Eastwood Whelpton
Upton Yacht Station Upton Norfolk NR13 6BL
This boatyard has been running since 1959, and is one of only two now that hires out proper Broads sailing yachts in the northern Norfolk Broads. The sight of gaff-rigged sails on the horizon is an enduring feature of the local landscape, and the great thing is you don't have to be the world's greatest seafarer to join them: the Broads is a safe environment for boating on the whole, and although there's an element of tuition involved, Andy and Annie Hamilton (who took over Eastwood Whelpton recently from its founders), are keen to stress that beginners are most definitely welcome. Based in the peaceful village of Upton, they offer yachts for short breaks and full week holidays (with discounts for consecutive weeks), as well as a selection of RYA training courses for both complete beginners and those who wish to brush-up their skills. Whether you're a sailor or not, it's a fabulous and very safe location for taking to the water, and this is really the best way to see the magnificent Norfolk Broads – the UK's largest and most important wetland area.
