The Story
On Saturday evening 9th November 2013 James, our son, went to hospital with stomach ache. Later the surgeon would comment that he was surprised that James had managed to 'walk' into A&E. James underwent lengthy, emergency surgery and woke up to the unexpected diagnosis of bowel cancer with secondary tumours on his liver.
Since that day, James underwent several major surgeries and chemotherapy treatment programmes. He then had chemo to shrink cancer cells present in his stomach. During times of treatment, as well as remission, Macmillan Cancer Support was there for him providing support in so many aspects of his life, making this cancer journey that little bit easier ... and that little has made a lot of difference. James commented, "The support they provide is vital to so many, and if we can raise enough for them to help just one person, to pay one gas bill, or buy one winter coat then, trust me, it will make all the difference". In the Summer of 2015 James was well enough to raise over £3000 for Macmillan by cycling 1300 miles across Europe.
Now, as his family, we had an opportunity not only to thank Macmillan, but to help them to support others who suddenly find themselves confronting cancer and the difficulties it can bring. Our first sail4macmillan took place in 2016 and has continued each year since.  Sadly, James was too unwell to join the trip in 2022 but did join in the homecoming festivities that June. James passed away peacefully in the East Cheshire Hospice on the 8th August 2022.

So what now? James is an inspiration to us and all those that knew him. So too was Ella Dawson, who’s legacy is the Ella Dawson Foundation and in 2024 we ran a round Britain trip on their behalf. The one vessel raised over £9,600 for Ella’s charity. We have also run a round Britain trip for Farleigh Hospice which is on target to raise over £10,000. To date these trips have raised over £70k for Macmillan, Ella Dawson and Farleigh and all participants have enjoyed a great sailing experience.
The answer to the question "Why do this"? is that we should not stop these activities and, as charities struggle with finance, we should open the opportunity to many more organisations. Therefore we have decided that Premier Sailing will change and in 2025 will no longer provide RYA training. Instead, we will concentrate on our charity trips – holidays with a purpose.

Our holidays have given us 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.