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Tempest
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Posts posted by Tempest
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We are seeking advice and hopefully pointing in the right direction on what are good quality life vests/jackets to purchase and if members have any links to the sites selling them
We recently bought shares in Moonlight Shadow and our first outing is 7th December so we have started seeking out essential items which will go in MS holdalls to take with us on each occasion so any advice on these or other items would be greatly appreciated
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We bought into the Moonlight Shadow Syndicate last month and our first outing on her will be week commencing 7th December and we cant wait
We have 4 weeks per year set and have already been offered further weeks when syndicate members cant use their allocation for no extra costLook forward to posting updates when we are out and about
Why did we go for syndicate?
3 or 4 times a year hiring boats and cottages in Norfolk just did not make financial sense to continue the hiring route
In 2019 we had 3 visits as we stayed at Mandalay Cottage , Horning for a month in January, then Crystal Horizon (Richardsons) in May for a week, then Mallard View Cottage (Grebe Island, Horning) in September for another week (We booked day boats each time we booked a cottage) and we have already book Crystal Horizon again for April 2020 for 11 nights..............
The outlay for 2019 was around the £5000 to £6000 mark and the 11 days in 2020 we have already booked is just short of £1800
It may not be for everyone but it certainly works for us and the welcome we received from the syndicate members and BCBM has been first class
Good luck with the sale and we hope to see you on Norfolk Lady in the future, as we were the people with Steve and Debs at Rockland St Mary`s when we rudely interrupted your breakfast................
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I am fully in favour of the development of this eyesore and wish the development all the very best. This again could be a beautiful area in close proximity to Great Yarmouth, the races and the gateway to the southern broads.
Cant wait to see the development get started and it bringing this area back to life
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16 hours ago, Broads01 said:
I've looked aboard Commander's sister ship, Commodore. It's a beautiful boat and I love both the cabins and the luxury top deck. The only thing I didn't like was the galley because it was miles too small.
I take your point about mooring on the left except where tides are strong you should always moor against the tide, regardless of whether that's right or left. If you try to moor with the tide you'll tend to get spun around.
Thanks all for the feedback
Must admit, never even considered a life jacket for my Newfie before, as being bringing Newfies on the Broads for around 20 years, but certainly got me thinking now.
To be honest I have rarely worn one myself until latter years when the lightweight inflatable jacket was started to be issued.
The big bright orange ones would go straight in the storage!
As for mooring against the tide, yes I am aware of the power of the flow which can catch out the most experienced and would only moor with the tide if conditions allow me to drop the stern in first and allow the tide to push the bow in with the help of the bow thrusters if required
Cooking should be fun, as I do tend to like at least one evening on board where I prepare a meal for the crew with a nice bottle (or two) of wine
I tend to go for something simple like a spaghetti bolognese with pasta and the trusty garlic bread
Even in the smallest kitchen, that's usually quite simple to rustle up.
If anyone has any experience of handling Commander or Commodore or has any further information about the vessel itself, please drop a note
Thanks again
Yours Newfoundly
Warren
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We have hired Richardsons Commander from Saturday 29th September for 1 week this year and its the first time we have had this boat so any inside knowledge would be greatly appreciated
It is a high boat for us with an air draft of 8` 6" listed and I note for example that the height at high water at Ludham Bridge is also 8` 6" meaning for the first time in a long while, I really do need to take this into consideration (For example we have already hired Crystal Horizon for early 2019)
There are 4 of us on board and as we have hired the Commander - P version so we will have our Newfoundland Dog "Roxy" with us which will be the first time she has been on a broads cruiser, although she has been on day boats and loved it. I do though note that getting on and off may be a challenge for Roxy as side on moorings on the port side should be fine as she doesnt mind clambering up and down steps and no doubt if the weather is fair (or not) she will love watching the surroundings from the ample sun deck (weather deck!!!) but the steepness of the steps to the sun deck may be another challenge..
