LondonRascal

Day Two: Watch Day Two Captain's Blog Below: It was an early start – around 5:30am. I had not intended to be up at this time, but I could not seem to rest easy thinking a lot about the day ahead – when should I leave the mooring to get the ebb tide to Breydon? Where and how was I going to place the cameras and would the new cables I’d bought work for those who would come and watch live later and where exactly would I be making for as an overnight mooring? Breakfast was had and after a couple of coffees I was feeling much more clear. The usual messing about with cables and cameras resulted in the also very common issue of none of them working when they were plugged in and had power – a lot of choice words and configuring software later everything was set and working. Time to chill out and go for a walk. It was a glorious morning, but the wind was just as bad today as yesterday. I walked along the dyle to the River Thurne and just sat down by the river and let all the worries ebb away – a stroll back to the boat and time to give things a trial run, which went well as far as the cameras and computer went. I guessed to leave about 11:45am t 12:00pm would mean I could take it easy down to Acle and planned on being at Acle Bridge by about 12:45pm – frankly my timings were all shot to bits because I arrived earlier than I needed to at Acle Bridge and soon found that at this rate I would be at Yarmouth very much before 3:00pm which is when I had said I would be going live with the broadcast. As it happened being earlier than I had wanted worked in my favour. It is not that common to be able to be outside on a lovely sunny day and not have any worries about what time you need to be somewhere by and at the end of the day no idea where you may end up being. In taking it so slowly in idle down the Bure meant I began to see things around me I would otherwise have missed – not only see things but hear the bird song more as the engine was ticking over you could hear so much more. I can thoroughly recommend you try doing this – even if just for half an hour somewhere because you do see so much more about you and even butterfly’s would come and flutter about the boat – it was really lovely. The sun was bearing down on me all the time, but the stiff head wind was keeping me cool – as it happens this was masking something that I had no idea was going on – I was slowly cooking. The first I knew of this was on Breydon Water when I thought ‘odd my lips feel a bit sore’ and my face when the wind was not blowing felt unusually ‘warm’. Little did I know just how bad the sun burn would get. So through Yarmouth I went, out onto Breydon Water and past the Berney Arms – the pub open for business with a couple of boats tied up and people enjoying a drink in the sunshine. Onwards I went and it felt great having a bunch of people in the chat room talking to me, telling me ETA’s to places and where I was and so on. Reedham came and went, then the chain ferry – indeed it began to cross over the river just as I was approaching it, so that was another first to see it in action. Not too long the mouth of the River Chet came – I was tempted to scrub all the plans and head to Loddon – but no I wanted to get as far south before the sunset as I could – so pressed on. Then the Cantley Sugar Works loomed into view – they are not beautiful by any means, yet their sheer scale and impact somehow does not feel out of place – I thought about how this river once would have had the coasters running along it but now it is a very different place – even the number of hire boats thinned out past the Reedcutter pub and then I had the rivers to myself. Up next of interest was the Beauchamp Arms and then Rockland Broad a few minutes later – this had been one of the plans for a possibly over night – but I was doing well and with good guidance being given in the chat room pressed onward. Next up was Brundall – Coldham Hall and the start of what I thought looked like a posher ‘Potter Heigham’. Instead of quant and sometimes eccentric chalets and riverside bungalows, these looked grander and instead of a dayboat or old Calypso would have a Broom worth a few hundred thousand. I liked it to look at, but I could not help feel as if I had motored into a sort of elite riverside club – where perhaps keeping up with the Joneses had moved on to something more akin to keeping up with the Kardashians. Let me explain – if you turned up to a party in Dartford in a BMW M5 you would make a statement, you would no doubt get a lot of the fairer sex take a great interest in you and leave very much not alone, However if you took the same car to a party Chelsea you would not get a second look. So as Sealines, Brooms and the like lined the river banks – they all blended in to be much the same; different sizes of shiny white plastic boats that cost a fortune – perhaps I thought you could have too much of a good thing after all. Moving on through Brundall Birds Dyke came and past – this Leads to Surlingham Broad (or is it Bargate) now this I must say looked very tempting – indeed the whole scene was very lush, very beautiful with the trees – I was frankly lost thinking I had less distance to travel that I actually had, for it was decided (I am not sure by whom or how) that Brampton Common would be my overnight mooring and I was informed I would make this with time to spare before the sunset. Further along the river the Ferry House pub came into view – what a lovely looking pub this was – in fact the pubs in this part of Broadland seemed to be that little bit more special, as if plucked from a nice country lane and put by the river’s edge. The river was not so wide now, the sides lined with greenery and with the sun’s rays casting a soft shadow over the landscape it felt as if it was August not April. It was not far since passing the Ferry the trees thinned and a great vista over the marshland greeted the eye. Sure the Southern river’s may be reed lined and wide and sometimes don’t offer such interest as their northern counterparts in the pretty stakes, but they also have the ability to astound around the next corner. And then ahead I saw the moorings come into view at Brampton – they have electric if you need it at the ‘Norwich’ end of them, which is where I happened to moor – well looked after too. I looked down and found at some point the live stream had gone off air, a shame as I had not the opportunity to thanks those who had joined me for the trip – requested music to be played and kept me company in the chat room. For those who were there though – thank you now. I had little time to get the cameras in and cables off – I’d not weatherproofed any of it and the dew was beginning to settle. I was tired – I had left the moorings at Womack Dyke around 11:45am and now I was moored up and having brought the cameras in it was getting on for 8:00pm. It was not until I went below and thought I had better look in the mirror and see my sore lips, did I see the full extent of my sun burn – in April just a week previous it was raining and in parts of the UK snow – now I was burning up with no cream and no hat! I knew tomorrow would be even hotter and so was worried how the long trip back north to Acle might affect my skin. As it was, it was time for a cool shower and put the dinner on – an actually very nice Pepperoni Pizza with salad and garlic bread – oh and a couple of beers.

