Lake Windermere: Private Sailing Tour & Skippered Yacht

Summary

Private yacht sailing on Lake Windermere with local skipper

You’ll step aboard a skippered yacht on Lake Windermere for a private sailing tour that feels personal from the start. Try steering under your guide’s encouragement or simply relax as scenery drifts by. Listen to local stories, enjoy fresh air, and find unexpected calm away from busy shores — it’s less about ticking boxes than feeling part of the lake for a while.

What’s the experience like?

“You can take the helm if you want,” our skipper said, grinning as he handed me the wheel. I’d never sailed before — not properly — but something about Lake Windermere makes you want to try things. The water was glassy in some spots and choppy in others, and the sky kept shifting between soft grey and those sudden sunbursts you only get in the Lakes. My hands felt clumsy on the wheel at first, but our guide (his name was Tom) just laughed and pointed out how even seasoned sailors get caught out by Windermere’s moods.

We drifted past little wooded islands while Tom told us stories about growing up near Bowness and how the lake changes with each season. There was this moment when everything went quiet except for the sound of wind pulling at the sail — no cars, no crowds, just that fresh smell of water and wood. I remember thinking it didn’t feel like a “tour” at all; more like borrowing someone’s boat for a couple of hours and being let in on their favorite places. I tried to say “Jeanneau” properly (the yacht’s make), but probably butchered it — Tom didn’t mind.

The private sailing experience is only two hours but somehow stretches time out; we sipped water from cold bottles, watched clouds roll over Ambleside in the distance, and took turns ducking below deck to check out the tiny galley. There’s even a proper toilet (which I appreciated after too much tea at breakfast). You can help sail or just sprawl out on deck — nobody judges either way. I still think about that view back toward the fells as we turned for home. It’s not fancy or dramatic, just quietly good.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private sailing on Lake Windermere

• Meet your skipper
• Discuss sailing preferences
• Board the 23-foot Jeanneau yacht
• Sail on Lake Windermere for two hours
• Take control or relax on board
• Enjoy lake scenery and points of interest

Top questions

How long does the private sailing experience last?

The sailing experience lasts 2 hours on Lake Windermere.

Can beginners take part in this Lake Windermere sailing tour?

Yes, both experienced sailors and beginners are welcome; your preferences are discussed with your skipper before setting sail.

How many people can join the private yacht tour?

The Jeanneau yacht can comfortably accommodate groups of up to four guests.

Is there a toilet available on board?

Yes, there is access to toilet and washroom facilities on board.

Are life jackets provided during the sailing trip?

Yes, life jackets are included for all guests.

Is water provided during the tour?

Yes, bottled water is included with your booking.

Are service animals allowed on this sailing trip?

Service animals are allowed on board.

Is public transportation nearby for getting to Lake Windermere?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby.

What’s included

Your private sailing trip includes use of a Jeanneau yacht with space above and below deck, bottled water for everyone, life jackets for safety, petrol for cruising around Lake Windermere, plus access to onboard toilet and washroom facilities so you don’t have to worry about comfort along the way.