Saily

So was I Conversely, I've heard some folks rave about pub X or Y and I wouldn't cross their doorstep.... Like I say, diff'rent strokes..... doesn't make you a bad person though

Golf - a good walk spoilt, so somebody once said. Why don't they make the holes bigger and closer together? (Probably for the same reason sailys don't start the engine when the wind's against them)

Thank you Spider, very kind No Jaws, 403 is May - a lovely boat with extremely nice crew - we share the same handicap but they run rings round us most of the time (strike that; all the time). Similar rig with integral topsail (not a separate topsail as is traditional) - makes for fewer strings but means you always have the topsail flying, which isn't always a good thing. Don't start me on handicaps....

Actually Poppy, Cantley IS a really nice location, and if you turn your back to the factory the view is just as good as over any other stretch of the Yare. The Reedcutters may not be on the same level as some other establishments in terms of poshness, but the beer is excellent and the folks friendly and helpful and they do a damn fine breakfast - more than can be said for many other taverns, both North and South. Diff'rent strokes, etc. But I agree completely about inconsiderate high-speed-close merchants of any flavour :-(

Very grateful for all the warm welcomes - usual story here of course; been lurking for some time and also present on a number of other fora (forums?). Only have 2 ground rules: if you can't say nice things keep quiet (but forgiven for breaking this if someone else is rude first), and I can't be done with inter-forum slagging of any sort, so please Mods if you ever catch me doing that just close my account Always happy to get copies of pics (isn't it the same for everyone? - you can snap other folks but getting pics of yourself afloat is tricky) and we did pass WRC a couple of weeks ago, each side of a visit to the Geldeston Locks. Must say I've heard some pleasing reports about the catering at WRC recently, which is nice - last time I ate there was about 4 years ago and deeply regretted not have some gruel and dripping on board. Not in the least bit good, but seems things are much better now - well done WRC Also heard encouraging stories about similar improvements at Reedham Ferry Inn, which I used to love until an unfortunate meal about 5 years ago. Must try it again now the reports are excellent. edit to add: While I'm recommending - The Pleasureboat at Hickling and Nelson Head at Horsey are always good, the Duke's Head at Somerleyton has never put a foot wrong for us, The Bell at St Olaves was great on a recent visit, the King's Head in Coltishall is very good indeed and the Rising Sun has also improved out of all recognition in the last year or so. Our current top recommendation is the White Horse in Neatishead end of edit. .....hic. We try to get around but time is against while still tied to earning a crust, but based in Ludham, not darn sarf. Enjoy the different aspects of both ends, but Rosie Lee's breakfast and friendly welcome in Loddon is almost worth the trek by itself! Count it successful if we can 'catch' all ends every 2-3 years - so far have only managed Geldeston, Coltishall, Horsey, Hickling and Catfield this year but last year we got Loddon, Oulton Broad, Dilham, Sutton & Stalham and '13 added Horstead, and New Mills. Oh Yes, and I talk too much

Thank you for the kind welcome If it's any consolation, sailing puts the fear of G in me too....except when the wind is too light, when it's booooorrriiiinnnngggg.... At least you folks have reverse, and steering you can make work by squirting a bit of forwards.... Diff'rent strokes for diff'rent folks works for me!

Nice post, Gracie - couldn't agree more If Sailys give you the willies, perhaps you and Hubby could come for a spin one day and I'll show you why we wiggle about (and one or two other things we do which seem to spook other river users). Hopefully explanations help harmony.... One thing I discovered is that a bowsprit looks very different depending where you're sitting... When it's aimed at you it's the scariest bit of stick in the world, but when you're sitting behind one (like I do) it's the most fragile little toothpick ever, and just trying desperately not to be snapped off..... Saily

Hickling Broad Village Regatta 10th and 11th August, at the Pleasure Boat Inn Hickling. Traditional regatta, cruisers, half deckers, punts, dinghies and rowing boats. Usual form is a brief opening, followed by an opening brief, generally between 10 and 10.30 Sat a.m., but it's Hickling and timing is delightfully flexible, and the whole event is amongst the most laid-back on the Broads, wonderfully free of any stuffiness whatsoever. Hope this helps....