Day One: Watch Day One Captain's Blog Below: So it was time once again to leave London and head to Norfolk – Acle in fact to take over Distant Hoirzon 2 from Horizon Craft – part of Richardson’s Boating Holidays. I had hired with them before, the most recent being in October 2012 and knew the welcome would be first class and the boat tip top. I’d arranged for a new taxi service to come and collect me from the station, wait while I popped into Budgens and then drop me at the boatyard – great service, lovely Ford Galaxy people carrier and a reasonable price – After completing the paper work, meeting the usual friendly staff (and Paul Richardson as it happened) it was time to set off with the destination of Womack Dyke. While the boat class I was used to (having previously hired San Julian) I had no idea what this Distant Horizon 2 would look like internally, since there are no photos of it online or in the brochure. I was impressed. Huge windows, tinted too – lovely interior with a new cooker, huge sink and lots of storage from drawers to cupboards. The aft cabin felt light and airy and I liked the fact the heater switch was in there – as was the heater itself. This meant the first outlet from the heater was this cabin, which meant it would be nice and toasty in the cooler evenings – something San Julian lacked for its aft cabin was decidedly cold since only a slit puff of fair would come from its heater vent there. This boat was a great find, I’d got 20% off being my second out of season holiday this year, which had brought the already keen weekly hire charge of £414.00 down to £331.20. Outside raised steering and a lovely fitted boat at ‘bath tub’ prices can’t be bad! Distant Horizon 2 is (in my opinion) streets ahead of her sister Distant Horizon 1 – A better internal fit out, a better arrangement of sleeping accommodation verses heads in the aft cabin and a nicer galley makes me think it is best to book midweek so you can have number 2 rather than have a Saturday start and get number 1 in the class. The only downside I could find to the boat was the fact the aft toilet is electric flushing – using the domestic water supply to flush it – not as most, the water from the river. So it is best to keep the water tanked topped up daily. Also, it has a BMC 1.5 litre diesel engine, which while in a soundproofed enclosure (and very clean and well kept) is certainly no Nanni in terms of smoothness and power delivery. I guess I’d been spoilt in recent trips having boats with new engines. It is of note you must top the header tank with water up each morning and keep a keen eye on the oil level – I did a lot of miles and used over a litre and half of oil – but also consumed a reasonable frugal £84.00 of diesel. Not bad I thought of the amount of miles I covered – but more on that in time, this after all is only the first days account. I arrived at Womack Dyke and was annoyed with mother nature, for there was a constant high wind, with big gusts and wouldn’t you know it was not blowing in my favour. I’d much rather be blown on to a bank than off it, but as I came into the moor it took a good 10 minutes of trying to get alongside and off the boat with the Rhonde anchors before the wind had chance to blow the boat away. Even when on the bank I dare not let go of either ropes for a moment so waited until there was a lull and in a moment pounced and got the bow line tied to a hurriedly buried Rhonde anchor. Once the boat was secure it was time to unpack and make the boat comfy. I must say this was the first time in my visiting Horizon Craft that the berth had not been made up, not that putting a sheet on a bed was a big deal, but I wonder if that was just that day or if this may be the way of things from this base from now on. It was not late by any standards, early afternoon in fact – so I went for a walk along the bank and just enjoyed being back where I love – the Broads, and despite the wind it was very mild indeed and was forecast to be ever more sunny and hotter as the days passed – great timing I thought. But the hear and now was just to take it easy without a care and just relax, so back to the boat – open a can of beer and sit out on top and watch the scenery (and other boats come and go). Tomorrow would be an early start for I would be needing to get all the cameras and wiring done since I was departing Womack Dyke and heading south – as far as we could before the sunset – so it was an early dinner and to bed ready for the next day’s adventure.

