The Origins
After many peripatetic years as a Royal Marines Officer followed by time as a humanitarian I wanted to return to my home in Norfolk, be with my family and yet still lead an adventurous and ethical life. A vision emerged whilst sitting on a beach in Mogadishu, after a long week during the Somalia famine of 2011; an adventurous business based on Norfolk's traditional wooden fishing boats and to champion best environmental and sustainable practice including sail cargo. Today that vision is The Coastal Exploration Company.
Our Ethos
Our commitment to the environment, adventure, heritage, and mindful living is at the heart of what we do. We offer experiences that go beyond mere adventure, deeply rooted in the rhythms of nature and the richness of history. These journeys are designed to reconnect you with nature, recharge your spirit, and embrace a lifestyle that prioritizes slow and sustainable living. Join us in celebrating a way of life that respects our planet and its stories, inviting you to experience the beauty and tranquility of a mindful approach to life.
Our Vision
Lead the way with sustainable coastal tourism by using and maintaining a fleet of traditional wooden fishing boats under sail. Promote and safeguard slow living and environmental best practices and keep exploring!.
Our boats
In 2011 we discovered a Sheringham built 20’ crab boat named 'My Girls', which was then refurbished by traditional wooden boat builders in Stiffkey and so the vision started to become a reality.
In 2013 we began renovating one of the last remaining Norfolk whelk boats; Salford was returned to her original layout and fitted with a lug rig.
Unexpectedly in 2015 we were kindly donated a mussel flat by local fishermen in Brancaster.
The lug and sails were hand made by a true artisan craftsman, Steve Hall, the owner of North Sea Sails in Tollesbury.
Finally after 10 years of searching for a large Norfolk smack, we finally found one in Cornwall, very rotten, but worth saving, she is now over a 100 years old! She was rebuilt by Luke Powell's incredible team at Working Sail and sails bent on by North Sea Sails in Tollesbury.
Our Tribe
Colin
Colin; sailor, surfer and designer, he has become one of the companies top scullers and model!
Sarah
Sarah; nomad: Far East and Central Asia. Allotment plot owner and loves the salt-marsh solitude
David
David; family man, Sailor, Mountaineer, interested in tides & knots.
Hilary
Hilary; passionate about the outdoors and helping people. Completely at home sailing through the creeks.
Nick
Nick; yacht master, wild life and nature photographer and surfer.
Edmund
Edmund; the company Quartermaster and electronic music maker.
Laura
Laura; crew member, media specialist and leader of the dynamic Wild East, rewilding East Anglia
Pete
Peter; a long standing CEC film maker and photographer, but now applying his boating skills to CEC skippering!