Accessible Sailing Norfolk Broads

For general Sailing, we have six standard 20ft Yeoman keelboats, a Yeoman which has been adapted to wheel steering with a forward-facing helm seat.

The Hansa 303 is a stable, user-friendly sailing boat designed to make sailing accessible for people with disabilities. Its weighted keel prevents capsizing, and its simple controls—including joystick steering—allow sailors with limited mobility or dexterity to navigate independently. With side-by-side seating for solo or assisted sailing, it’s ideal for beginners and experienced sailors alike. The boat’s inclusive design promotes confidence and independence. We have three Hansa 303’s.

For an introduction to Sailing, our two stable and roomy Falmouth Bass Boats take up to 8 visitors and 2 crew. In addition to the sail, they have a quiet and pollution-free electric motor. We can provide supported seating of various kinds, for those who require more support. These boats are perfect for larger groups who wish to experience sailing together.

The RS Venture is a highly adaptable keelboat designed to make sailing accessible to people of all abilities, including those with physical disabilities. It provides excellent stability as well as exciting sailing, making it safe and confidence-inspiring even in challenging conditions. Our RS Venture can be set up with two forward facing bucket seats, with joystick steering controls or with standard bench seating arrangement and tiller extension.

The Trust is equipped with specialist hoists to assist visitors with limited mobility to safely access our boats and other facilities. Hoists are available at the Neatishead base, and on the pontoon, making it possible for people to board sailing boats, safety boats, canoes and our mega paddleboard. The Trust operates the following hoists: Oxford Dipper hoist, Crewlift hoists and a Molift 150.

To make our sailing boats more accessible we have some craft with fixed, shaped supportive seats, and in others can fit additional supportive seating, with or without an integral harness. To enable visitors to take the helm we have wheel steered, tiller steered and joystick-controlled boats.

• We have one Yeoman with a forward-facing seat with a harness, and wheel steering. The standard Yeomans can have additional Aquabac supportive seating fitted both in crew and helm positions.
• The RS Venture has two forward-facing seats with solid side supports and is joystick steered.
• Our Hansa’s can have softer hammock style double seats or solo bucket seats, and are joystick steered.
• The Bass boats can be fitted with a number of different styles of supportive seat, such as the Aquabac (with or without harness), cushioning seats with some back support, and beanbags. These can either be in the crewing positions for those looking to enjoy a relaxed sail, or in a helming position for those wishing to be more involved.

To make our canoes, pedal boats, and mega paddleboard accessible we can hoist visitors into these craft either ashore or afloat. Pedal boats have adjustable soft seating; Rafted canoes can be fitted with soft seating, supportive seating such as the Aquabac, and back rests. The paddleboard can be fitted with bean bag or Aquabac style seating.

Enjoy a break in our self-catering property Kenyon Bungalow. Stay for 4 nights (3pm Monday to 10am Friday) or a weekend (3pm Friday to 10am Monday).