It may go against the advice but due to the port side access, if I am at a side on mooring, irrespective of the tide, I will "attempt" to moor on this side just to make it easier for Roxy
I read Robins comments about the doorways being narrow and a little tight due to the stair cases and interior design features, which give more room in the bedrooms but then have a knock on affect in other areas such as the galley
Some might say, why have we gone for such a boat, but we have seen it on the water a few times and just felt, what the heck lets give it a go as many years ago we hired Moon Enterprise from Moonfleet Marina and we loved the view from the sundeck helm over the reed beds and wanted to give it a go again with a modern boat
Thanks in advance
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3 hours ago, BroadAmbition said:
Team Indy - All home safe,.
I walked in at 0130 to have our Macie dog go bonkers as per the norm. It's snowing here good and proper and settling too so another cold morning to look forward to. Back down to earth with a crash, stripping out a shower room in just over 6 x Hrs, I'm so tired it will have to be a shower in t morning. Clay shooting Wednesday evening.
Did the adventure really happen?
Remind me not to move anyone's boat from anywhere to anywhere at sea ever again unless it is in the summer in sunny calm seas with nowt more then a zephyr, let alone a gentle breeze
Thanks again for all your comments / best wishes, proper humbling
Griff
In awe at what you and Team Indy have just completed in the most challenging circumstances
Indy and you guys stood up to the challenge like true champions
Yes, Robin that includes your personal challenges and the honesty and manner in which you have dealt with it
You are all inspiring!
Forever in the memory banks of many who have followed this adventure
Broad Ambition, Captains Blogs, Royal Flotilla and now Independance!!
Whatever next?
Can I suggest that you enjoy the beauty of the Norfolk Broads and if you do venture beyond the sea walls, it is on the most gorgeous days only!!
Well done to you all
Yours Newfoundly
Warren, Julie, Gigi and Cooper
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Just now, BroadAmbition said:
Bailed out. Alongside in Dover Marina
Griff
Thats not a bail, thats an informed and professional decision
Another great day guys
Now have a well earned beer or 3!!
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4 minutes ago, 40something said:
I don't see how they can be in Brundall tomorrow, plan B will have to be enacted
If they do, they do..
If not, its not a big issue as its all about the safety of the crew
No doubt the guys have plans A,B and C available if required
As could be seen by todays trip to Dover
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Right choice guys as the darkness hits you and the sea and weather is against you
Have a shower, hot meal and well deserved beverage
Love following your trip!
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Safe journey all
Look forward to the updates throughout the day and tracking your progress
Yours Newfoundly
Warren, Julie, Gigi and Cooper
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Absolutely loving this thread, your whole journey, including Facebook updates and YouTube video's
You are living the dream Robin and for that I applaud you
Looking forward to the next and many more updates
Yours Newfoundly
Warren, Julie, Gigi and Cooper
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There are 6 humans and with our 2 Newfoundlands going to Salhouse on Saturday 26th August and mooring overnight on Moon Voyager so hope to see some of you there
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Friday 25th Julie and I pick up Moon Voyager from Richardsons at Stalham for another week on the broads with our 2 Newfoundlands Cooper and Gigi, together with my brother and sister in law who have never been before, but seem more excited about it than us and that is saying something!!
In addition my 25 year old son and his mate are on board also which will make it for a bit of a boisterous occasion at times!!
So I apologise now if you unfortunately end up moored near us!!
So 6 adults and 2 Newfoundlands for what will no doubt be another wonderful week on the broads
Our loose plan now is to head for Wroxham on Friday evening as the lads want to catch a train into Norwich...............................yes to go clubbing!!!
They have been before and last time they got back on the boat at 4.30am and slept most of the following day!!
Saturday its a relax day at Salhouse and a friend of ours lives in the village of Little Plumstead near Salhouse and the 4 oldies are going there for a birthday party whilst the lads take care of the dogs and recover from the night before!!
Sunday we have booked a table at Pedro`s at Acle and we havent done that before so really looking forward to that, and yes we will still call in the Bridge and have a few drinks as it is one of our favourites
Monday we intended making our way to Oulton Broad to watch the Powerboat racing but having discussed it with the crew we have decided to make our way to Coltishall instead as we fancy an evening on the boat and an Ali Spice meal for 6!!
