About Us

The Bitternes Afloat Christian Cruise is a week long adventure style sailing holiday for young people, the main purpose of which is to promote the Christian faith and to nurture young Christians in a challenging environment. The name reflects it's origins in the Parish Church in Bitterne in Southampton. Currently the cruise continues to be an extension of the youth ministry of 5 partner churches:

The cruise itself operates on the Norfolk Broads for a week starting on the second Saturday of the school Spring Holidays. It is run on a voluntary, not for profit basis. The management of the cruise is by an Executive Committee drawn from the partner Churches.

We use a fleet of yachts plus an open day boat known as a half-decker. Each yacht has an experienced skipper and mate who supervise the cruise members as they live and sleep on board. Some basic guidelines are given before the holiday, for the safety of the participants and to assist their enjoyment. The yachts are between 25 and 34 feet in length and are crewed by between 5 and 8 people. The boat crews are mixed sex during the day and are reorganised into individual sex for night time accommodation. In addition we use the half decker which is skippered by a qualified sailing instructor, and the cruise members have an opportunity for more hands on and learning experience on this boat.

We base our cruise at moorings near South Walsham Broad, from which we sail to a different destination each day, returning back most days in the late afternoon (one night is an overnight stop elsewhere). Our Shore Crew provide a hot meal both morning and evening and are based in South Walsham village hall where we gather to eat, worship and share fellowship. Our formal worship and study time comprises of "Morning Divisions" (short bible study with crew), "Evening Quarters" (a corporate worship session with activities and gospel presentation, held in the village hall), and "Cabin Clubs" (small discussion groups organised by age and held on the boats).

The Cruise was started over 50 years ago for the Boys' Bible Class in Bitterne Church. Over the years it has changed and refined itself to meet new challenges and needs. Throughout it has remained true to its original aims of providing an adventurous sailing holiday dedicated to promoting the Gospel of Jesus Christ.