Dingy sailing
Experience the thrill of sailing in the Lake District
Dingy and group sailing at Calvert Lakes
At Calvert Lakes, we welcome any opportunity to get out on the water! With our very own accessible boathouse right on Bassenthwaite Lake, we love introducing groups to water sports, and dingy sailing is a firm favourite.
Our dinghies are small, open boats with sails. When there is wind on the water, they’re powered by the sails and when it drops, we can add an electric motor. We have small access dinghies that fit two people and are perfect for those who’ve sailed before. Or larger long boats, and a brand new gig, which can accommodate approximately 10 passengers, depending on weight.
Sailing sessions are dictated by the requirements of each particular group. Ambitious groups who’ve sailed before can race our access dinghies, complete challenges or head out on longer sailing missions, supported by our safety boat. Whereas groups who haven’t sailed before can learn the basics of sailing, practice their skills and enjoy a shorter session, closer to the jetty.
Our experienced team of instructors will either be in the boat with you, if using a long boat or gig, or may sail alongside in a safety boat when using the access dinghies. Whatever your dinghy sailing session looks like, we’ll make sure you’re safe and supported throughout.
Sailing is an incredible sensory experience – feel the wind on your face and the movement of the water, view the stunning Lake District from the water and listen to the soothing sounds of the waves and birds. This inclusive activity is great for people of all ages and abilities, and no experience is necessary.
With a fleet of boats and something to suit everyone, sailing is the perfect way to spend time outdoors, learn new skills and build confidence on the water.
Check out our Discover Sailing weekends for the ultimate immersive sailing experience.
Dingy sailing is great for:
Reducing stress and anxiety
Adaptive dingy sailing equipment
We’re proud to offer a fleet of boats with options to suit all abilities and ages. With padded cushions, foam inserts, moulded seats and different options with straps and postural support, we can accommodate most requirements in our sailing boats.
Different buoyancy aids and life jackets
Ramp and level access to the boathouse
Different paddles and grip aids
Bean bags and adaptive seating available
Transfer tables and slide boards for access
Jetty hoists for non-transferrable chair users
“The sailing was by far the best activity, the hoisting access and special chair to sit in made our trip 100% worth it. My son absolutely lit up and enjoyed the
experience and is still so happy looking [back] at photos of him doing it.”
Michelle
Dingy sailing FAQs
Who can enjoy dinghy sailing?
Anyone can enjoy dinghy sailing as we have a fleet of vessels that can accommodate guests of all abilities. None of our dinghies are suitable for wheelchairs, so chair users would have to transfer out of their chairs into beanbags or one of our special seats.
We have adaptive seats with varying postural support, foam cushions and pads to make guests comfortable and straps for additional safety. There is a hoist on the jetty, accessed by ramp, or we have transfer or sliding boards for those who need them.
Participants can be as involved in the sailing as they like. Some people prefer to have a go setting the sails and steering the boat, while others may prefer to just enjoy the ride.
Where does dinghy sailing take place?
Just 1 mile down the road from Calvert Lakes is our boathouse situated on Lake Bassenthwaite. We usually drive to the boathouse in our accessible minibuses as we often have kit to carry, but it’s possible for ambulant groups to walk down, if there’s enough time.
Nestled on the shores of Bassenthwaite Lake, our boathouse has ramp access, adaptive seating, portable and fixed jetty hoists, sailing equipment and a fleet of boats to accommodate all levels of ability and sailing experience.
How long is a dinghy sailing session?
We typically enjoy sailing session as a half day activity. After jumping into the accessible minibus, we’ll head down to the boathouse for a short induction and safety talk before donning buoyancy aids and heading out onto the water.
The needs of the group will dictate the length of the session with less ambulant users spending less time on the water as they are more likely to get cold.
More ambulant groups can request a full day sailing, embarking on a longer mission across the lake. On these occasions we’ll take packed lunches and bushcraft equipment to try our hand at fire-lighting and making hot chocolate at a pretty lakeside spot.
Will I get wet?!
Unlike canoeing, where you’re likely to get wet, dinghy sailing is a drier activity. The boats themselves are very hard to capsize and as they tend to travel faster, once you’re wet you can get cold quickly.
We have a range of waterproof clothing and wet weather gear to keep people warm and dry when sailing so only those that want to get wet.
Check out more activities at Calvert Lakes
We offer a wide range of accessible adventure activities suitable for all ages and abilities
Funding for adventure breaks
We’re committed to making our activity breaks accessible to as many people as possible, which is why limited bursary funding is available to help reduce the cost. Because our funding is often restricted, we prioritise those who’d most benefit from financial assistance. While we cannot guarantee support for every enquiry, we encourage anyone facing financial barriers to get in touch. Our team is here to guide you through the process and help you explore the options available.
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