I really do not want to take this thread off topic - but the point of safety is most important and the risk of things going wrong on water is a real and ever present danger. We all have free choice and most of us (and in us I refer to people of this good country) are responsible - yet we have the choice to not be, I am sure we have all seen the fools who do the most stupid things and risk themselves, worst the parents who do the same. But when it comes to companies who sell or provide (in this case) boating holidays, then their marking material be it website of print. I feel have only one choice and that is to promote safety in their copy and photographs used. In recent times more photographs are used where the kids have life jackets on, and sometimes the parents too - even if they are models posing - the point is at the least the company is showing the way in being responsible. However, photos like the one below from a well known yard I think are just what we don't need - no one has a life jacket on and the child is sat legs dangled over the bow as the boat is going along doing nothing to promote safety. Now back on topic... The safety rails on the upper helm as per Clive's picture curve upward and then down - in mine where I tried to produce a 'downward rake' they do not - though perhaps I could have made them rake more at the aft, the point being that this would be easier for those walking on the side deck at that point to hold on. Be it they walked fore or aft - if the rails curve upward one's arm will naturally need to go up and reach the 'crest' then come down and if you are not so tall that highest point may be a little bit of a stretch - or in the case of reaching out to grab the safety rail, if they are roughly at the same height and shape it surely is easier to grab than to have to in a split second see and reach up or down for the same safety rail depending on which part of its length you find yourself at. I've also though some more that it seems the 'in thing' (and rightly so I think) to be able to enjoy the outside 'living space' on the boat. Some have over come this with garden furniture which in my view looks awful, more over too as it has never seen a coat of varnish and has weathered to a rough finish. Others have added moulded seating and others too even sun loungers (bit optimistic this is Norfolk not the Mediterranean lol). Now of course if you mould in seats you encroach internally too with head room and odd shapes - or you increase the air draft of the boat. But I do think that a compromise can be found with not so much a table and chairs set up but moulded seating that is not so deep as to raise the air draft to a point where Ludham is out of the question, but does provide something for the guests to enjoy up top - than just a flat area. Think of the far smaller Aqua Fibre Sapphire 32 - where the outside helm seating is actually the increased headroom part of the aft cabin and heads. Solves head room inside, creates a seating area outside.

See what you have gone and done here is have a plan for (in my opinion) the best boat for hire on the Norfolk Broads. Elegance, both in terms of the superstructure and that sexy curvy hull you already use on Broadsman etc. Points I'd add: The 'hoops' that come from the upper helm windows along the side I say should not curve up (far to Alpha mould like), but rake down - see photo below of my rough idea. At the bow to have a narrow window - now I can't draw for the life of me, but the same lines of the new Broom Coupe - not flush but horizontal - breaks the curves up, make a seat out of it too - see example photo below. Other than that, I presume will go under Ludham bridge have the usual refinements such as bow and stern thrusters and I wager now the class will be the 'best booker' of the fleet. Roll on construction

I've looked at Princess - though identical to Executive externally, prefer the layout on Princess and No. 2 in the class has a nicer internal space with a few new things and trim. I only looked through the 'patio doors' but the view out to steer does not look that great for seeing as much of the boat. Having said that, you do get a lovley outside space, is slightly longer than and nicer looking (IMHO) than San Remo/Melody and your saloon area is just that and not a shared galley space - perhaps I am odd but I don't like sitting down when moored facing the sink and cooker.

I think the problem (risk perhaps) is two fold: 1. Running a business and budget is never an easy task, but you need to have to be able to have some idea as to what to expect and plan for. Of course there are going to be changes that you can never expect – weather and outside economic factors which may well affect your customers but by and large year in and out you will have an idea of when your main profit times are – and what sells well and so on. Well when you introduce discount website – and then have discounts on a sliding scale at that – you suddenly loose the opportunity to really have any idea what your customers will do. Will they all prefer to wait until he last minute? Will they take whatever they can e.g. you’ve got a six berth boat and a party of 6 decide to opt for the 4 berth and make up the settee in the salon as the 6th berth because that boat has a discount on it. So from my point of view (the customer) it is very good news – I certainly would look at waiting or being more impromptu with booking than planning ahead, but I just cannot see how doing this as an ongoing ‘deal’ will benefit the boatyards. It is one thing to offer discounts here and there, but to have a parallel website selling your product at a discount regardless of time of year should your customers wait until they book devalues your main prices and product. 2. You risk frankly annoying your loyal customer base, the people who have to plan ahead because they can’t get time off work at the last minute, or who think that it is not fair they have booked early – given your business a deposit – and yet have had to pay over the odds for that. You might loose customers who feel hard done by, not a good thing at all – and those you do not decide to wait and book later and get a discount which then begins to mean your published price may as well be a third lower than it is anyway. I very much can see where Andy is coming from as far as the industry goes – especially for the smaller yard, but equally for the larger yards such as Richardson’s – I mean what if in a year or two you have all the boatyards with their fleets and main websites and brochures, but also all having a secondary discount website too – it seems a bit silly but so far two yards have, how can we say ‘jumped on the bandwagon’ and a third has decided to see how being all inclusive works out for them. If nothing more I can’t help but wonder just what the future holds and how the season will pan out this year – if it is not good then I dread to think what may be then.

I don't know if this helps, but my mother last April hired Waters Edge from Herbet Woods. It has strep free access to the rear from a small concrete path that runs from Herbert Woods, up over the footbridge over the entrance to their boatyard and along the back of about 3 chalets. It it is all one level inside with an outside seating area, which also has a ramp from the patio doors to it. It also welcomes 1 pet. I moored my boat outside twice - no problem. So just an idea if you want to consider that. Here is the link: http://herbertwoods.co.uk/cottages/cot1 ... hp?vid=81#

I have never hired one of these - I think because of my parents who always preferred a Wilds boat because the engine was 'out the back' compared to the Horizon's where it is in the galley area. They do look better externally than the average forward steer - so much so it is clear some of the design of the superstructure of the new forward steer cruiser being built by Richardson's has some Horizon 42 going on at the front. What I find a shame is while many of the boats of equal or greater age have had some changes made - refurbished galley here - saloon there - the Acle based boats of this class remain steadfastly 'as was' with bright yellow Formica and very (how should I say) 'retro' galley's with original drawers and so on. They also have some odd design quirks - such as the stern tappers off slightly - and the helm seat plonked on a grey moulded plinth almost. So while they do not look to have aged as much externally, their internal look does seem rather old school. But at the end of the day if you have a boat class that consistently lets well, and by the look of things they do - often with returning customers - why change something that is not broken? The Horizon 35s' also benefit from a very low air draft meaning, if I was after a boat that I wanted to try to get under Potter Heigham bridge with, it would be a Horizon 35.

