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Annie Hamilton

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A Memorable Corporate Away Day at the Barton Regatta

When it comes to a team-building experience, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of setting sail on a classic yacht. Our team recently embarked on a truly unforgettable adventure at the Barton Regatta, courtesy of Eastwood Whelpton. This remarkable day of sailing brought us closer as a team and allowed us to discover the timeless charm of classic sailing yachts.

A Warm Welcome

Our day began with a warm welcome from the Eastwood Whelpton team. They not only made sure we felt right at home, but also ensured our safety and comfort throughout the day. It was evident from the start that their expertise in sailing and commitment to providing an exceptional experience, would make the day truly special.

When we stepped on board, we were treated with an incredible gift bag each, full of goodies to help us enjoy the day. After a short sail to the starting pontoon, we were welcomed with freshly cooked bacon rolls and hot drinks.

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The Barton Regatta

As we joined the Barton Regatta, we were met with the mesmerising sight of many classic yachts. The competitive spirit was undeniable, but the atmosphere was very friendly and inclusive.

Split into two teams, we were lucky enough to have the support of Eastwood Whelpton’s fantastic sailing instructors. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with our colleagues and learn new skills in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.

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Teamwork and Leadership

One of the most valuable aspects of the day was the opportunity to work together as a team. Sailing on these yachts required effective communication, teamwork, and decision-making. We quickly realised how important each team member’s role actually was, in the success of our journey. The experience was a brilliant metaphor for our work environment.

The Barton Regatta is not just about racing; it’s also about embracing the joy of sailing. We felt a sense of camaraderie with fellow participants, shared laughter, and enjoyed the thrill of the race. The event perfectly balanced competition with the pure pleasure of sailing.

A Day to Remember

Between races, we had the chance to relax and soak in the picturesque surroundings of Barton Broad. Eastwood Whelpton ensured we were well-nourished with delicious food and drinks, providing us a chance to socialise and celebrate our achievements on the water.

As the day came to an end, we couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of accomplishment and connection with our team. Eastwood Whelpton’s impeccable organisation and the unique experience of sailing on classic yachts made it an extraordinary day that we will cherish forever.

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Why book a corporate sailing day with Eastwood Whelpton?

Our day at the Barton Regatta with Eastwood Whelpton was not just about sailing; it was about forging lasting memories, deepening our teamwork, and experiencing the magic of classic sailing yachts. We left with a newfound appreciation for the beauty of the Norfolk Broads, yacht racing, and the importance of strong team dynamics.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Eastwood Whelpton for curating this unforgettable experience, one that has left an indelible mark on our team’s collective memory.

If you’re seeking a unique and impactful corporate team-building experience, we wholeheartedly recommend setting sail with Eastwood Whelpton. Prepare to embark on an adventure that will inspire, connect, and create lasting bonds among your team.

All the best,

The Yawn Marketing Team

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Highlights

  • Fully skippered experiences with expert local guide onboard.
  • Cruise on a beautifully maintained vintage, classic Norfolk motor cruiser.
  • Experience the beauty of the Norfolk Broads National Park from your boat.
  • Local food and drink.

Specifications

  • Suitable for all ages.
  • Perfect for family groups, couples or small groups.
  • Available for up to 5 people – private tour.
  • Internal and external seating available.
  • Toilet onboard.

What’s Included

  • Lifejackets provided on arrival.
  • Full safety briefing.
  • Binoculars onboard for spotting wildlife. 
  • Picnic lunch included.

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Sail Back in Time on our Classic Cruiser – Moorhen

The Norfolk rivers and broads are full of life, but also very peaceful and a beautiful place to escape and spend some time with loved ones. This magical boating experience onboard a vintage wooden cruiser will provide a great chance for you to get together with family and friends and enjoy quality time in the Great British outdoors.

This experience is fully skippered, however if you would like to, our qualified team are there to provide instruction and allow you to take the wheel and have a go at helming a piece of Broadland history for yourself. 

Moorhen was built by Moore’s of Wroxham in 1953, originally in the Broads Hire Fleet and has been lovingly maintained and restored over the years by several private owners, before returning to Hire as our first ever motor cruiser at Eastwood Whelpton. She is a stunning piece of Broadland history and oozes character and charm – we are excited to give you this opportunity to share a piece of our local history and enjoy a cruise with a difference.

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Testimonials

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“We chartered the sloop Windsong for a week. Son and dad. We did the bridges even Potters The boat was superbly prepared and clean. We thoroughly enjoyed the adventure. Great bonding too and such a great boat to sail. Sailed 6 days for many hours each day. Great provisioning and domestics all supplied. Overall Six Stars. Would and intent to go again. Great value too. Lovely staff and boat service team. Nothing too much trouble. Joy too in the shower department after 6 days afloat. “

Tripadvisor, July 2024

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“My two grandsons did their RYA training here over the summer school holidays. They really enjoyed the training from very good instructors. I enjoyed delivering and collecting them to/from this lovely boatyard and partaking of their coffee & ice cream served from the converted horse box.”

David Breeze
Google Reviews October 2024

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“We travelled 18,000 kms for another holiday with Eastwood-Whelpton straight off the plane from New Zealand.”
“Huge thanks to Annie and Andy and the EW team for the boat prep., dealing with our food order, and pick ups and drop offs at the station. I can’t recommend EW highly enough, and we’ll be back for another holiday just as soon as the opportunity presents.”

NZLmatt
Tripadvisor, April 2023

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“A big thank you to all the staff. We enjoyed a day trip on the Moorhen for our mums special birthday. The staff were helpful from the booking process to the actual day. They could not do enough to make sure we had a fantastic day. They catered for mum’s dietary needs with afternoon tea as well as having an amazing skipper on the day to make the trip very memorable.”

paulbart9
Tripadvisor, June 2023

Discover the Southern

Rivers

Our skipper David Leonard Jones has been out on Leda exploring the Southern Rivers. Travelling from Upton, through Loddon and on to Beccles, David shares his top tips for enjoying the beauty of South Norfolk. 

