How you can have a sailing trip or private visit on the Nancy Blackett
Everyone should have the unique experience of being onboard or sailing the Nancy Blackett. Why not try a short taster session as a starter, or even a longer voyage? It is a lot simpler than you might think, and you don’t even need any knowledge of sailing.
Location: most sailing trips start from Woolverstone Marina, Suffolk
Book your private visit, or sailing trip stay now:
- Check available sailing days and book a private visit or sailing trip on our Availability and Booking Form page.
- View Nancy Blackett’s planned sailing season on the Events page.
Please also note the following:
- To book a sailing trip, you must be a member of the Nancy Blackett Trust. See our Membership page for details, and join us now!
- Bookings are subject to certain conditions (and sailing contribution charges): Please read them here.
- Due to the general nature of sailing all bookings are subject to crew or volunteer availability, favourable weather conditions and final confirmation. In some circumstances sailing trips or private visits may need to be rescheduled or cancelled.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Click or touch on a question to read the answer:
Short day sails typically start with introductions, a welcome cup of tea or coffee, an exploration of Nancy Blackett, and a safety briefing.
If you are departing from Woolverstone, you will head down the beautiful River Orwell, following the route of the Goblin in “We Didn’t Mean to Go to Sea”, and seeing Pin Mill and the house that Arthur Ransome lived in while writing the book.
You are welcome to sit in the cockpit or cabin and just take in the view, but you can also choose to handle the tiller or take the sails.
An overnight trip might include a visit to the Walton Backwaters, featured in “Secret Water”, while a longer trip will enable you to explore more of the beautiful East Coast. Nancy Blackett also ventures further afield on occasions, most regularly to the Solent.
For short river trips in fair weather Nancy Blackett can accommodate up to four guests (plus the skipper and mate).
For overnight trips Nancy Blackett has four bunks: two for the skipper and mate, and two for you the crew.
If you want to sleep aboard as a family, that can be arranged at Nancy Blackett’s home base.
For day-sailing trips> any waterproof jacket, with at least two layers under it, including a sweater or fleece, is fine. Shoes should be soft-soled – trainers are fine. Bring a hat and any personal medications.
For overnight or longer trips a pair of lightweight waterproof trousers is recommended, as well as a sleeping bag and a spare set of clothes. As space is at a premium, all but the sleeping bag should be able to fit into no more than a small grip and backpack.
Safety equipment, including inflatable life jackets, is provided onboard.
For day-sailing trips bring a packed lunch and a snack or two.
For longer trips catering is organised by the Skipper, and costs are shared. You might also eat ashore one night. Tea and coffee are always onboard.
There is a flushing toilet onboard in the forepeak. Hot water can be available. Our home marina has luxurious showers, as do most others we visit.
This is unlikely if you are just sailing in a river. However, some people do get sick at sea. If you are not sure, take a seasickness tablet a couple of hours before sailing.
Our crews are staffed by volunteers, so potential skippers and mates are always welcome. All applicants are carefully appraised by existing senior Skippers (who normally have Yachtmaster Instructor qualifications).
We look for RYA Yachtmaster or Coastal Skipper qualifications, plus personal qualities including most importantly empathy with the boat and the Trust’s objectives. Skippers working with children are required to have a DBS Disclosure.
Applicant skippers are invited to get in touch, or attach a note when returning their Crew Registration forms.
Header image: Nancy Blackett and Swallow at Woolverstone, July 2011. Credit: John Benford.