@marshman : Very well put.

This looks like http://lastminuteboathire.com/ which seem to be all out of Herbert Woods stable. I can see why a boatyard may do this - in attempt to have some money coming in on their assets which otherwise would be left flaoting earning nothing. However, this requires surely a bit market and lots of 'bums on boats' aka how the discount airline industry works. I can't really see that working on the Broads therefore. What is interesting is http://www.lastminutenorfolkbroads.com is Barnes Brinkcraft. So the wider question is, why do two large boat yards need to go tot the cost of setting up another website to sell their boats at a discount - and not just offer the discount on their own main website? Perhaps because they don't want to have too many book too late - and you can bet your boots that a customer booking on the main site won't be greeted at reception with a cheery 'you could have got 30% off this boat had you booked it last week on our other site'. So you risk alienating your current customer base - or - driving them all to book through your new discount site very close to departure - meaning forecasting and staff requirements for the year ahead become harder. I may avail myself of such a deal if I was wanting to book 'last minute' - perhaps it is nice to have the flexibility to haggle 'got any deals on' rather than know the price you see is the price you pay - but time will tell how long they go on for. As far as the biggest discount verses value how does one determine value? One customer may be willing to pay more money but have a very overall experience from staff, welcome, and so build a loyalty - another may see value as how much is the cost of the holiday - end of. I think you need to be somewhat flexible, Richardson's have special offers and they are unique. They also have a second holiday discount or discount for a two week or more holiday - these are not unique - but then there are the boatyards who do not have much in the way of special offers, or loyalty schemes and it is these who may see customers 'defect' for a headline discount and risk booking later.

Apart from the fact that the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads are not technically a National Park. The Norfolk and Suffolk Broads was designated through its own Act of Parliament in 1988, but is normally regarded as a member of the family of National Parks. As well as the two statutory purposes of National Parks, the Broads has a third purpose: to protect the interests of navigation. The Broads is not bound by the Sandford Principle, but is subject to the same “duty of regard” to the National Parks only across all three of its purposes as laid out in the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988 (as inserted by Section 97 of the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000).

Pleased you enjoyed it - I am learning as I go and still plenty of places I have yet to visit, or include in a Blog - take Thurne Dyke as a blinding example. St. Benet's is a special place if nothing more for how it looks and sounds inside the old Mill part. I'm pleased at the results, during the course of a trip I've no real idea how they may turn out and I can go on a tad - thank goodness for editing lol.