Tuesday we intend heading for Ranworth and Wednesday we have booked a mooring and a table at the New Inn at Horning
Our last night we are leaning towards Neatishead, but Sutton Staithe may be our final destination
Why choose these locations?
Just to maximise the northern broads for my brother and sister in law as the 3 hours of reads and mud flats to Oulton Broad and then the return didnt seem too appealing
I put this on here, because if you are around, by all means say hello and if you know of any events we may be interested in going on or things to avoid, by all means drop us a line
Enjoy your boating
Warren and Julie
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3 minutes ago, BroadScot said:If it was me, I would phone The Bridge Inn asap just tobe on the safe side. Its always busy there!
Iain
Iain, will do
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Not long now!
The dogs have been bathed, Julie is putting her Tesco, Stalham shopping list together and me............ well I am the driver!!!
The only real definitive plans we have now is Good Friday we want to meet 2 friends from Norwich for a few drinks and a meal at the Bridge Inn, Acle
We will probably be moored for around 3pm, so wondered if it was OK just to turn up or book a meal for the evening with it being Good Friday?
Cant wait for Monday morning now and our journey which we are quite used to by now along the A1, A47 and A17
Think it might be Ludham Bridge for the first night after a couple of stops at Barton Turf and How Hill and still want an evening at Coltishall, and now we are leaning towards an evening at Salhouse as its so quiet and the dogs do love a good swim, but other than that no real plans, just fun!
Ohh yes and we will look out for the cakes!!!
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Thank you for all your advice
Very much appreciated
After reading the Concerto review, I might be bringing a lamp for the saloon!
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We had already booked our summer trip to Norfolk for August 2016, but thought we couldnt wait that long so are back again on Monday 21st March for a week on Concerto from Richardsons at Stalham
Travelling this time with Julie and I are just our 2 Newfoundlands Cooper and Gigi and our "loose" itinerary is Ludham Bridge Monday night, Wroxham Tuesday, through the bridge in the morning and Colitshall Wednesday, back through the bridge in the morning, Salhouse Thursday, Good Friday at the Bridge Inn, Womack Water Saturday and then up to Sutton Staithe for our last night
This is were you guys and gals can help.
We have never been over Easter before and wondered are we missing a trick somewhere as you know of an event, live music a meet or otherwise that we should try.
Thanks in advance
Warren, Julie, Cooper and Gigi
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Great tale Julie, thank you.
You raise a good point about tuition for newbies. I was at Ranworth 2 weeks ago and I had the same experience as you watching a skipper give up after several attempts at reversing, even though two people on boats already moored were doing their best to shout instructions and be ready to take ropes. Well done you for offering to take control of the boat that was struggling - I've had the same thought myself but worried about invading someone else's private space.
I hired Broadland Wave 2 (sister to Escapade) last year and I have to say I disagree with your comments about the visibility, especially as the sun roof is large enough to stick your head out and rear visibility is brilliant. As such I think it would make a great boat for the inexperienced, albeit I do agree with you that the decks are on the high side.
I did steer the boat with my knees on the seat and my head out the sunroof, but I am sure it isnt designed for that!!
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Well said Dave, My dad helmed a Boat back to a hire yard once, an elderly couple were trying to moor up for the first time and was cruelly critisised by another couple, they were traumitised and shaking the lovely gent became unwell as a result. I think they spent the rest of their holiday on board at the yard, my dad explained that not everyone is like that but they said they would not be hiring again any time soon. How things could have been so different if people like Julie and Warren were around to help. If there are people doing the most stupid things and flouting the rules then have a go all you like I say, but newbies trying to get it right and messing up would respond so much better to a kind word and a helping hand, fall in love with the place like the rest of us and come back time and time again, sorry Julie and Warren for the slight hijack of your lovely holiday tale
Grace
No problem Grace
The broads can bite the backsides of the most experienced boaters, so I do feel a helping hand to newbies and a little advice here and there doesnt go a miss.
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Hi we passed a couple of times last week and remember saying to Kaz wouldn't say that dog was big but think he'd need a carrier bag when he goes.
