NORTH NORFOLK SEAS
Coastal Sails
Thoughtful, small-group sailing along north Norfolk’s unique coastline
Our coastal sail fleet
My Girls
Our 20' north Norfolk lug rigged Crab Boat, which was made for the North Sea.
Up to 6
On the tide (3–4 hrs) — from £595
Day sail (8–12 hrs) — from £795
Salford
30' open lug-rigged whelker, very stable and made for the open sea and larger creeks.
Up to 8
On the tide (3–4 hrs) — from £795
Day sail (8–12 hrs) — from £980
Victorious
Our 42' decked and gaff rigged sailing smack was built in Kings Lynn in 1923.
Up to 8
On the tide (3–4 hrs) — from £895
Day sail (8–12 hrs) — from £1095
Sea Explorations - Key Facts
Sail aboard our MCA-coded vessels and explore the Norfolk coast.
Where we explore
West from Wells
Scolt Head Island or Brancaster — sandbanks and beaches at low tide.
East from Wells
Blakeney or the famous Chalk Reef.
The Wash
Mysterious sandbanks aboard Victorious.
Starting points
East Quay, Wells-next-the-Sea
Crab and whelk boats.
Fosdyke, Lincolnshire
42-ft Wash smack Victorious.
Duration
Half day — 3–4 hrs
A day sail — 8 hrs, including low-water exploration and marsh walk; return by taxi
A full day sail — 10-12 hrs, out on the morning tide returning on the evening tide.
An overnight sail - 24 hrs, a morning tide departure staying out until the evening tide. An overnight stay then return on the morning tide.
Provisions
Breakfast
Bacon & eggs, juice, tea & coffee, or a vegetarian option.
Lunch / supper
Homemade soup, fresh tomatoes, bread, chutney, local cheese, juice and cake.
No experience needed
All ages welcome
Dogs welcome
A day on the coast
We sail on the tide, so times shift with the sea — here's the shape of a typical coastal sail.
Meet at HQ, Wells
Gather at East Quay to meet your skipper and fellow crew, fit your lifejacket, receive a safety briefing, and talk through the day's plan before setting off along the North Norfolk coast.
Out through the harbour
Slip your lines and sail out through the harbour channel, tan sails set and Wells falling astern.
Along the coast
Carry the morning tide west toward Scolt Head and Brancaster, or east to Blakeney and the famous Chalk Reef.
Anchor at low water
Drop anchor in a sheltered creek for a freshly prepared breakfast before stepping ashore to swim and explore the sandbanks, creeks and beaches revealed by the falling tide.
Lunch aboard
At anchor in the quiet creek for a locally sourced Norfolk lunch, tea or freshly brewed coffee, with nothing but wide skies, tidal waters and the coastline to yourselves.
Home on the evening tide
Either walk off the salt marsh after 8 hiours and then taxi back to Wells or weight and weigh anchor on the evening tide and let the evening tide carry you back to our HQ in Wells.
Specialised Coastal Sails
Smuggling
Learn advanced seamanship and coastal field craft skills and then run a smuggling operation at sea.
Coastal Foraging
Sail to sea in either vessel to Scolt Head Island, across Holkham Bay and then enjoy some fantastic foraging.
Overnight Sail
A balanced taste of sailing, swimming, wildlife, with locally sourced food and kept warm at night with a wood stove.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need any sailing experience?
No experience needed. Take the helm and get properly involved, or sit back and enjoy the passage — your skipper does the rest.
Are your boats safe?
Yes. Our coastal vessels are MCA-coded and sailed by an experienced skipper, with lifejackets provided for everyone aboard.
Where will we sail?
It depends on the wind and tide. West from Wells we make for Scolt Head Island or Brancaster; east takes us to Blakeney or the famous Chalk Reef. Aboard Victorious we also explore the sandbanks of the Wash.
How long are the trips?
From a short sail on the tide (3–4 hours) up to a full day (10–12 hours), with day sails (8 hours) and overnight trips (24 hours) in between. Times are set by the tide, so your exact departure changes day to day — we'll confirm it when you book.
Where do we meet?
Most coastal sails leave from East Quay, Wells-next-the-Sea. Trips aboard Victorious on the Wash leave from Fosdyke in Lincolnshire. We'll confirm your starting point when you book.
How many people can come?
Our boats take small groups — up to six on the crab boat and up to eight on the larger vessels. Coastal sails are private, so it's just your party aboard.
Will I get seasick?
Coastal sailing is out on open water, so there's more motion than the sheltered marsh. Most people are fine in the gentler conditions we sail in, but if you're prone to seasickness it's worth taking a remedy beforehand.
What should I wear and bring?
Warm, waterproof layers, flat non-slip shoes, a hat and sunscreen — the open coast is cooler and breezier than it looks. Bring seasickness tablets if you're prone. Lifejackets are provided.
Is it suitable for children?
Coastal trips are out on open water and are better suited to older children and adults. If you'd like to bring younger ones, get in touch and we'll advise on the best option.
Can we bring our dog?
Get in touch before you book — whether a dog suits a coastal trip depends on the boat and the day, so we'll talk it through with you.
What happens if the weather's poor?
Open-water trips are more weather-dependent. We sail when it's safe and worthwhile; if the forecast means a trip can't run, we'll rearrange or discuss the alternatives with you.
Is food included?
Yes — provisions aboard depend on the length of your trip, from a cooked breakfast to a homemade lunch or supper.
Contact C.E.C. HQ to book your exploration
Call our mobile or Whats App: +44 (0) 7817 307551
Email: explore@coastalexplorationcompany.co.uk
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