Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Sailing Adventures
Embark on an unforgettable Gold DofE Expedition Sailing Adventure
The Gold Duke of Edinburgh Sailing Expedition offers participants the chance to experience the challenge of developing their sailing skills whilst living aboard a yacht to fulfil the requirements for their Gold DofE Award. By the end of the week, you will find yourself being a useful crew member, having learnt the ropes on a traditional Norfolk yacht and taking the helm to sail the Norfolk Broads or rivers. You will have stepped out of your comfort zone and developed teamwork, resilience, and hopefully some new friends along the way!
2026 and 2027 DofE Gold Expedition Opportunities
Price includes – yacht hire and onboard accommodation with skipper/assessor support, sailing equipment including; lifejackets, waterproofs, sailing gloves, food budget for crew expedition meals during the 10 days (which will be planned as a crew as part of the preparation zoom meetings).
For groups please contact us as we can provide dates to suit you and can also split the practice and assessed expedition over different dates.
Who can take part?
Some sailing experience is necessary for your GOLD Award (an RYA Level 2 qualification or more is recommended). Our experienced RYA sailing instructors will also be on hand to support your training, practice and oversee your assessed expedition.
Skills developed
- Leadership and decision-making
- Problem solving and adaptability
- Practical sailing skills
- Teamwork and communication
What to expect?
- Face and overcome real-world challenges in a safe environment.
- Navigate inland waterways and learn essential sailing techniques.
- Work as part of a crew, fostering teamwork and camaraderie.
- Plan routes, manage provisions, and take responsibility for the vessel.
- Camp overnight on board, fully immersing yourself in the adventure.
Itinerary Overview
Prior to Expedition | Online meeting(s) with your new crew to get to know one another, share aims and objectives for your expedition, making practical arrangements for food during the week, itinerary and route planning, kit lists etc |
Day 1-6 | Sail training, yacht familiarisation & Practice Expedition (6 days) |
Meet your crew in person, safety briefings, get to know your boat and prepare for departure, sail training and familiarisation of the local area, winds, weather and tides. Complete our NBSS readiness checks for Gold Expedition and complete your practice expedition. Return to base to rest/prepare for assessed expedition | |
Day 7-10 | Plan and prepare your boat for the assessed expedition, On our larger yachts, one of our qualified and experienced skippers will remain with you for safety reasons, but you will in charge and make decisions re boat handling, navigation as much as possible. |
Day 11 | Return to base – group reflections and depart for home! |
Why the Norfolk Broads? Why Eastwood Whelpton?
Welcome to an adventure of a lifetime, our 10 Day training, practice and assessed expedition.
Here at the Norfolk Broads School of Sailing we are one of only a few Approved Activity Providers who run Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions on inshore sailing yachts here in the UK. We have 120 miles of waterways on our doorstep and open water for you to explore.
This beautiful, wild space is ideal for a whole new adventure if you are a regular dinghy sailor and wish to extend your skills to a larger yacht or traditional Gaff Rigged or ‘Half Decker yacht’. You will learn new skills and be challenged in landscape that is incredibly beautiful and different to sail in!
We run open expeditions once or twice a year depending on demand as well as group expeditions working with schools, scouts and other licenced organisations.
