The Pier is located in the perfect location – right on the harbour in Harwich Old Town and on the estuaries of both the Stour and Orwell estuaries. With this in mind we have set up a selection of days when you can discover these waters on board a variety of boats. And of course, as hospitality is our business chef Chris Oakley will provide your lunch to be eaten on board. We’ve teamed up with several local yachting companies as well as individuals who have much to offer.

The Bona (an Essex Bawley) – a wooden type of fishing smack – and is one of the few remaining boats of this type still in use. Built in 1903 in Brightlingsea (she’s a real ‘Essex Girl!’) her original occupation was towing a trawl for shrimps in the Thames Estuary. She now offers all the comforts associated with a modern yacht but still captures the nostalgia of bygone days. The Milsom Hotels teams use her every year and we’ve had some memorable days sailing. The Bona can take up to 10 people. Bona will be available in August for day and evening sails (2 hours on the water followed by dinner in the Harbourside).

New for 2009, Max Bond from Framlingham Fisheries is offering you the chance to try your hand at Seabass fishing in the either the Stour or Orwell estuaries – 5 hours of fishing, lunch and if you’re staying at The Pier, Chef will cook your catch for dinner.

North Sea Yachting can offer either a 38’ motorboat (maximum 12) or a 32’ yacht (maximum 8) – two completely different experiences as you can imagine!

If you feel like sailing in style with a group of friends then Graham Mackie has the perfect solution, a 60’ Sunseeker which can take a maximum of 12. Also available a 4.5 rib if you fancy a ‘blast’ and we can assure you its great fun!

Sailing Days from Ipswich have a Jeanneau Yacht which can take a maximum of 7 people. We have supplied links to websites where possible. We’re delighted to join up with Viking Mariners, who are a newly formed company based in Ipswich. They are concentrating on the corporate market and can offer all kinds of corporate training and development. They can operate from the Ha’penny Pier, but we also thought business guests would be able to use this service from Kesgrave Hall.

Last but by no means least, if you have a larger party – say about 40 – we can also arrange a sail on board SB Victor, followed by dinner in the Harbourside – a perfect way to celebrate a special occasion –

just ask for details.

Just give us a call at The Pier and we can match you to the best boat available on the day.

Don’t worry if there’s just two of you, we can join you up with other people

Links

Viking Mariners – www.vikingmariners.co.uk

North Sea Yachting – www.northseayachting.co.uk

Sailing Days – www.sailingdays.org

Sb Victor – www.sbvictor.co.uk