Everyone should have the unique experience of sailing Arthur Ransome’s Nancy Blackett, especially around the locations where his Swallows and Amazons series stories “We Didn’t Mean to Go to Sea” and “Secret Water” were set. You can try a short taster session, stay overnight, or have an adventurous longer trip.

It is also a lot simpler than you might think, and you don’t even need any knowledge of sailing. All activities are supervised by a skipper who has been approved by the Nancy Blackett Trust.

Getting started

To sail on Nancy Blackett you need to be a member of the Nancy Blackett Trust.

Members pay sailing contributions to cover the ship’s costs, including moorings and fuel. Day sailing trips and sleepovers cost £24, while overnight sailing and multi-day trips are just £36 per day.

Children up to 16 years of age (who are family members) can sail or stay overnight free of charge when accompanied by a parent (or adult guardian). Discounts are also available for young adults (aged 17-24) and experienced crew (registered as mates with the Trust).

Catering costs and arrangements are agreed between the skipper and the crew on a trip-by-trip basis.

Members of the Trust are kept informed of sailing trip availability and can also check our online calendar.

Next steps

Bookings may be made via our booking form, and our booking conditions are here.

Anyone with sailing experience who would like to sail Nancy Blackett as a skipper or a mate can also ask us about our requirements.