Step aboard a traditional cutter-rigged sailing vessel for a relaxed and hands-on sailing experience in Whitehaven. Whether you're keen to try your hand at the ropes or simply want to take in the views with a hot drink, this short outing is designed to give you a feel for life at sea.
Your session begins with a short briefing at the marina, where you'll be offered tea, coffee or a cold drink while you meet your skipper and get kitted out with safety gear. Once everyone’s ready, you’ll step aboard the cutter-rigged vessel and prepare to leave the harbour. You can choose how involved you'd like to be – whether that's learning the basics of boat handling or simply enjoying the moment from the deck. The skipper will guide you through key boat work if you're interested in participating.
Once out of the harbour, you'll spend the next couple of hours sailing or motoring around the bay depending on conditions. This is a great opportunity to see Whitehaven from the water and enjoy views of the surrounding headlands. On good weather days, there's usually time to pause and take photos or learn a bit more about navigation. You'll return to port with a better understanding of sailing, and perhaps even a few new skills. Tea, coffee and biscuits are available throughout to keep you warm and comfortable.
The session takes place at Whitehaven Marina, located on the Cumbria coast in the northwest of England. It’s a historic harbour town with a strong maritime heritage and sits right on the edge of the Lake District National Park. The marina is easily accessible by road and rail and has nearby amenities including shops, cafes and parking.
The sailing itself will be based around the local bay and coastal waters, offering views of the harbour, cliffs and surrounding countryside. It's a sheltered stretch of coast, making it ideal for short sessions like this, and the scenery varies with the weather and tides, giving you a fresh perspective even if you're local to the area.
No previous sailing experience is needed, and the session is open to complete beginners. You should be comfortable moving around on a small boat and able to follow basic safety instructions. All safety equipment, including lifejackets, is provided and there will be a full safety briefing before departure.
Participants should wear suitable outdoor clothing and bring waterproofs just in case – weather conditions can change quickly on the coast. Footwear with good grip is advised, and any personal medication must be brought along as there's no access to shore during the trip.
This sailing experience is delivered by a team with strong local knowledge and a deep love of the sea. The vessel is cutter-rigged – a traditional sailing setup that gives you the chance to understand how a classic boat handles under real conditions. Sessions are always small-scale and tailored to those onboard, whether you want to learn or just take in the view.
The focus is on making sailing welcoming and accessible. You won’t be thrown in at the deep end – unless you want to be hands-on – and you’ll always be looked after by experienced crew. It’s a short but rewarding outing that gives you a fresh way to enjoy the coast around Whitehaven.
About the centre
Whitehaven
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