Where once she earned her living fishing local waters for whitebait and shrimp, today she offers groups of up to eight the unique opportunity of a day aboard a traditional sailing smack.

The Saxonia comes fully catered and with an experienced skipper and crew.

You can take an active part in sailing the smack – setting and stowing the sails, handling the sails whilst under way, steering, navigating and generally learning the tricks of sailing a very traditional smack – or you can simply sit back, relax with a drink and a book and absorb the atmosphere of a slower, bygone era as you watch the coastline slip past.

The Saxonia is based in Brightlingsea, and a typical day would start and finish there. Occasionally we sail from other local ports including Harwich, West Mersea and Maldon, usually in connection with our special events.

Sailing times:
summer 9-30 am to 4-30 pm
winter 10-30am to 3-30pm

These times are flexible and can be altered to suit your requirements.

"We aim to look after you with good sailing and good food aboard this traditional Essex sailing smack..."

We believe in the importance of good quality, wholesome food and all food served on board is home-cooked and specially prepared for each trip.
We do not serve alcohol on board but guests are free to bring their own beer or wine.

Safety
The Saxonia is a professionally operated vessel and complies fully with current MCA safety regulations .