Day 4: Watch day 4 Captain's Blog below... It seems that the ducks at Cockshoot Dyke are especially loud and tame – much the same as at Womack Water – and so it was they who woke me and appeared very keen on any food going, and as is always the way you feed one and the whole neighbourhood turn up. Today looked gloomy and felt cooler than of late and there was talk that in the coming days rain and snow would return – quite a difference to the mild sunny weather that had graced me earlier in the week. Because today was my last full day I planned on doing less and would over night at Sutton Staithe where I could pop into the Sutton Staithe Hotel for dinner and take my time packing things away and cleaning the boat. With that in mind how would I spend today? Well first off it was out of the dyke and on the Bure towards Horning – this is such a pretty stretch of river and despite the quietness of place, the public staithe still had two boats – then a further two outside the Swan – the most boats I had seen so far together. There was room to moor but I just cruised slowly along and turned outside Horning Sailing Club. Everything looked as if ‘on pause’ waiting for the season to begin proper, and I could just imagine in the summer people out enjoying the Swan’s beer garden by the river and the New Inn full of boats at its moorings – but for now the locals had the place to themselves. Returning past Cockshoot Dyke it was onwards down the Bure – past the turning for Ranworth I did not see another boat moving, and then onward still passing the mouth of the River Ant and I knew that the ruins of St. Benet’s Abbey would soon be in view – I was doing a silly bit to camera when I decided I actually must moor here and go and explore the ruins and so I made a quick turn and came into moor. It has been many many years since I have been here – perhaps when I was about 12 – and with the recent work completed and scaffolding gone, what better time to explore. Something rather touching began to happen the moment I walked away from the river – the bird song (I am not sure what of) was all around, the wind was constant but not to high and while cool it was not too cold – it felt desolate yet comforting all the same. Upon entering the old Mill within the Abbey’s former gatehouse the air was still – the wind had gone and the echo’s caused by the ruin of the mill further added to the atmosphere. It was as if someone had turned down the lights, closed the door and all was still. It felt very serene, and I felt myself wanting to just stay there and think and absorb this place and the feelings. I was pleased I was there alone, not just the fact I was on my own but that nobody else was about – no distractions, noises and so on – and after about half an hour I felt really very much different than I had when I arrived – from all go and pace to calm and relaxed. Now I am not overly religious or anything, but it was something special and if you have the time when no one is about I thoroughly recommend you too go there and just take some time to let things go and think a while in the stillness this site offers. Coming back to the boat, I stopped and took a photo for a father and his son on a trip together on Magic Gem – I got the impression that the son had taken his father on holiday on the boat to get away from things and bond with each other again, they certainly were both good chaps. And so it was back to the boat where I thought to myself how lucky I was to be here, and how this really is a unique holiday/experience that one does not need the latest and greatest of boats to enjoy, and that to come out of season is really a very special time indeed without all the bustle of other boaters about. I departed the moorings and for a bit of a cruise I headed towards Acle. Not the best of ideas as I realised there was not much point to head to Acle and half way there turned around and into an outgoing tide – my return trip felt like it took twice as long as going down. Just before I arrived at the mouth of the River Ant I suddenly spotted a large plank of wood in the water – at least 6 feet long – I had no time to avoid it, so put the boat in neutral. It hit the bow and bounced off – I waited to see it float past before I engaged gear as one certainly would not want that to get drawn under into the propeller. Now on the River Ant it was nice to be on the gentle slow moving waters of this pretty river and past the diggers still doing their thing with the banks, Ludham Bridge soon came into view – and from there on to Sutton I did not see another boat. Barton Broad was still and the grey cloud blended with a slight mist to make it seem an even larger expanse of water than it is – onwards and upwards I continued. Not too long later the trees seem to get more dense and Stalham is signposted along with Sutton – not too long then. Past the fork in the river, taking the right hand one and onwards to Sutton Broad. More akin to a wide river now, the wind had got up and the reeds fringing the banks were blowing about. And then in the distance the end of the public moorings came into view. Once moored up I noticed three other boats moored but the moorings seemed very different to when I was last there in April 2012 – when they were full. And that was that, not much of a day in some respects, I could now take time packing up and cleaning the boat all ready for the hand back in the morning. It had been only a short break, but through glorious sunshine and now cooler more dull conditions had felt longer somehow – I had found that a boat that was far cheaper than many one could hire, was actually just as comfortable and warm as others and that whilst it may not be a good looking example of a boat, it was a lovely home for the 4 nights I was away. The staff at Richardson’s were helpful and kind – from letting me look on others boats that were moored, to the welcome I had on return – I look forward to the next trip up to Norfolk it is such a lovely place, and to have the freedom of being able to go where you wish when you wish in a boat is like no other. So, until next time thank you for coming along for the ride.

