On the water

Moorhen – the perfect getaway for your honeymoon hideaway

The Times has just announced the Norfolk Broads as one of the 10 best honeymoon destinations in the UK.

With this in mind, we took a cruise back in time to discover how our very own Moorhen, has always been the perfect couples’ choice, for a vintage retreat on the water.

Moorhen of the past

Moorhen IV is a stunning 2-berth motor cruiser. She is one of a fleet of 7, built locally by Moores of Wroxham in the 1950s. A fine example of the craftmanship and skill of Norfolk boatbuilders from times gone by.

The ‘Moorhen’ class of boats were known as the ‘honeymooners’ choice. Unlike the usual singe berth bunks on other motor cruisers of the time, they featured a convertible double bed and were the perfect size and design for a romantic retreat.

Part of the Moores of Wroxham hire fleet for many years, she has since been lovingly maintained and restored by several private owners, before returning to hire at Eastwood Whelpton. We are proud to be the custodians of this stunning piece of Broadland history.

Moorhen in 2025 and beyond

Fast forward to 2025 and we offer a similar experience for our customers seeking an idyllic escape to the Broads National Park. We include plenty of vintage touches such as the 1950s books and board games, binoculars for bird watching and cocktail glasses for those long summer evenings out on deck. We also know the importance of luxury and modern comfort so your home for the week will be a fully heated, cosy cabin, with a welcome pack of local produce of coffee, tea, cake and biscuits on arrival and, of course, there will be a bottle of bubbly on board to help you celebrate in style!

Extra special touches

If you are choosing Moorhen IV for a honeymoon or extra special occasion, we also offer a number of ‘optional extras’ to choose from including:

a skipper on your first day to introduce you to the wonderful network of broads and rivers that make up our National Park. They might even let slip a few ‘wild moorings’ only known locally.

your choice of a luxury crewman’s picnic or afternoon tea on arrival.

restaurant recommendations pre-booked on request.

for the ultimate luxury experience, we can arrange for a vintage Rolls Royce to meet you at your mooring in the evening and escort you to the Maids Head Hotel, the oldest hotel in the UK, dating back over 800 years to enjoy fine dining in their award winning restaurant.

We know that we can offer a truly unique and unforgettable experience and can’t wait to share this with even more of you in 2025.

BOOK NOW for 2025 and beyond

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.

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.

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.

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

Wellbeing Retreat 2024 @EastwoodWhelpton

An on water wellbeing retreat for women that love the outdoors!

On Water Wellbeing Retreat NEW for 2024 @Eastwood Whelpton

We are excited to announce our very first well-being retreat on the Norfolk Broads! Friday 17th to Sunday 19th May 2024, you will have the chance to book a berth aboard a traditional Norfolk Broads yacht and be part of an amazing weekend on the water. As well as having a skipper on board with you to support you as you set sail, the weekend will include wellbeing activities such as guided walks, meditation and perhaps even a bit of wild swimming! There will also be plenty of time to sit back and soak up the rays and the wilderness of the Norfolk Broads.

The launching of a women’s retreat, is mainly due to the success of our Women on the Water evening sailing sessions in the summer of 2023. These were SO popular, we have decided to dedicate a whole weekend to sailing and well-being! We promise this will be a non-competitive, relaxed and fun-filled weekend and we can’t wait to share this with you!

Group Photo June 23 — Women on the Water Summer 2023

The itinerary for the weekend is still to be finalised but will look something like this:

Friday 17th May 2024

⛵ 18:00 Arrival and Onboarding – welcome drink on arrival and the chance to meet your crew, settle in and unpack for the weekend.

⛵ 19:30 – evening meal at a local pub and introductions from the Eastwood Whelpton Crew.

⛵ 22:00 – back on board for the evening.

Saturday 18th May 2024

⛵ 07:00 – early morning nature walk.

⛵ 08:30 – breakfast on board.

⛵ 10:00 – 16:00 motor along the River Ant and moor up at How Hill for lunch and a chance to explore the gardens. Arrive at Barton Broad for an afternoon sail and moor here for the evening.

⛵ 18:00 – group evening activity.

⛵ 20:00 – evening meal at a local pub.

⛵ 22:00 – back on board for the evening.

Sunday 19th May 2024

⛵ 07:00 – morning group activity – meditation/yoga/art TBC

⛵ 08:30 – breakfast on board.

⛵ 10:00 – 14:00 group sail on Barton Broad and a BBQ lunch.

⛵ 16:00 – arrive back at Upton Yacht Station.

No sailing experience is needed to join this retreat as you will have skippered support for the whole weekend. Breakfast and lunch will be provided and are included in the price. We will come together both evenings to enjoy a meal in a local pub.

Pricing is per person and based on 4 people sharing a yacht. You can book this retreat here or please do just give us a call in the office if you would like to find out more. If you are new to Norfolk and the stunning Norfolk Broads take a look at the Visit the Broads website or app to get an idea of everything the local area has to offer. We can’t wait to see you on the water soon!

info@eastwood-whelpton.co.uk

Sustainable, Ethical and Value for Money?

Value for money has never been more important when choosing a holiday. However, more and more, we are noticing that our customers want to spend their pennies wisely, with sustainability and consideration of the local environment in mind.

