‘Between Land and Sea’ – Norfolk Broads
27 – 29th May 2017, £150 all inclusive
The Norfolk Broads is a fascinating 
area of reedbeds and wetlands just inland from the beautiful Norfolk coastline. We will learn to sail traditional gaff-rigged Norfolk ‘half-deckers’, open boats perfectly suited for exploring the winding narrows and broads of this beautiful area. We will also visit the traditional boatbuilding workshops, historic windpumps and the nearby Norfolk coastline with it’s colonies of seals.
As part of the trip, we will be sampling for microplastic pollution in the freshwater wetland environment. This is new to science in the area and we will be led by Kate Baker of Exeter University.
This will be an outdoors trip! Sleeping will be in the boats under a canopy and in tents on the riverbank, or if you fancy it and weather permits, under the stars! We will arrive on Friday evening and leave on Monday late afternoon. The trip fee includes delicious wholesome food and drink, but not meals or expenses ‘ashore’, if applicable.
As with all our trips, no prior experience of sailing is necessary, the skipper and first mate will show you the ropes and get you involved in sailing the boat, and will be able to answer all your questions on navigation, seamanship and sailors knots!
To sign up, please email us at info@sailbritain.org including some information about yourself and your work. For more about our trips, please see our Frequently Asked Questions
Cornwall – To the Land’s End
9 – 16th June 2017, £575 all inclusive
We are very pleased to announce our Cornwall programme which will explore the beautiful marine rivers, sandy coves and rugged headlands of the far South West on a beautiful classic yacht.
Starting in Falmouth, our sailing ground for the week will take in the unique habitats of the Fal, the Fowey, and the Helford Rivers. These are rare places where oak woodlands are juxtaposed with a marine environment. The area is also steeped in maritime history and retains that important place today. In addition, there will be good opportunity to experience offshore sailing conditions whilst also exploring local coastal traditions and stories.
Continuing from our work in Norfolk focusing on freshwater environments, we will be sampling for microplastic pollution in the rivers as well as further out at sea. We will also be exploring the relationship between ecological issues and society, sustainable fishing in the area, and of course learning how to sail!
To sign up, please email us at info@sailbritain.org including some information about yourself and your work. For more about our trips, please see our Frequently Asked Questions
Secret East Coast
Ipswich, 21st – 23rd July 2017
East Anglia may seem close geographically to London’s global metropolis, but it holds many secrets hidden amongst its myriad creeks, rivers and tidal backwaters. From pristine wildlife reserves and places of literary inspiration, to sites of Viking invasion and sinister relics of the Cold War, this coastline is one of intrigue and wonder far beyond it’s unassuming appearance.
Yet these sleepy backwaters are also home to Britain’s biggest container port, Felixstowe, which handles massive amounts of cargo brought in by the biggest ships in the world. We will have a chance to see these behemoths and learn about the operation first hand.
Our East Coast series will be exploring the connection between ecological issues and society, changing industries in the area, climate change and renewable power generation.
To sign up, please email us at info@sailbritain.org including some information about yourself and your work. For more about our trips, please see our Frequently Asked Questions
‘Muir is Tir – Land and Sea’, Outer Hebrides
12 – 26th August 2017
Sail Britain and An Lanntair are pleased to announce a new residency for 2017. ‘Muir is-Tir – Land and Sea’ is a two-week programme for five artists to explore the cultural heritage and identity of the Outer Hebrides, and the extraordinary beauty of the island landscape.
The first week will be spent on a sailing boat exploring the rugged coastline of the Minch, the Shiant Isles and the sea lochs of the larger islands, their stories, crafts and traditions. Working closely together while learning to sail will provide a different approach to exploring the coastline and islands, and allow time for reflection, observation and contemplation in a unique environment.
The second week will be spent in the Uig region on the West coast of Lewis, a remote and beautiful place with a fascinating history facing the expanse of the Atlantic Ocean. Participants will have space to develop ideas and material gathered during the first week’s voyage, and to undertake further research or creative exploration.
Application dates TBC
Royal College of Art residency programme
Sail Britain and the Royal College of Art will be running a Summer residency programme especially for RCA students on the Norfolk Broads. This is a great area for learning to sail beautiful traditional boats and spending some time amongst the whispering reeds, sailing, painting, drawing, or just soaking up inspiration. If you would like to work with us on projects, do get in touch!