Day Three: Watch Day Three Captain's Blog Below... On the Tuesday evening I found myself indulging somewhat in some rather nice Chilean red wine whilst at the same time having a chat in the Norfolk Broads Forum’s weekly ‘Tuesday Night Chat’ in the chat room. This is where technology can be wonderful – me moored up in on the River Ant and yet joining in a good banter online with others. So morning came of the third day and I found while my tastes may like the wine, my head was feeling rather fragile – I therefore did not rise too early and my plans for the day were going to be rather sedate – cruise down the Ant to Ludham Bridge, take on water – then head up the Bure to Wroxham for lunch. And so having departed for Ludham Bridge it was once again a lovely day, cooler than of late and with more cloud but none the less it was good to be on the water – and I arrived at Ludham to find another boat at the moorings taking on water themselves. Now despite it being the third day, these forward steer boats always leave me a little anxious when coming into a mooring – not because of what the rear of the boat is doing, more how shallow or sharp an approach to make which is something with other boats I find easy, but with a ‘bath tub’ seem to get right through luck rather than judgement. To avoid any messy scenes I moored several boat lengths away and waited for the other boat to depart having topped up their tanks with water. They dutifully left and pulled the boat forward closer to Ludham Bridge on the ropes. Time for me to take their place in front of one of Nancy Oldfield Trust’s boats. The mooring could have been better, but once tied up I proceeded to make a right hash of things – I walked over to the hose (which is on a ‘fire hose reel’ at this location) and taking the end walked off with it, confident it would pay out behind me. It did, until I was almost at the bank where a kink abruptly stopped the reel and me – I almost went over on my backside! I thought I’d got away with looking too silly and change of plan, unreel some hose then take the hose to the boats water filler – it is on the offside of this class but once in the hole back ashore and turn the tap on. Simples. I wait and I wait, I listen to the hose – sure I can hear the flow of water – but as time past I was still waiting and thought I surely would not have used up this much water? I check the overfill but no water was coming out, back on the boat round to the filler hole and find there is NO water coming out the hose. I now am feeling most foolish and bearing in mind that people are taking some interest in proceedings, pretend that I have indeed filled the tanks, deposit my £1 in the collection box and reel the hose back in – upon which water begins to gush from it all over me! Time to make a swift departure and now head to Ranworth to top up – thinking rightly as it turned out, that water availability at Wroxham would be hard to get for the boatyards being full of their own boats since so few were on hire at this time of year. A quick ‘pit stop’ was made at Ranworth Staithe – the right hand of the two hoses seeming a faster filler that the one of the left, and so once topped up it was time to depart and heard off to Wroxham. Passing through Horning – looking lovely – but decided to not stop this time around and carry on – also I was feeling decidedly hungry having not had breakfast and wanting to have Fish & Chips for lunch. I popped onto Wroxham and Salhouse Broads briefly, and then as I came into Wroxham itself the boatyards were indeed full up – but the moorings outside the Hotel and Café were free. Good then I will moor at the Café there as I have on the last three occasions I’ve visited Wroxham. Only this time, rather than moor up – pop off to do what you need and return to pay your dues, a lady came out wanting £10.00 – regardless of if I was there for an hour or overnight – thus this became the single most expansive mooring I’ve had to date. Grays Fish & Chips however was lovely – not so cheap, the Grays Whopper does not include a drink and comes in at £8.95 but does include bread and butter, large portion of fish and mushy peas. I have to say the quality was excellent both in terms of the fish being freshly cooked to order and eh chips, chips and fresh not soggy and warmed up. I then popped into Roys – noticing that they have include now three sets of automatic doors just to get into the place if one approaches’ to the ‘McDonalds’ entrance. I got another bottle of red wine, some sweets and a few other bits to make a nice meal on board later in the evening, then back to the boat and away. I was pleased to get away actually having got so used to the peace and quiet, the noise of Wroxham, people, cars and so on was a shock to the system. I decided a good mooring would be Cockshoot Dyke not far from Horning, and so made for this – but it was just as I got to Salhouse Broad 5 (later found out to be 6) Fineway Day Boats were out in precession and doing some fine weaving, though full of children having a great time and behaving well all in life jackets and keeping to the speed limit, compared to some of the Broads Direct day boats rushing back to base going too fast but it certainly made for interesting cursing making my way past the boats and then meeting a small fishing dinghy and large ‘Broom’ boat coming the opposite way. It was then a very quiet and pleasant cruise back towards Horning and found Cockshoot Dyke to be my own – this is a lovely inlet that you can follow a boardwalk to views over Cockshoot Broad – there is even a small hide to watch the birds from over the broad which has been closed to craft for many years and is akin to ‘how the broads once would have been’ – full of natural wildlife, clear waters and plants. Beautiful. Despite the fact it was not much past 3:00pm I was feeling rather like taking a nap, perhaps the wine, perhaps the large portion of Fish & Chips earlier – but you know that is what makes solo boating so lovely – one can decide what to do when one wants without a care, and so I did indeed have a nap and woke later as the sun was setting. I’m lucky to be able to do this I thought and sat in the front well feeling very content with life.

