JennyMorgan

Perhaps being misleading is intentional!, a spot of mischief! At least it is not a lie, heavens above, it could have been branded The Broads Authority!!

Gramps, Ron, I did use the term 'lads' rather than, for example, all male parties. 'Lads' as in lager & anti-social, loutish behaviour. Holiday destinations that do bar all one sex parties unquestionably loose out, as with any ban, there are always loosers but clearly they think that loss worthwhile, as do I.

Interesting reading here: http://www.thebroadsblog.co.uk/2016/07/the-restructuring-of-navigation-charges.html Written by a man who has been on the inside and does know what he is writing about.

Then there was that Sabberton bloke:- http://www.edp24.co.uk/news/wroxham_man_s_speed_record_is_on_course_after_30_years_of_oulton_broad_powerboat_racing_1_1477720

Perhaps on the other hand 'lads' deter others from taking Broads holidays. Long gone now but Hampton Boats at Oulton Broad operated a no one sex party policy and, in their time, was the most successful yard on Oulton Broad, their boats always immaculate. Johnsons at St Olaves was another yard with a no 'lads' policy. Clive at Richardsons has long justified letting to all 'lads's groups but personally I feel strongly that they do more damage to the reputation of the Broads as a 'family' destination than is worthwhile. Just my thoughts on a subject that has been discussed in the past and will probably be discussed in the future.

Not sure that that was the best example to have chosen!

Amen to that, Mark.

All motor boats to be equipted with blow up kayaks, problem solved. Might not suit heavy smokers though, nor vast arsed, top heavy crews for that matter! Joking aside, it might be worth talking to Trudy at the BA, they are often quite keen on canoe trails

The mind boggles!

The Broads Authority? If that dyke was navigable in 1986 then the BA is duty bound to maintain it.

I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever that the biggest thumb print on any decision will be that of a man, that man.

http://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/thousands_of_boat_owners_could_be_affected_by_broads_authority_s_proposed_changes_to_tolls_restructure_1_4603283 Do I sense a big, overall increase in the Tolls? You bet I do! Silver tongued men that come bearing gifts should not be trusted, in my opinion.

Fred, thanks for entering the debate in a constructive, rational manner. Just consider though your first paragraph: Does that also not apply to those taking part in the regatta, does their enjoyment, and that of the numerous spectators, not matter too? That aside a number of the competitors in Broads regattas are directly involved with the Broads hireboat industry. As regards to what most club yachtsmen spend in a year, you might be surprised just how that mounts up. I do know for a fact that my daughter spends at least £2,000.00 p.a. just keeping her sailing boat in good condition as a cruising boat, those who race probably spend a great deal more. Your comments also begs the question, don't the locals also deserve some consideration? The Broads is also their playground, sometimes their work place and often their home. Please consider also that whilst many boats are racing at Horning they are not then racing elsewhere. Lastly, there are over a hundred miles of Broads navigation, HSC are using a mile or so of it, there is room for all.

Thanks for the link, Grendel. A bonus being that it lead to a link to Beccles Town Regatta, appreciated. Q, thanks for the modern film. Regretfully no errant motor boats impaled on bowsprits. Incidentally I did once witness a hire cruiser impaled on the bow of a speedboat racing at Oulton Broad. Also remember an Optimist sailing dinghy famously speared by the bowsprit on Maidie, a large and impressive sailing cruiser, during an Oulton Regatta.

What appears to have been forgotten by some is that regattas are by and large the locals coming out to play, as is their custom. It saddens me to think that there are those who are intolerant to the ways of the Broads. I would like to echo Warp's comment:

And all us refugees have a new home, thanks to the NBN for being here.

Being an inquisitive/nosy old bugger I googled the history of Broads regattas, seems that they have been a popular feature of the Broads for over two hundred years, not the one hundred that I suggested. http://www.norfolk-broads.com/history/index.php

Mike/Chameleon, I'm sorry that you have chosen to air your views in the way that you have. Racing isn't really my thing but I have crewed twice in the Three Rivers race and neither time have I witnessed any justification for the rancour of your response. As for the club I can only applaud HSC's efforts to help non participants enjoy their boating too. Some years ago I arranged a Drascombe Rally to coincide with the Yare Navigation Race. We passed through the racing fleet twice, it proved to be the highlight of our rally. Regattas are spectacular events with a long history of well over a hundred years on the Broads. For folk who don't like them I respectively suggest that they avoid them, plenty of alternatives.

Pictures please, pretty please.

Gracie, six feet is nothing special on the Broads. Pops has a very nice one but it's nothing to fear, I suppose a boat called Crystal has one at least double that length. This one is another 'real' bowsprit:

But isn't yours rather a short affair?

Indeed it was! Normally very helpful though.

Perhaps I should be more concerned about the possibility of splinters.

Nice bit of varnish work but where's the bob stay or dolphin striker?

I just had to take a peep over there, indeed I came back here via a link over there so cunningly placed by The Q, the little tinker! One thing written over there that I do agree with is that Horning Regatta, like any other Broads Regatta, is a spectacle in itself and to that I would add it's very much a part of the heritage of The Broads. As an aside I will add, thank goodness the Authority doesn't dabble in regattas, wise decision on its behalf!