Take a browse through our Photo Gallery and see some of the magnificent views you get from ‘Maddie Too‘ whilst you’re on a Sail’n’Dine Experience

Check-out these great Lakeland Experiences…. and don’t forget to mention Sail ‘n’ Dine !!

  I booked this as a surprise for my husbands 40th birthday with 3 friends & we all had a wonderful time. A lovely way to spend a few hours, very... read more relaxing & we enjoyed a superb lunch. John made this a very enjoyable experience, with the added bonus that my husband was able to sail the yacht. We will definitely be back to try an evening dine ‘n’ sail experience.

nemmy100
24th September 2019

  Been sailing with John for 15 years and cannot fault the experience. Excellent food and attention by John.

broadgatep
9th June 2022

  Cannot praise this experience enough! This was a gift for my husbands 40th birthday and we absolutely loved it! Felt very special and John made sure it was a trip... read more to remember. Thank you so much!

vgilkey
4th September 2018

Practical tips for your safety and enjoyment

• Please wear soft non-slip shoes.
• We supply all safety equipment.
• Wear warm clothes for cold days.
• No Smoking.
• Remember your camera.
• Although we dine ‎in the comfort of the cabin, the sailing element is outdoors so a waterproof coat and trousers are essential if it’s raining
• Pets of any description are not permitted on board.

What to wear?

That really depends on our famous Lake District weather! The main thing to remember is that on all experiences we are out on deck sailing for the first part of the experience. If it is raining then please have a waterproof coat and trousers. We do dine below deck in the comfort of the saloon but being warm and dry on deck makes for a better experience!

There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing! No stiletto heels!

BOWNESS-ON-WINDERMERE WEATHER

  I think the reviews for Sail n Dine speak for themselves. We had a wonderful time, John the skipper has a wealth of knowledge about the area. You can also... read more have a go at sailing too on a lovely yacht. It could not have been any better highly recommend.
Fortunately we are near enough to be back soon.

bernies844
28th October 2019

  Rang in the morning to book some sailing and dining. Managed to get some sailing that afternoon due to a cancellation. Captain John was a great host, made us feel... read more comfortable as well as engaging with our teenage son with sailing tasks! We had a great time and can only recommend you book. Spend a little extra and go sailing rather than on a tour boat. You won't regret it! Thanks Capt John!

Adrian T
23rd October 2019

  We have been sailing with John for many years now and Sail’n Dine is always the first thing we try to book when we come to the Lake District. The... read more experience, John’s company and his food never disappoint. Because he has become so popular, early booking is now an essential, we are currently trying to arrange June 2022!!!!!

marks20212021
1st October 2021

Sail ‘n’ Dine was started in 1986 by John and Judie Surridge.

The location had surrounded and exhilarated them for years as they sailed “Allegro” their treasured 24 foot Hurley yacht, exploring the calm tranquil yet sometimes tempestuous waters of England’s largest natural lake, “Windermere”.

They revelled every weekend absorbing the unspoiled breathtaking scenery, wildlife and fresh hillside air. After a sharp increase in mooring fees, to maintain these special breaks sailing Allegro, a little extra cash was needed. Judie’s birthday gave them a gem of an idea.

Their two teenage sons took it upon themselves to prepare a gourmet meal aboard. After a thoroughly special time, including darn fine food and drink, they really appreciated the combination of a tranquil evening with panoramic views, good cuisine and the family there to enjoy it. Oh!…and a few bottles of wine too, and so Sail ‘n’ Dine was created.

Demand increased in the two years that followed and they updated “Allegro” for two Trapper yachts which were slightly larger and more accommodating. They also made the tough (?) decision to quit working in the teaching and probation professions. They sailed one boat each during the day, offering trips on the lake, corporate events and sailing tuition. In the evening they teamed together to offer their “jewel in the crown” evening cruise, incorporating a tempting sail and equally tempting food and wines.

Things went from strength to strength and in 1998 after a visit to London’s boat show the two yachts were replaced with a brand new 34 foot luxurious Legend 340, “Excalibur”. Working together was certainly the way forward.

In 2003 John and Judie were lucky enough to be visited by the BBC holiday programme which was televised in February 2004, giving “Sail ‘n’ Dine” enormous nationwide credibility and kudos. It was repeated twice on “Ten Of The Best” in 2005 and 2006.

After 20 years of wonderful memories, hard work and many friendships formed, John and Judie retired in 2006 and now spend quality time exploring the inland waterways of England by narrow boat.

In 2007 I took over their inspirational venture, invested in a new yacht and relaunched the business in May 2008.

2026 will mark 40 years of Sail ‘n’ Dine which is Windermere’s longest running yachting business.

Growing up on a farm in the Lancashire countryside near the Lancaster canal gave me the opportunity to own a boat from a young age. Starting with a canoe, then a dinghy and onto a small cruiser, earning the money from our local boatyard cleaning and helping repair and maintain boats, it was a great time.

As a teenager I joined the Ocean Youth Club and spend my summer holidays sailing out of Ramsgate to France and other European destinations.

My first proper sailing yacht was a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 24 foot called ‘Twilight II’ which I kept on Windermere. Sailing gave me a great source of escapism from my then hectic career in the motor trade. Whilst, when I bought Sail ‘n’ Dine, I was a competent sailor, I didn’t have any sailing qualifications, so I studied for 3 years at night school. Having the yacht allowed me to put everything I learned into practice and start my dream job taking people sailing.

I guess my love of food and cooking comes from my farming background, local seasonal produce, a Mum who can cook just about anything and an AGA cooker……say no more!

In 2008 I upgraded the little yacht to ‘Maddie Too‘, handed in my notice at work and made sailing (and cooking) my career.

Qualifications:

RYA Dayskipper shorebased
RYA /MCA Shorebased Coastal skipper & Yachtmaster Offshore
ICC (International certificate of competence)
SLDC Full lake boatmans licence
STCW First aid
Level 2 award in food safety in catering

‘Maddie Too’ is a Beneteau 323 Oceanis Clipper. She was launched in 2005 and has spent her life sailing on Windermere.

It was the combination of dazzling good looks, together with her dark blue hull, contrasting coach lines and comprehensive specification that attracted me to her.

She has some very clever touches such as a lifting keel which enables her to approach even the shallowest of jetties for guests to embark. The steering wheel can rotate 90 degrees to allow a wide passage from the cockpit to the cabin enabling easy access onto the yacht.

Internally ‘Maddie Too’ is fitted with central heating to take the chill off those cooler evenings. Glass panoramic roof windows allow plenty of light into the cabin complementing the spacious saloon. She also has two double cabins, a good size galley and a surprisingly roomy heads (bathroom).

Under sail she comes into her own and displays grace and stability as her bow cuts through the water with ease. With almost a 50 foot mast, huge sails deliver consistent speed with very little wind.

All in all “Maddie Too” is perfect for the job and once you’ve been aboard and experienced a sail you will be as impressed as I still am.

Pictures of ‘Maddie Too’