Sadly the weather changed - so no more 'pretty shots' in day three and four - more grey and dull - but none the less nice - am editing these so should be done in the next day or two. Thank you for the compliments. All this is filmed on a compact camera that can shoot in movies in HD. I can't bring much decent gear because I come to the Broads via Train and Bus so have to carry it all myself. I'm pleased with the results, I can't promise future Captain's Blogs will be as nice but time will tell. I hope to have another boat in April from Richardson's (what it is and when I go I've not pinned down) but will be a live event going over Breydon Water, and into Norwich - so if I cock up you can all see that happen in real time! @chipmorton: I am not aware that Magic Gem has a Microwave as it is a 12v boat - but then I was not aware San Selino had a DVD player but did. In fact I would have booked Magic Gem for a 5 night break, however one of my colleagues at work booked time off when it would have been available for a 5 night break, so had to change the dates and boat to San Selino and have a 4 night break instead.

Day Two: Day two of the Captain's Blog is below... Having previously looked at the weather forecast I knew that Tuesday 5th March would be the best day – mild, with clear sky and sunshine forecast for much of the day. With this in mind I had an early night on Monday and rose about 4:45am on the Tuesday. It was cold to begin onboard, but once the engine was going, warm air heating on things were just toasty – this is why I also like out of the way moorings or being on your own because naturally there is no one to disturb – not that today would be a problem as there were nobody about for miles anyway. After a shower and a coffee I was ready to brave the cold morning and it was very icing outside – I used the bucket and some hot water to melt the ice on the decks and I was on the frozen ground just as dawn broke – it was magical – to my right the moon was still out, yet to left the glow of the sun on the horizon had already begun – but it was not just the light that was putting on a great show, the birds were too. Despite the fact I was using a cheap tripod and a compact stills camera the resultant footage came out very well, and after I had captured what I had planned on getting I strolled along the bank stopping every few yards to watch and listen. I have no idea what bird was making what sound all I knew was it sounded very special and as if I was crashing on a party that usually few are up to be part of and witness. Almost as quickly as it had come, once the sun was rising the mist burning off so it lost the magical element and became ‘just another morning’. Back on the boat I made a simple breakfast and then needed to get about filming the review of the boat – that part was simple but I had also planned on making a ‘how to guide’ on mooring, departing a mooring and general boat handling – with nothing else about it was an ideal time to do this. I had a camera on the bank, one at the helm and another on the boat facing the bank all was set – I left the mooring, and then the cocking about begun – a simple ‘3 point turn’ became a 4 or 5 point turn – then usually easy as you like mooring took three attempts and then I was still not happy – was it the cameras making me mess up or just wanting to get it absolutely right – I am not sure but frustrated and annoyed I put them all way and got on with my day. And so it was down to Womack Water – to get water – only the first issue was that about 20 feet our from the quay it was all frozen – virtually nothing, a few millimetres thick, but none the less I took it very slowly putting the boat into gear for a moment then back into neutral. I executed a frankly perfect stern mooring – that of course only the local ducks saw – just my luck. Then I found the water hose had not been put out for the season - I thought I may use Herbert Woods facilities as I was going to pop into Lathams at Potter Heigham anyway. Now the previous night one of the saloon light bulbs had blown which was not the end of the world but it was the single one in the centre and had been using it singularly and since it had gone the other two being ‘offset’ meant a lot of shadow was cast or one had to use both – I pondered calling Richardson’s and then decided I would. Well I called and it in what seemed like under 20 minutes but certainly not more than half an hour a very friendly engineer had arrived with new bulb – good service! New bulb fitted – and urm no light still. Ahh I explained, not to worry this is the jinx of my bad luck – so it turned out the circuit board on the read of the fitting had gone – but n worry he had a spare fitment on the van, only the new lights while identical as far as bulb was concerned the manufacturer in their infinite wisdom had decided to make the new light fittings very slightly smaller than the previously version. This meant that the cut out in the roof lining was too large for the new light fitting to go in – but put an Englishman in a shed (or in this case a van) and he will come up with a solution that Heath Robinson would have been proud off. Self tapping screws and a terminal block later the new fitment was in the holder of the old fitment and we had light – he also went to the trouble of exchanging all 4 batteries because the voltage was ‘a little on the low side of happy’. Once again I felt like I should be apologising to the chap, yet he would have none of it and this sort of service and attention continues to make me feel that anyone who considers Richardson’s to be the poor man’s choice or that their service is not up to par needs to reconsider their views. They may be cheaper, their classic boats may not be the most easy on the eye in terms of colour, but their service is excellent and their value second to none. Departing Womack Water the ice had gone and the sun was out – indeed it was past being just mild it was approaching being warm – for the beginning of March! Once on the River Thurne I was soon passing the eccentric and quant riverside bungalows and before long the Broads Authority 24hr moorings came into view – but a new sign had been erected next to the bridge that crosses the inlet to Herbert Woods yard ‘No turning beyond this point’ – well sorry but I can’t moor at the moorings and not turn beyond this point – but I get the logic – to try and stop people turning too close to the bridge and wind and tide conspiring to bring them broadside onto the bridge though I wonder why the sign needed to be place quite where it was. The moorings have been ‘refurbished’ and now have electric hook up and several new posts – what troubled me was the fact the new bench that was put in memory of the late Graham Cook – ace bridge pilot – was no longer outside the pilots office and indeed I could see no trace of where it may have gone. I hope it was just put away for winter and not otherwise gone for good! So it was to Lathams to get one of the most basic things I had forgotten – washing up liquid and kitchen towel. But they had some offers on and well, you know – I could not help myself and so left with a large bag and over the road to look at Waterside Marine Sales offerings – I am not sure why some of the boats which look the most tidy seem to be priced very keenly, yet some of the boats which appear to have been painted in Dulux emulsion and goodness knows what mechanical gremlins await were priced over what I think they were worth. One day I thought...One day. Herbert Woods fleet looked gleaming in the sunshine, and after a burger from the burger van (once tried never again for me personally) it was back over the bridge to the boat. Once on board it was now actually warm enough to slide back the sunshine roof and with some good tunes on and miles of empty rivers time to leave and head for the River Bure and Ranworth. I arrived at Ranworth to find the staithe empty – a first for me – and went about topping up the water tanks – with Malthouse Broad behind you, the water hose to your left has to be about the slowest of any on the system and over half an hour later finally the water tanks were full. Mind you, I used the time to film some lovely scenes from the staithe of the local ducks and gulls - it appeared that they were feeling the first glimmers of Spring after such a horrid time of it of late, this mild weather and sunshine was most welcome (I had no idea then how much the weather would once again change). Time to leave and so I had decided that tonight I would moor once again on the River Ant – at my now favourite ‘wild mooring’ – so down to the River Bure and along to the mouth of the River Ant where upon I noticed a lot of – well stuff – floating about and as I turned on to the Ant, it got thicker and thicker – a mix of what seemed to be as if someone had emptied a very large amount of grass cuttings in the river – but this was not just grass, it was Reeds and the odd chunk of wood too – and then I noticed the diggers which have been removing old pilings – and it seems anything else organic and pretty and profiling the banks to be perfect muddy table tops – I am sure this is all very worth it in the long run and Scientists have studied and know all of what they are doing, but on the ground right now it looks bloody awful – a shame too some mature trees have had the chop as well. With that got through, and Ludham Bridge navigated it was onward up the River Ant. Past Turf Fen Mill and How Hill looking lovely as ever, and then finally my overnight mooring – or was it, no I thought – wait a moment – yes that was it – about turn and there it indeed was, nestled between two trees a perfectly made up bank and as if made for the 37ft of San Selino to fit into. Once moored up – I had some time before dusk and so did my usual – boat clean up – and it was looking very nice and so sat on the roof watching the sun set with a beer comparing this scene to that which I would be used to in London. No, you can’t compare them – I am lucky I can come to this magical wetland / playground – call it what you will. This is what getting away from it all is about.