Eastwood Whelpton is based at the heart of the Norfolk Broads National Park. This is one of our unique selling points. So, it is also our responsibility to respect this environment and keep it thriving for future generations.

As a small business that, like many others, is facing financial challenges in the current climate, it is a constant balancing act. We know we can do more, and we don’t claim to always get things right. We do, however, place environmental ethics at the heart of our growth strategy for the future.

Here are 5 reasons why we believe a sailing holiday with us is worth considering if you are conscious of your environmental footprint:

Getting the wind in your sails! Being reliant on the weather to power your journey means minimal impact on the environment. You will quickly get to know the local microclimate well and soon realise that afternoon sea breeze is your friend!
Supporting heritage boat building. Eastwood Whelpton is one of a handful of traditional boatyards left on the Norfolk Broads that remains a working yard, with a fleet of vintage yachts.
Our passion for supporting other local businesses. We try our hardest to source products and supplies locally where this is possible. We are proud that our catering is supplied by Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden and our food hampers are from the White Horse local community shop.
Our commitment to supporting charities we believe in. The whole team at Eastwood Whelpton is invested in the charities we support. Community coffee mornings run monthly to raise funds and the team has just completed the Macmillan Might Hike raising nearly £2000!
You can leave your car at home! We offer a shuttle service from our local train station making it possible to have an entirely car-free holiday. Have an electric car? Then we will happily charge it for you whilst you are on the water.

What do you value most when it comes to downtime and ethical responsibility?

Consider a skippered week on the water for your next holiday adventure

Have you always wanted to explore the Norfolk Broads by boat? Do you love the idea of learning a new skill with the support of an expert? Would you like to observe the local wildlife from a different vantage point?

If so, then perhaps you should consider a skippered holiday with us this summer?

Family enjoying a sailing holiday with a skipper on board

Is a skippered holiday right for me?

Our skippered holidays are suitable for anyone from couples searching for a romantic getaway, families seeking an action packed week on the water, to solo sailors wanting an extra crew member on board.

You don’t have to be an expert to enjoy a skippered sail, in fact you don’t need to have any experience at all – just a willingness to learn and an interest in trying something different!

Itinerary:

Our starting point is always a conversation about your expectations for the week so we can plan the perfect holiday for you. A typical itinerary might look something like this:

⛵ Meet and greet with your Skipper for the week including refreshments as your holiday begins! This is a chance to chat about your plans for the week , including places you would like to visit and explore.

Our Recommendations:

Gareth Nunns 162 DSC 7802 — Seal spotting on Horsey Beach

the abbey — A picnic at St Benet’s Abbey

⛵ Your first afternoon with us will include a safety briefing and familiarisation with your yacht, before your Skipper sets sail to your chosen destination for your first night on the water.

⛵ Every morning your Skipper will meet you at your latest mooring spot and the adventure begins again. Your Skipper will take into account the wind and weather conditions and adapt plans if needed. And if you fancy a change of course? Just let your Skipper know!

⛵ Your Skipper can assist in lowering the mast, negotiating bridges and tide time tables, meaning that you will be able to explore the quieter and slightly harder to reach parts of these beautiful waterways.

⛵ We usually recommend that your final night is spent moored at Eastwood Whelpton. There is a fantastic pub, The White Horse, within 10 minutes walk that serves up good pub food for the final night of your holiday. We also have shower facilities here at the yard which your are welcome to use the next morning before your journey home.

Couple raising a toast whilst enjoying a picnic by the Norfolk Broads

What is included in a Skippered holiday:

Welcome refreshments on arrival ☕

Fuel, life jackets, safety briefing, onboard manual and free parking ?.

Bedding, a fully stocked galley kitchen and a local produce welcome pack ?.

A dedicated skipper for up to 7 hours each day ⚓.

Optional extras:

Restaurant recommendations and reservations ?

Local food hamper with groceries for the week ?

A small dinghy/rowing boat – great for the kids and handy if you like to mudweight ⛵

Excursion suggestions ?

Pick up and drop-off at local train station ?

So, what are you waiting for? Get in touch today to find out more!

01493 750430

Andy holding on to the sail of a classic sailing yacht

Learn to Sail with the Norfolk Broads School of Sailing

RYA Learn to Sail Courses

With just a few days coaching you will be able to develop the skills required to become a capable skipper enjoying the freedom to sail the Broads network with confidence.

RYA Level 1 taught over 2 days. This is a course for complete beginners. Learn how to sail in all directions and build awareness of launching and recovery.

RYA Level 2 taught over 3 days. For those looking to develop their sailing ability. Particular focus on rigging, launching, sailing in all directions, man overboard and essential safety knowledge.

Zero to Hero 1 & 2 combined taught over 5 days. A more intensive week of training for those keen to develop their skills. Covers level 1 and level 2 course content over the 5 days.

RYA Level 3 – taught on a bespoke basis. Consolidate skills and increase confidence and independence. Contact us to find out more.

See the RYA website for more detailed syllabus information.

Book your RYA Course Here

A Memorable Corporate Away Day at the Barton Regatta

A Warm Welcome