Suffolk Coast Sailing

A life on the ocean wave!

We have teamed up with Suffolk Coast Sailing for those guests wishing to enjoy a sailing adventure on board a modern Beneteau yacht. The skipper is RYA Yachtmaster Simon Read, based just down the road from Woodfarm Barns on the River Orwell (so good we named a barn after it!) at Woolverstone Marina between Pin Mill (great pub there – The Butt & Oyster) and Ipswich.

From here you can explore the uncrowded waters of the East Anglian coast, sailing four of the rivers that we named barns after – the Rivers Orwell, Deben, Stour and Alde, as well as Backwater, Blackwater and Crouch, or go further afield to London, the South Coast or France if you want to extend your experience!

Starting from just £50 for a half-day sail, skippered yacht charter packages start from £95, with exclusive sailboat hire from less than £300 per day.

Simon is a fully qualified, commercially endorsed RYA Yachtmaster and Cruising Instructor. He has been sailing since he was 10, when he first caught the bug during a holiday on the Norfolk Broads. He worked for a major multi-national company for over 30 years, living in UK, Hong Kong and Malaysia, before taking early retirement in 2007.

From their base on the River Orwell they can provide a full range of sailing experiences in an area which still has a relatively undiscovered feel about it. As a kayaker myself I can vouch for the peace, tranquility and beauty of our local rivers and coastline.

The yacht ‘Emma’ is moored at Woolverstone Marina. You’ll spot other yachts, traditional sailing barges, dredgers, fishing boats, container ships, cruise liners and ferries going about their business. You can glide past the rolling parklands, farmlands and woodlands that border the rivers, meeting seals, seabirds and the occasional school of porpoises. They also offer days out to give you a close-up view of local events such as the Pin Mill Sailing Barge Match, or the Clacton Airshow. And there are numerous harbours, marinas and remote anchorages to visit, and many villages, waterside pubs, restaurants and shops a short walk or dinghy ride away.

‘EMMA’ is a Beneteau 323 Oceanis Clipper, built in 2005 and launched in early 2006. She is 10 metres long, and can comfortably accommodate 6 people for day sailing, and 5/6 people for overnight trips (both including the skipper). She is a ‘lively cruiser’, therefore equally suited to people who enjoy active and exhilarating sailing, and those who prefer to quietly meander around the beautiful Suffolk rivers and coastlines. ‘EMMA’ carries the Marine Coastguard Agency’s Category III Coding Certificate, together with all necessary life-saving equipment. She has a powerful Yanmar 21 HP diesel engine to complement her full set of sails, and an inflatable dinghy with a 4 HP outboard motor for exploring the shallow creeks or going ashore when at anchor.

So if you fancy getting out there and soaking up the sun then contact Simon directly via his website to discuss your ideas as he will try and tailor something to suit you wherever possible.