Wherry Yacht Charter | Visit East of England

Wherry Yacht Charter is a charity caring for four of the last eight wherries in existence, and we invite visitors to join us for both day sailings and free on-board viewings on given days throughout the season. Dates and details are listed individually as events here and on our website.
Step aboard a historic wherry yacht for a glimpse of the way early holidaymakers experienced the Broads. With their sleek white hull, gleaming varnish, cosy cabins and spacious counter stern they point to the refined and stylish origins of holidays afloat. Sail with us and the distinctive clank of the winch and the sight of the huge sail being raised by the crew will create lasting memories of your trip. Enjoy refreshments on board as you slip quietly through the tranquil landscape of Britain’s only wetland national park, and keep your eyes open for wildlife such as otters, kingfishers and marsh harriers. On both sailings and viewings our enthusiastic volunteers will be happy to tell you more of these boats’ history and operation, and about our work in keeping them sailing for all to enjoy
You are also welcome to book private charters of a single day or longer – please contact us or see our accommodation listing for details.
Our skippered charters give you exclusive use of a wherry yacht. Accommodating up to twelve passengers, our historic boats provide a perfect way to get together with family or friends while enjoying peaceful sailing on the Broads.
Charter details
Charters may begin and end at any time within those specified above. For other arrangements, please enquire and we will do our best to accommodate you. Our sailing season is from May to September.
To make a charter enquiry or a booking simply email bookings@wherryyachtcharter.org, or you can contact us in other ways. Please enquire as far in advance of your preferred date/s as possible – as our skippers and crew are all volunteers, early notice of your dates makes it much more likely that we can accommodate you and your party.
Our fleet currently comprises three Wherry Yachts: Olive (1909), Norada (1912) and White Moth (1915), and Pleasure Wherry Hathor (1905). Pleasure Wherry Ardea (1927) is currently reserved for corporate bookings. Please click through for full details including layouts.
Day charters are particularly popular for special celebrations including birthdays and wedding anniversaries, but if you don’t need the whole wherry to yourself then you might be interested in our schedule of public sailings, with individually bookable spaces – please see our sailings page for details.
All our vessels carry up to 12 passengers on a day sailing, and 10 on overnight charters (numbers include children). We offer our wherries on a self-catering basis and facilities include a fully-equipped galley with hob, oven and fridge, a toilet, washbasins and a shower (White Moth only). Each saloon provides both daytime living space and four berths, and features a yacht piano. For overnight charters please bring your own sleeping bags or duvets, sheets and pillows.
However long you sail with us an experienced skipper is always provided, and day charters include an additional crew member. (For overnight charters, skipper accommodation is entirely separate from the passenger area of the wherry yacht.) The skipper will help you to plan your cruise, taking into account wind and tide to ensure the itinerary is manageable. Bookings start and end at our base in Wroxham, where we offer (limited) car parking.