Selected boat: Mussel Flat 1 - VB&K (4 pax)

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Trip price: £395.00
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  • Product Info

    The North Norfolk Mussel Flat sailing experience offers a deeply peaceful introduction to traditional inshore sailing within the calm, protected waters of the salt marsh. Using a restored 16-foot open, flat-bottomed, lug-rigged working boat, the mussel flat is designed to move gently through the narrowest creeks, shallow tidal channels, and quiet sandbanks that are unreachable by deeper-draft vessels.

    Stable, slow-moving, and exceptionally safe, the mussel flat is ideally suited to unhurried exploration of tidal landscapes shaped by wind, tide, and the natural rhythm of the marsh. When there is little or no wind, the boat is punted or sculled by hand, allowing for almost silent progress through the creeks. An electric engine is carried as a backup, providing additional reassurance and control when needed. Operating entirely within sheltered waters, the experience prioritises quiet movement, simple sail handling, and close observation of the surrounding environment.

    Led by experienced skippers, this Norfolk sailing experience is limited to a maximum of four guests per boat, creating an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. For larger groups, multiple mussel flats can sail together in tandem, sharing the experience while maintaining space, safety, and tranquillity. No previous sailing experience is required, and guests are welcome to take part as much or as little as they wish.

    Time is taken to pause in the marsh for observation, gentle foraging, and—when conditions allow—wild swimming. Each sail includes locally sourced food suited to the time of day, along with our sustainable sailed coffee.

    Mussel flat sails depart from Wells-next-the-Sea and may be taken as an on-the-tide sail of approximately 3–4 hours, or a full-day sail of around 8 hours, including a guided low-tide walk. Routes are dictated by tide and conditions and shaped in discussion with guests, ensuring every journey through the marsh is calm, unhurried, and unique.

Further Information

A Low-Impact, Sustainable Way to Explore the North Norfolk Salt Marsh

Mussel flat sailing offers one of the most low-impact and sustainable ways to explore the protected North Norfolk salt marsh. These calm, intertidal landscapes are internationally important for wildlife and require careful, considered access. Travelling by traditional sailing craft allows us to move with the rhythms of wind and tide, rather than against them.

Wind power, hand-propelled movement through punting and sculling, and the use of a quiet electric backup engine minimise noise and emissions, helping to preserve the stillness of the marsh and reduce disturbance to wildlife. Small group sizes and flexible routes further limit impact, allowing the landscape to remain the focus of each journey.

By exploring the salt marsh slowly and respectfully, guests experience this protected environment as it truly is — shaped by light, water, and seasonal change. Mussel flat sailing offers a rare opportunity to engage with the North Norfolk coast in a way that prioritises conservation, sustainability, and a deep connection with the natural world.

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