About Premier Sailing Holidays

Have you ever dreamed of learning to sail and having the freedom to explore the oceans? Sailing is often associated with wealthy individuals, but we want to change all that. 

Premier Sailing is an award-winning sailing company that provides Sailing Holidays, Charity Sails including the award winning Sail4Macmillan round Britain trips. With a team with more than 50 years of combined industry experience, we specialise in bespoke and affordable sailing experiences and our goal is to allow more people to enjoy the thrill of sailing.  We want to enable more people to enjoy the excitement of cruising under the sail - whether you’re an accomplished sailor or first-time novice.

 Our business started in 2009 when the opportunity arose to share our passion for cruising under sail with others. This slowly developed into the award winning business that it is today. Premier Sailing won the Experience of the Year award from East of England Tourism in 2022 which has been added to the Yachting Industry Award for Cruise of the Year received in 2016.

We are passionate about giving anybody who would like it the opportunity to enjoy sailing. The world is a different place when at sea – no television – no mobile – no pressure. The constantly-changing scenery and wildlife are a wonder to behold.

We provide a safe and enjoyable experience in which to learn sailing and navigation etc. Our holidays give everyone the opportunity to do as much or as little as they wish. All our skippers have, like Jan and Colin, gained many years sailing experience before becoming commercial seafarers so we believe you are in the best hands possible when you sail with us. 

Our family team consists of experienced sailors  who are doing their best to provide a great sailing holiday experience for you.

 Colin trained in the Merchant Navy and sailed as an Engineer Officer with British and Commonwealth. As a Yachtmaster Instructor Colin teaches Navigation, Diesel Engine Maintenance, VHF and all the Practical Courses up to and including Yachtmaster Offshore. 

 Rob learnt to sail on Windermere in his Mirror dinghy (a 9th birthday present) and then trained with Maersk, sailing as a Navigation Officer on container ships, tankers and DFDS ferries on the Dover/Dunkerque route. Having cruised extensively Rob is now a Commercial Yachtmaster Offshore, teaches Navigation and VHF Radio and skippers some of our mileage building and sailing trips. 

 James was our resident website person. Like the rest of the family, James was brought up sailing and canoeing but his passion was cycling. In 2015 James, while in remission from Colon Cancer, raised funds for Macmillan Cancer Support by cycling from Warsaw to Manchester.  Before he died James, always positive, became the prime mover in establishing the award winning Sail4Macmillan round britain trips.