SwanR

Loved the one of all the chaos at How Hill. Thanks for sharing them.

Might be that the majority of hirers are due back on Friday or Saturday. With so few hire yards on the south now, Beccles might be a long way for being sure of getting back to the north in time.

There was differing opinion on this but what I read was that one of the industry bodies appealed and it was extended to motorised accommodation as long as it involved overnight stays so wouldn’t apply to dayboats but should apply to boating holidays.

Don’t forget the VAT reduction. I would have hoped that was resulting in quite a reduction in basic hire price for people booking at the moment.

That must be bittersweet Malcolm. I hope it turns out to be a good decision. This year has made many of us re-evaluate our lives.

Incidentally I have seen a lot of first timers asking on social media about routes they can plan around being in a pub every night. That’s definitely not for me but seems to be the image some folk have of a Broads holiday. Like you I would have enjoyed people and boat watching from afar.

Loved your tale. Hope you can come back soon.

Enjoying your tale and seeing your photos. Some moorings have to be taken if you find them free unless it’s really too early. We haven’t managed Womack Island yet.

I think part of the problem is that we don’t have the government briefings very often now and people have lost sight of what the guidelines even are. I find myself keeping quiet because I don’t want to upset people, especially my friends. I read something just a few minutes ago about a family gathering that may have broken the guidance about how many households can meet indoors together. And how many people from different households can meet outside together. But without questioning people you can’t be sure ... and who wants to do that.

I think we’re at the point where it’s about doing what you’re comfortable with while keeping within the guidelines as far as possible and as you understand them to be. I’m very lucky to have my caravan to get to instead of trying to book a holiday anywhere. We’ve been able now to safely visit our family. And we have started enjoying coffee stops and lunch out again. But because of restrictions my company have put in place, I will be working from home for the foreseeable future.

My sincere condolences for the loss of your family members. I hope your next trip is a blessing for you in your healing process.

Foggy at Lowestoft but lifting a little now.

Congratulations! Lovely photo. Like the face masks as well. Very inventive.

It’s still windy on the coast at Lowestoft just as it was yesterday. And it’s foggy as well. I’ve no idea how far that extends or what Breydon Water might be like this morning.

I know a number of people here watch the Foxes Afloat YouTube channel. Their recent vlogs have been on that area of the Thames.

Very interesting. Not sure it would suit us. Or that I would feel comfortable with the attention it would be bound to get. But depending on where they moor it in the marina it might make an interesting out of season break.

Have a great time afloat. Looking forward to hearing where you end up. Will have to leave it to those who have been out recently to comment on mooring availability. But at least you will have a good number of daylight hours at this time of year if you need a change of plan.

Great write up. How lovely to read of a family holiday afloat. We hired Fair Prince from NBD a few years ago and loved that boat and the yard.

Sounds like it all worked out well in the end. Safe travels home tomorrow and enjoy your last night on board.

Agree with the previous comments. Very much enjoyed your tale. Love Paddy’s Lane for that last night, one of our favourite places especially on the side where you were. They were working along there in March so we had to moor round opposite the boatyard where it was definitely less sheltered.

We’ve eaten in Prezzo in Beccles a few years ago. It was perfectly fine if you can get booked in. Only a few minutes walk from the yacht station.

Here's my list of tips for first time hirers, no doubt there are many more from my learned fellow boaters here. Use bags or holdalls not suitcases as room on board is usually limited. Take food to eat on board but if desperate for a nice meal out on day one, plan to arrive in Wroxham early and dine out at lunchtime before you pick up the boat Have some cash with you, notes and coins, for any moorings or waterpoints where you need to pay - most are free but you don't want to get caught out Have an idea of where you hope to moor on your first night and your last nigh,t for ease of getting back to the yard in time, but other than that, go with the flow If you cruise for 3 to 4 hours a day, as per the Skippers Manual on the boat, then your batteries should be topped up fine and you'll only need to run the engine whilst moored up if you want to use the microwave Simples ... most people you encounter are really friendly and will help you out along the way. And don't forget to wave to everyone on every boat you pass. :)

Hope you got on ok and had a good first mooring and a peaceful night.

When are you going? Are you going north or south? Are you hiring? Sounds as if it’s very busy out there at the moment. I’m reading a lot of questions on social media from people who haven’t been on the Broads before. And the common theme seems to be what should I take and please help me plan my route. I think on my first trip the only moorings I planned were where I could get to for my first night. And where should I be for my last night so I could get back to the yard in time. Everything else happens as it will. Have enough food onboard that you can eat wherever you end up. And just enjoy being afloat.

Beccles to Loddon will make a nice cruise for your last day too. Takes about 4 hours and we’ve done that a few times. I haven’t hired from Pacific but with it being so busy I wonder whether you might want to also call them and let them know you want to moor overnight there on Friday so they can make sure you have a space. Hire boats are allowed to moor in other hire yards so you don’t want to get there and find no room.