Norfolk Broads

First outing on the broads and an extended cruise no less. Set aside 4 days to potter about to see if going for an extended cruise would be a comfortable experience.

Headed for a public slipway first from Brundall just outside Norwich. Didn’t see the sign bearing the weight limit until we had our boat almost fully rigged. By the time we derigged it was late so we had difficulty in finding an alternative launch point. Managed to get in touch with a marina that was open late so we headed for there.

We set off from Brundall leaving the car and trailer in a secure park. The weather was scorching hot and it was refreshing to get onto the water. We did a little sailing an despite the narrowness of the waterway we made good progress sailing in the slight breeze. We explored one adjoining river and under power this time made our way through the reeds to the town of Lodden. Stopped there for a night where we wandered into the town for a bit of sight seeing and a meal. Next day we breakfasted afloat, after which we navigated into a service pontoon for a fill of fuel for our single pot diesel. Later we made out way back onto the main navigation, and moored alongside a pub called the Reed Cutter next to the sugar mill. After a satisfying meal and a pint we made out way back to the boat before evening.

Next day we back tracked to our starting point, stopped alongside a pontoon for the night before bailing out the next day.

This was a fulfilling experience. Everything learned so far about trailer sailing was out into action and we look forward to coming here again some day.