Catamaran sailing
Experience the magic of the Lake District lakes
Catamaran sailing at Calvert
At Calvert Lakes, we love any opportunity to get out on the water! With our very own accessible catamaran moored on Lake Windermere, we take groups of all ages and abilities catamaran sailing on the largest lake in England.
Our catamaran is a Pacecat called Equal Chance. It has two long hulls, and the water flows between them. Catamaran sailing is more stable than dinghy sailing as the boat doesn’t rock from side to side. Up to 12 passengers can sit inside the boat or on the cargo nets with the water underneath.
Sailing on Equal Chance is great for groups of all abilities as it can accommodate up to 4 wheelchairs and the whole group can get out on the water together. The catamaran is accessed by a flat jetty and a ramp onto the boat. Chairs are fixed into position on the boat, or chair users can transfer into cushioned seating, beanbags or lie on the cargo nets to watch the water underneath.
Moored on its own jetty at Ambleside YHA on Lake Windermere, we drive groups from Calvert Lakes there in our accessible minibuses. It takes around 40 minutes to get there, and we pass through some of the most iconic Lake District scenery along Thirlmere, past Grasmere, Rydal Water and through Ambleside.
Catamaran sailing needs wind ideally to power the boat but ours is equipped with an engine too. Sailing sessions often include a mixture of sailing and motoring as required, but guests can try their hand at steering and setting the sails, if they wish. Sailing in the catamaran is not usually interrupted by weather, as it can cope with windy conditions, but if we have multiple chair users, we prioritise their needs to ensure they don’t get cold.
Sailing is an incredible sensory experience and groups love getting out on the water together. This inclusive activity is great for people of all ages and abilities, and no experience is necessary. Sailing is the perfect way to spend time outdoors, learn new skills, explore the Lakes and build confidence on the water.
Check out our Discover Sailing weekends for the ultimate immersive sailing experience.
Catamaran sailing is great for:
Reducing stress and anxiety
Adaptive sailing equipment
Anyone can experience to joy of sailing on our catamaran which can comfortably accommodate 4 wheelchairs users in their chairs and the rest of the group.
Accessible catamaran that can accommodate wheelchairs
Beanbags and adaptive seating available, if required
Flexible timetables and itineraries to suit all needs
Changing Places facilities available
Easy to use rudders
Level jetty and ramp access
“I came to the Calvert Trust as a teenager several times and have amazing memories of my visits here so when my mum told me that Headway were planning a visit I had no hesitation in offering to volunteer.
I saw so many signs of the positive experiences that were had this weekend. People who were very shy at the beginning were much more outgoing by the end of the trip and, for me, this is what the Calvert Trust does brilliantly.”
Adam
Catamaran sailing FAQs
Who can enjoy catamaran sailing?
Anyone can enjoy catamaran sailing as our boat can accommodate guests of all abilities. Chair users can stay in their chairs, or transfer to comfortable, adaptable seating. Anyone who gets seasick will prefer catamaran sailing to dinghy sailing as there is the catamaran is more stable on the water.
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 catamaran sailing take place?
Equal Chance, our catamaran, is moored at YHA Ambleside on Lake Windermere. It takes around 40 minutes’ drive to get there from Calvert Lakes in our accessible minibuses.
How long is a catamaran sailing session?
Catamaran sailing is most often enjoyed as a full day’s activity. Some groups might prefer to come back earlier and try a shorter afternoon session at the centre.
We usually take a packed lunch with us on the catamaran which we’ll either eat on the boat or find a suitable place to stop for. The needs of the group will dictate where we sail and how long we’re out for.
Are there care facilities on the catamaran?
There are no toilets or care facilities on the catamaran, but we can stop somewhere during the session where there is a Changing Place.
Rayrigg Meadow at Miller Ground is a short hop across the lake and has a full equipped Changing Places toilet facility. There are disabled toilets at the YHA Ambleside too.
Will I get wet?!
Unlike canoeing, where you’re likely to get wet, catamaran sailing is a dry activity. The boat is very stable, and you’ll usually only get wet if you want to!
We have a range of waterproof clothing and wet weather gear to keep people warm and dry when sailing, umbrellas to provide shade and we always take hot water for a brew on the lake.
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.
Stay in touch
Sign up for news, accessible adventure breaks, fundraising updates, and updates about the impact of your support.