We found out our new on Friday that our new 4paws was born on Thursday am so middle December we get him
ps ours will fit in my pocket.
All the best with your new arrival
If you ever see me walking the dogs you will notice I have a drawstring bag over my shoulder!
I will let you use your imagination for what that is for!!
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I have called this tale a memorable week because it was for many reasons and I hope you like our story.
Julie and I and our 2 Newfies left Bolton at around 5.30am in the morning on Friday 11th September and headed over the M62 to the A1 and then down to Newark and across to Sleaford for our usual stop at the McDonalds for breakfast.
We arrived at Sleaford at around 7.45am and we stayed here until 9 when we continued our journey towards Norwich stopping off twice more before making our way to Tescos at Stalham to stock up on provisions for the week
We then got to Richardsons at Stalham around midday where we picked up our lifejackets, and paperwork, had our chat to staff before heading off down river around 1.30pm
Our boat for the week would be "Escapade" which we chose as we had never had a sedan type boat before and we assumed our Newfies would have plenty room to relax in the large aft well.
Firstly I would say the boat had plenty room, has 240 volts, and is easy to handle. On the downside, visibility from the cockpit is very poor, there is no windscreen wipers and the screen soon mists up and there are many blind spots so you cant always know where your crew is. The seating position is low but the windows and bow is very high. The boat is not easy to get on or off as the aft and sides are also very high and as such I wouldnt recommend this boat for big dogs or anybody with mobility issues. I also wouldnt recommend it for the novice as I found it easy to handle, but due to the comments made, I think this boat could be a challenge for a novice.
Day 1 we headed down he Ant and mud-weighted in Barton Broad for lunch, then made our way to How Hill to give the dogs a good run and onto Ludham Bridge for the evening. Ludham Bridge Stores is a favourite stopping point and the wayfarers cafe serves great food morning and afternoon. We though made our way to the Dog Inn for a couple of drinks before settling in for the evening having warm baguettes with tuna, tomato and cucumber served up on board and a couple of glasses of Pinot Grigio. The weather at this time was tremendous as we sat on the back of the boat taking in the late evening rays
We come to the broads for our dogs usually twice a year and as such you will find that the majority of our movements have them in mind.
On Saturday we woke to grey skies, rain and wind which was a complete contrast to the Saturday. We made our way to Potter Heigham, mooring on Repps Bank facing down river opposite the entrance to Herbert Woods boatyard. This is a very challenging mooring when the wind is up as could clearly be seen by the number of boats struggling to moor or move off from a mooring. I do feel a little more needs to be done to help novice boaters and I will touch on this later, as I saw a couple bounce off a mooring or worse another boat and there was obviously a few stressed skippers with some of the words being uttered which doesnt help adhere them to the broads for future generations.
Having walked the dogs we had a short stop at Thurne Dyke before making our way down the Bure to the moorings directly outside the Bridge Inn at Acle. This is another favourite spot of ours with public toilets and a shop across the river, more toilets at the Horizon Craft yard and water and pump out facilities available.
We did notice Broad Ambition moored outside the Bridge Inn also and White Champagne double moored with Broad Ambition and another hire cruiser nearby, but we didnt know if they were together and who was aboard at this time.
http://www.norfolkbroadsinns.co.uk/acle-bridge-inn/
We made our way to the Bridge Inn early doors and sat outside for a period having a few drinks, before making our way inside to the large dinning room to the left of the main entrance. Shortly after sitting down with Cooper and Gigi at our feet we were approached by Griff and then more people including Robin (London Rascal) as it turned out they were there to celebrate Robins mothers 70th birthday.
We hope you all had a wonderful evening and the two group photographs I took came out OK!!
Julie had fish pie and I went for cod and chips as my first choice of steak and ale pie was sold out, but I wasnt disappointed as the food served at the Bridge is always top notch and Julie tends to go for the fish pie when here as again it never disappoints.
After eating we made our way outside and got chatting to a couple with a brown and white collie who were on the broads for the first time and hopefully enjoyed every minute.