Reedham

Hopping off at Reedham quay, and being welcomed by the friendly Broads Ranger, I found Reedham was the perfect place to start my adventure. There are a few free mooring spots available, but if taken, The Lord Nelson offers free moorings to those who eat at the pub and ask extra nicely!

Before hitting the water again, I popped by Cannell’s By The River for great coffee and grabbed some last-minute supplies and snacks. 

Loddon

Down the River Chet, I visited Loddon, a quaint Norfolk village. It’s perfect for stopping off and having a walk to explore The Broads a bit more. If you moor up in the town centre, there are plenty of facilities, with toilets and showers available. 

Beccles

Taking advantage of the tide times, we went through both bridges at Beccles and headed out for the day. We moored stern on at the lido for £10, which comes with free shower and toilets when the lido is open. For something a little different to usual, we decided to go up the church tower. For £2.50 and after climbing all 132 steps to the top, we looked out onto the spectacular scenes of The Broads – it was beautiful!

Geldeston

After spending the day in Beccles, we headed up to Geldeston and stayed by The Locks Inn. It’s a community-owned pub just on the River Waveney and is the perfect way to spend an evening after a busy day sailing. Although there were lots of canoeists, we had the chance to have a quick swim in the clear water and enjoy the scenery. 

Burgh Castle

We stopped at Burgh Castle on the public moorings and went to the Roman Fort. Exploring a rich piece of Norfolk heritage and looking out onto Berney Arms made for a great afternoon. We then headed to The Fishermans Inn and sat out on the deck overlooking the river with views across the marsh towards Reedham. 

Norwich

I’d recommend taking the trip along the River Wensum and through the bridges into Norwich city centre. I headed to moor at Norwich Yacht Station, where the staff there were friendly and attentive. Included in my £13 overnight mooring fee were free water and showers, as well as having knowledgable staff available 8am-8pm which were great!

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St Benet’s Abbey

  • Location: River Bure

Today, St Benet’s Abbey is a site of 1000-year old ruins. This church was once the centrepiece of a monastery, which was the only one in England to not be closed by Henry VIII during his reign in the Tudor times. The ruins are now a statement landmark of the Broads.

Did you know: You can moor at St Benet’s Abbey for free overnight, but bear in mind that historic ruins may be spookier when dark outside …

Find out more about St Benet’s Abbey

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Broads Sailing Made Easy – Tim Whelpton

  • Extract from Broads Sailing Made Easy

‘If you have made up your mind that you are going to be a really good sailor then there is no reason why you should not be one. You do not need to have a father who sailed many times round the world in square rigged ships or have spent a childhood with boats and salt behind your ears. It just so happened I did.

I had heard of sailing on the Norfolk Broads. I thought how flat, how dull. How wrong I was! If the Broads themselves had been made specifically for small boats, and people like us who want to sail them, I for one could not have bettered their design.

Sailing on the rivers teaches you very quickly to handle your boat accurately, and as they wind through Broadland the apparently changing wind keeps you on your toes. For your very first sail I would advise you to try one of the actual Broads – there’s much more room to manoeuvre and a soft reed bank if all doesn’t go to plan.

Sailing, and perhaps racing yachts is something that once started is near impossible to stop. Like all real sports there is always something more to learn.’

Tim Whelpton 1965

Copies of ‘Broads Sailing Made Easy’ by Tim Whelpton can be purchased from the Boatyard Office. A copy of this excellent little book can be also found onboard each of our yachts in the Skippers Pack for you to read during your stay with us – and hopefully pick up a few top tips from Tim.

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A brief history of the Norfolk Sailing Holiday

The Norfolk and Suffolk waterways have been for centuries been used for travelling and transporting goods, but by the early 19th century, ‘Broadland Sport’ or ‘Water Frolics’ (now known as Regatta’s!) became more popular. At that time in Norfolk, land was mainly owned by the aristocracy and tenants farmed the land. Villages spring up near the great houses and the rivers became a playground for the wealthy inhabitants and their friends. Sailing as a sport, racing and the pleasure craft industry was born.

By the 1830s ‘water frolic’ events were found throughout the Broadland area and there was a desire to develop faster and better sailing crafts. The ‘lateneer’ yachts (based on a Mediterranean design) was soon superseded by the Broads ‘cutter’ yachts – with a large ‘Gaff’ sail, long bowsprit and just one large foresail rather than the usual two. By the middle of the century boating had extended to the professional middle classes and the first sailing club was born in the area in 1859 – The Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club.

With the coming of the railways by the 1880’s Norfolk had begun to be a holiday destination particularly for the Victorian middle classes. Converted larger ‘Wherry’ trading vessels were also popular as pleasure craft providing onboard accommodation (including a piano onboard!) for family groups for their summer holiday. A small number of these beautiful large Wherries continue to be maintained and seen sailing on the water today. John Loynes, a local Master Carpenter, was one of the first to see the opportunity to build and hire smaller cabin yachts that would become more accessible and affordable to a wider audience and so the tradition of the Norfolk Hire Fleets began.

For more history – do take some time to visit ‘The Museum of the Broads’ based at Stalham. We are very proud to have been part of Broadland History over the last 60 years and the legacy of Broadland heroes like John Loynes, Percy Hunter, Tim Whelpton, can still be seen on the water today in our smaller but excellently turned out Sailing Hire Fleet, which now numbers around 60 yachts in total from 5 remaining Sailing Hire Yards.

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Photography – Richard Johnstone-Bryden & Luke Nunns