SCHOOL ON THE BROADS:

The Norfolk Broads School of Sailing (www.norfolksailingschool.co.uk) is the RYA Training Centre at Upton Yacht Station and provides sailing instruction for Eastwood Whelpton, ranging from brief introductions for experienced sailors to full RYA courses.

Sailors with some previous experience should have little difficulty handling the Bermudan rigged yachts, but for those who have not sailed on the Broads before, a short introductory course is available on the first afternoon of a booking. Rigging the yacht, lowering the mast, and reefing are covered with a short sail on the river to demonstrate basic sailing manoeuvres and handling under engine. The first two hours are provided free but the duration can be extended at an hourly rate if further confidence building is necessary.

The range of formal RYA courses, which the school provides, includes a Start Sailing course for beginners, which can be taken over a short break aboard one of the simpler yachts from the Upton fleet. The Basic Skills module is the next step and can be added to the Start Sailing module on a full week course. Experienced sailors, even those who have previously sailed on the Broads, can learn and develop new skills on the more advanced yachts with Passage Making and Seamanship courses. Through all the courses you will cruise along the rivers and Broads, meeting your instructor each morning at a different place. The instructors all have formal RYA qualifications as well as many years of Broads sailing experience and they can tell you all about the history of sailing on the Broads, giving guidance on the best places to visit and talking about the wildlife.

We offer:

• Canal boat holidays
• Boat hire
• Watersports clubs
• Cycle hire

Services for your boat

• Boat service & repairs