We then settled in for the night and on the Sunday 13th September we made our way to St Benets Abbey who were holding an open day with guided tours of the site which we took in with our two Newfies in tow. This was a really interesting insight into this large area and we recommend anybody who hasnt stopped here to do so. We even had a chant to a resident of Norfolk who walked with the aid of sticks and stated he registers the boats on the broads. He was a real gent and it was great chatting to him about the broads and the boats and especially the growth of the private owners and the new modern fleets which are all adding to the quality of the holidays on offer and the whole area.
We then made our way to Ranworth around 2pm and after mud weighting for 30 minutes I managed to grab a stern on mooring. The broads this week was probably the busiest I had known for many a year with double mooring and full moorings at many locations, as such I recommend that people have a fall back plan if their planned moorings are taken. It is good to see the broads apparently growing in popularity again.
Around 5pm a bathtub type boat was coming into the last space on the moorings on the opposite side of the day boat slipway and did so forwards as the skipper appeared to lack confidence in reverse, and a woman who was stood on the bank started shouting at the skipper that he cant moor like that. The skipper reversed away and then instead of coming back in moved off out of Ranworth. I felt for this guy as he obviously lacked confidence and needed help. I then saw a Herberts Woods boat (Shinning Light I believe) move towards the mooring and try to reverse, but again seemed to get it all wrong and then turn to go away. I asked the skipper of the boat on the end of our row if I could go to the front of his boat which he agreed and I shouted to the skipper to bring his boat to me. The woman opened the door and I said, if he brought it to me forwards I will moor it for him, which he did and I soon had the boat moored up and showed the skipper how to do it.
At this point I had no idea who these people were, but as they say its a small world. The skipper was called Jeff and he said he had completely lost his confidence as this was there first time on the broads, had only 20 minutes tuition and whilst trying to moor at How Hill earlier that day, got it all wrong and had hit 3 boats which was so bad the river police were called and he was advised to go to Ranworth and practice. He was contemplating going back to Herbert Woods and either getting more tuition or going home. This man was physically shaking and a holiday should not do this to a person. As such I offered to go the Ranworth Island in the morning and spend as much time as he likes practicing stern and side on moorings and general boat handling. Jeff was so pleased and took me up on the offer.
Later I got my dogs off the boat and the woman who I just didnt recognise from Jeffs boat came over and said she was the welfare officer for Newfoundlands and helps to rehome them. I said that Gigi was from Newfoundland rescue and I had got her through contacting a woman called Ros Dyer and low and behold she said "I am Ros Dyer"
http://www.northernnewfoundlandclub.org.uk/welfare.html
It is a very small world indeed and no doubt we have made friends for life. The following morning we did indeed spend a good hour on Ranworth Island and although Jeff was not perfect by the time we parted company he had made many manouvres and had moored the boat single handed many times both stern and side on. This wasnt the last of Jeffs problems on the broads though!
The following day we made our way to Wroxham for the day and after collecting some more provisions then made our way to Salhouse Broad to spend another idyllic evening with our newfies in these tranquil surroundings.
The following morning my parents had started their holidays on "San Carlos" from Richardsons at Stalham on the Monday and we planned to meet on the Tuesday at Wroxham. I moored up at the Faircraft Loynes boatyard near to the "Shed" bistro and after contacting my parents they arrived soon after, and after walking the dogs, doing some more shopping and generally relaxing we bumped into Ros again she said she was just going to ring me as Jeff had just fallen in the river!
Apparently he was moored in the public moorings north of the bridge with his mudweight down and as he was lifting the mudweight he slipped and fell into the water. Jeff isnt a strong swimmer and thankfully he was wearing his life jacket which immediately inflated and with the help of the other boaters got back onto dry land. Huge lesson was learnt about wearing a life jacket and I went over to the moorings and although potentially serious I couldnt help but take the mickey out of a now dry boater!!
We didnt see them again on our travels, but fingers crossed it went, or is going OK................................. As this was only day 3 of a 2 week holiday!!
