Day sailing on the Broads

Spend a day under sail on the quiet Upper Thurne.

Hire one of our traditional half decker sailing boats for the day and head out towards Hickling Broad and Horsey Mere. Never sailed? Book a taster with an experienced helm to guide you.

Check availability Call 01493 740249

Up to six on board
Room for family or friends to share the sailing.
Buoyancy aids and parking included
Buoyancy aids and car parking at the yard come with every half decker hire.
Full briefing
We take you through the boat before you set off.
Open water nearby
Hickling Broad and Horsey Mere are right on our doorstep.

Two ways to go sailing for the day

Pick the one that matches your sailing experience.

Half decker sailing boat setting off from Martham Boats on the River Thurne

Sailed before?

Hire a half decker

Take the helm yourself. Our half deckers seat up to six and come with a mainsail, jib and full awning. Please talk to us about your sailing experience before booking so we can make sure a half decker suits your group.

Hire a half decker
Sailing taster on a half decker with an experienced helm on the Norfolk Broads

Never sailed?

Book a sailing taster

A half-day or full-day taster on an open half decker, with an experienced helm on board. You can take part in steering and trimming the sails, or let us know if you'd prefer a less active role.

Sailing tuition

Your sailing day, step by step

Here's what happens when you arrive at our riverside boatyard in Martham.

1

Tell us about your sailing

When you book, let us know your sailing experience and who's coming, and we'll help you choose between hire and a taster.

2

Arrive and park

Come to our riverside boatyard on the Upper Thurne. Car parking at the yard is included in your hire.

3

Buoyancy aids on

Buoyancy aids are provided for everyone on board.

4

Your briefing

We give you a full briefing on the boat before you set off, and answer any questions.

5

Plan your route

Your route will depend on the wind, the weather and the time you have. Our team will help you plan a day that suits the conditions.

6

Set sail

Enjoy reed-lined waterways, open skies and the wildlife of the Broads. Pack a picnic and make a day of it.

7

Need help while you're out?

Just give us a call on 01493 740249.

Half decker sailing on open water near Hickling Broad Gunter rigged half decker sailing boat on the Upper Thurne

Where to sail on your day on the river

Our base on the Upper Thurne is ideally placed for open-water sailing.

Hickling Broad

The largest broad, with wide open water to stretch your sails.

Horsey Mere

A peaceful mere near the coast, with plenty of wildlife to spot.

Day sailing questions

Do I need sailing experience?

To hire a half decker yourself, please talk to us about your sailing experience before booking so we can help you decide whether it suits your group. If you've never sailed, a taster with an experienced helm is the best way to start.

How many people can come?

Our half deckers seat up to six people.

What if the weather changes?

Your route depends on the wind and weather on the day. Speak to our team before setting off and we'll help you plan a route that suits the conditions.

Can we stay out for more than a day?

Yes. For overnight camping aboard, up to two mattresses per boat are available on request. Please reserve them when you book.

Can I get some tuition?

Yes. We have Sailing, instructors on our team who can take you out, on our half deckers. Sessions are a minimum of three hours, whether you're a complete beginner or want a refresher.

What to bring

A picnic, warm layers and waterproofs, sun cream and a hat, shoes with a good grip, and gloves for handling ropes.

Loved your day? Sail for longer

When you're ready, a traditional Broads yacht lets you spend a few nights on the water.

First time sailing Rather not sail? Day launches

Ready for a day under sail?

Tell us about your sailing and who's coming, and we'll help you plan your day.

Check availability Call 01493 740249