Sailing adventures from British shores
Sail a whelk boat in Norfolk or tour the UK in a Thames barge
1. A whelk boat in Norfolk
The north Norfolk coast is a “heart-swelling” region of vast, widescreen skies and shifting horizontals, and there can be few better ways to explore its “labyrinthine” creeks and salt marshes than in a traditional whelker such as the Salford, says James Stewart in The Times. This 30ft wooden sailing boat is the pride and joy of Henry Chamberlain, a former officer in the Royal Marines who now runs overnight trips from the pretty fishing port of Wells-next-the-Sea.
Out past the vast sweep of Holkham bay lies the Scolt Head Island National Nature Reserve, where much of your “micro-adventure” unfolds, including swimming in wetsuits, foraging for samphire and mussels, and looking out for the 100-strong colony of spoonbills that arrived here unexpectedly from the Continent in 2010 – and which make for a surreal sight. The night is spent under a canvas canopy on deck. Chances are you’ll feel yourself “unclench” as you are immersed in the vast stillness of this precious wilderness.
coastalexplorationcompany.co.uk
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
2. A wind-powered ferry to the Continent
It launched in late 2020, but this summer is set to be the first proper season for Fair Ferry, a new ferry service that transports you by sailing ship from London to Rotterdam. It’s not only a great way to get to the Continent for those who are anxious to reduce their carbon footprint – it’s also a “wild adventure”, says Mike MacEacheran in The Daily Telegraph, on which guests are asked to help with hoisting sails and other tasks.
Typical of the company’s small fleet is Jantje, a “beautifully rigged” brigantine Dutch tall ship, built in 1930, with comfortable cabins, hot showers, a galley serving vegetarian food, and a crew of four.
Sailing her out of the Thames Estuary from her berth by Tower Bridge is like a voyage back in time, as apartment blocks, container ships and wind farms gradually give way to forests, empty tidal flats and then the North Sea, peaceful and silent (save for the odd breaching porpoise). The crossing takes roughly 36 hours one way; you can make a city break of it by buying a return ticket that includes two nights’ accommodation onboard while in Rotterdam.
From £495 one way, full-board, and £1,009 for the five-night round trip.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
3. Touring the UK in a Thames barge
Thames barges were once a common sight on the Kent coast and beyond, carrying cargo to and from London. At the turn of the 20th century, there were more than 2,000 of these six-sailed vessels. Today, there are only 30 or so left, along with a few beautiful modern variants – such as the Snark, which now carries guests on varied week-long voyages around the UK coast, says Rachel Dixon in The Guardian.
Named after the fictional animal in the Lewis Carroll poem, this 105-footer was built in 2018 from 1898 plans, using modern materials. It has “stylish” interiors (its owners, Paul and Qiao, are architects), and can carry up to 12 people, although numbers are usually limited to six on longer voyages.
Guests can pitch in with the sailing, or relax on deck. Paul does the cooking, using fresh, local ingredients, and there are yoga lessons from Qiao, a qualified teacher. This summer, the boat is visiting all four UK capitals on various trips, but there are plans for different itineraries in future.
Seven-day, all-inclusive trips cost from £1,368pp.
-
Italy's prisons crisis
Under the Radar Severe overcrowding, dire conditions and appalling violence have brought the Italian carceral system to boiling point
By Rebecca Messina, The Week UK Published
-
The potential effects of Israel's ceasefire with Hezbollah
THE EXPLAINER With the possibility of a region-wide war fading, the Palestinian militant group Hamas faces increased isolation and limited options
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Sudoku medium: December 9, 2024
The Week's daily medium sudoku puzzle
By The Week Staff Published
-
Teriyaki salmon skewers recipe
Recipe This delicious Asian-inspired dish is easy to make
By The Week UK Published
-
Gregg Wallace: a man out of time?
Talking Point MasterChef presenter's downfall shines spotlight on how mistreatment of junior staff has all too often been ignored
By The Week UK Published
-
Lucy Hughes-Hallett picks her favourite long books
The Week Recommends The cultural historian chooses works by Charles Dickens, Eleanor Catton and others
By The Week UK Published
-
Tirzah Garwood: Beyond Ravilious – an 'enchanting' show
The Week Recommends Exhibition at Dulwich Picture Gallery displays over 80 works of the overshadowed artist
By The Week UK Published
-
The Importance of Being Earnest: Wilde classic given 'fizzing' update
The Week Recommends Ncuti Gatwa and Sharon D. Clarke star in this 'bold and brash' reboot
By The Week UK Published
-
Christmas gift guide for those who have everything
The Week Recommends Presents for those who have everything
By The Week UK Published
-
6 inviting homes in Montana
Feature Featuring a walls of windows in Whitefish and a wraparound porch in Livingston
By The Week Staff Published
-
Niall Williams' 6 favorite books with rich storytelling
Feature The best-selling author recommends works by Charles Dickens, James McBride, and more
By The Week US Published