I had booked 2 moorings at the New Inn at Horning and as such my parents and I made our way their for the evening ably assisted to moor by the ever helpful and reliable Gus.
http://www.newinn-horning.co.uk/
That evening I had Steak and Ale pie, Julie, my dad and my mum had the Gammon. Everybody reported the food was first class and we chose this pub as it is a favourite of mine, but my parents had never visited before, through lack of confidence in mooring. They now have it firmly on their list to attend in the future as a result of this visit and the confidence someone like Gus can give boaters trying to moor stern on at a busy location.
Dogs are not allowed in the New Inn, but they are allowed outside and on the heated decking area.
On the Wednesday we firstly called at the Lion Inn,Thurne Dyke http://www.lion-inn-thurne.co.uk/ before making our way to Womack Water as Sunday and Wednesday its cavery night at the KIngs Arms, Ludham and Womack Water is another location that my parents had not been to before
http://www.kingsarmsludham.co.uk/
The cavery was excellent apart from the roasted potatoes which had obviously been left on the warm plate to long as they were exceptionally hard. They just needed rotating more, but the Kings Arms is an excellent pub which does allow dogs and has heated area outside and a restaurant at the rear with a terrific little railway running overhead!
For our last full day we made our way to Ludham Bridge for lunch and a couple of pints at the Dog Inn http://www.thedoginnludham.co.uk/ and we also purchased some of the delicious local pork sausages from the Ludham Bridge Stores before making our way to Neatished dyke as we intended having our last meal at the White Horse at Neatished http://thewhitehorseinnneatishead.com/ as you guessed it this is a location my parents had never visited before
As we approached the dyke a boat was coming the other way and stated there was no moorings in the dyke so it wasnt looking good, but when I arrived I was told that they could get my boat in with a little help from the other boaters who moved some boats up. I then reversed down the dyke and moored, but this left a problem as there wasnt any more moorings so I stepped aboard my fathers boat and reversed all the way down to the head of the dyke and left it in the middle stern on, knowing that if anybody wanted to move I would shift it. I had just tied the ropes when thats just what happened and a boat left the moorings so after going out of the dyke and reversing back down we were moored up, albeit my fathers boat was still not ideally placed.
My father and I then made our way to the excellent White Horse and booked a table for 4 and 2 Newfies for 8.20pm. If you inform the staff what you require they will find the ideal table for you and I asked if we could have a quiet table away from others so my dogs didnt disturb others and this was provided.
When we got back to the dyke we noted that my parents boat was no in a different location and there was at least 2 further moorings available as some had left and I was informed that some of the boaters had moved a couple of boats around to ease leaving and entering the dyke. All good stuff and no issues from us.
Later that evening a yacht and a powered craft filled the last tow places.
We then went for a meal and we were seated at the front room of the pub at the back of the bar which was ideal as our newfies were able to spread themselves out across the floor as we ate
The pub is terrific, the beer on offer and service tremendous, but all but me were disappointed with the food on this occasion, as Julie and my parents ordered the battered fish and chips and to say the batter looked and tasted burnt was an understatement. I ordered burger and chips which was fine and we ordered a side order of garlic bread and onion rings which to be fair were to die for, just the battered fish was a huge disappointment.
We later settled down for the night and in the morning Julie, the dogs and I headed off to Stalham for our handover as my parents headed off to the Bridge Inn at Acle
The service at Richardsons is second to none as you arrive, are directed to a mooring and within minutes the fuel, water and toilets have been done and you have your paperwork to take to the office and start your journey home.
First class again!
On a final note I spoke to my mum who stated dad slipped stepping onto the boat at Acle and his glasses popped off his head and into the water and my mum sat on her glasses..............
So they are running blind at the moment!! so be careful if you see San Carlos coming!!
I hope you enjoy reading this, and yes we have already booked again for our next trip so hope to see some of you again soon
Take care
Julie, Warren, Cooper and Gigi
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Tempest hi. A warm welcome aboard from us.
thank you
.gif ":dog:")
Iain
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Life Vests/jackets
in Boats and accessories Wanted
Posted
Thanks for this
I am on the website now https://www.seasafe.co.uk/shop/ct/lifejackets/170n-i-zip-leisure-life-jackets and really do like the idea of regular servicing as to be fair it was something I hadnt even considered before.