Thank you - and yes I am blooming pleased that I am not afloat now with all this wind, rain and snow going on. Having said that, the boat was very snug at night so much so I was actually surprised to wake up on the Tuesday and see frost everywhere outside.

Day One: Day one of the Captain's Blog is below... First of all I took a short break on San Selino, and in my opinion this is the best fitted out and most comfortable boat in this class – when compared to the likes of Magic, Gold, Bronze and Clear Gem – all the same boat style and length and all sleep the same number of people. You can see a few photo's of the boat below. So the question had come to my mind what would it be like having one of the cheapest boats that one can hire on the Norfolk Broads? Would you really have to make do without and would one find things internally very dated and a large gap between the budget end of the market and the prestige cruisers and high prices they attract? After careful thought I choose San Selino – a 4 night short break from Richardson’s Boating Holidays and with hire charges starting at £226.00 it certainly was the budget end of the scale – it also would mean starting the break on 4th March, the second earliest I have had a boat in terms of the time of year. After a good journey up from London I arrived at Richardson’s Stalham boatyard and after a quick ‘check in’ was soon putting my gear on the boat. A most helpful chap then came aboard and talked me through where the various things were – gas bottles, gas tap, heating and so on. Since it was early in the year not all of their boats were in the water – and noticed many of the Acle fleet still up at Stalham. I asked if I might be able to look on board some of the other boats, and this was arranged – although one ‘Contessa’ was in the shed, we had a walk about the yard and a good natter about all things boating. I was impressed just how much work goes on in the winter months when you consider they have over 300 boats and they all will be taken out the water, serviced, deep cleaned and often be painted in part or whole – what an enormous task that is – As it was with San Selino her hull seemed to have had a fresh lick of pant and everything inside was gleaming. Having then walked into Stalham to pop into Tesco and stock up it was back to the boat and off along the river. I was not sure just how far I would be able to get before sunset, so had three destinations to mind – Ludham, St. Benet’s or Womack Dyke. After the most amazing cruise over Barton Broad and down the River Ant with the clear winter light, still waters and wildlife which seemed surprised that boaters were once again about – I was treated to some magnificent scenes. Seriously, if you have the weather on your side this early season cruising over miles and miles of empty rivers with just Swans and Geese, amazing blue sky and a large winter sun make this very special indeed. I saw one boat moored near How Hill, and another at Ludham Bridge – but that was it the only two hire boats I passed – and having got as far as Ludham Bridge with good light I carried on, once on the Bure and past St. Benet’s I decided I could make Womack Dyke before sunset – but was now being treated to the light going from a soft mellow yellow to a soft pink as I turned onto the River Thurne – still no boats, and calm waters reflecting the sky and this wonderful light. I made the formal Broads Authority moorings by about 5:15pm just as the sun was setting – and after mooring and making a cup of coffee came out and just sat watching the sun set, and the birds making some amazing shows over the sky – even the Crows (or perhaps Rooks) going form a very loud chorus to calming down – it felt as if everything was turning down and getting ready to switch off – the water was still, the air was – the final rays of light over the horizon – it was great to be part of and witness. As far as the boat, once I had unpacked I can see why these old bath tubs despite being pretty uninspiring to look at, work well internally. Three full height wardrobes, large drawers, many shelves, wash basins in each cabin – it had a snug feel about things and with the Espacher warm air heating was indeed cosy and warm – I prefer these to other types because one can also use the Airtronic cabin control set the heat to be what you want – neither too much or too little. I’ll talk more about the boat tomorrow, but the first night moored up all cosy inside on a still stretch of water without anyone else to bother you and make noise was lovely. I had also treated myself to what Tesco have brought out to rival Marks & Spencer’s ‘Dine in for £10’ range – and the chicken, roast potatoes, red wine and Belgian chocolate tart certainly was the best food I had had on a boat – and was a doddle to do in the oven. It may have only been just over 4 months since I was last afloat, but it meant the world to be again – just the freedom, the peace and being away from it all is good tonic for the soul and despite the shorter days, I knew that Tuesday was due to be a mild day with a good amount of sunshine – I wanted to be up before sunrise to film the same so it was an early night and the sleep came well aided by the red wine.

I have to admit why I like Waterways Holidays - is something Richardson's website lost - what boat in a class would you be getting...Take Magic Gem, you can put in the dates on Waterways Holidays website and it will then show which boat number that booking would get you. This is handy if you've been on a boat before, for example Magic Gem 2 and would like that one again. As I say, Richardson's Website also used to give this information when you proceeded to book, Hoseasons website never has. However when it comes down to booking - whoever the yard - I would always book direct with the yard.

Before this turns into the latest Channel 5 docu drama ‘Clash of the boatyards’ This thread was about Blakes (more over agencies and what they do and the industry). What surprises me is how much I have to explain to people what the Broads are and where they are. Yesterday I went to the barbers and while waiting was chatting to a couple of guys and saying how I was looking forward to going away, and being asked where it was I was going so I said it was a boat – their eyes lit up and asked me a bunch of questions such as ‘what you sleep on it and all’ – yep ‘ and you ‘drive it yourself’ – yep I said... So where is that then they asked me - The Norfolk Broads I say – blank expression. It is in Norfolk I say, where is that – urm have you heard of Norwich, nope - well you know if you look at the ma of England, and the bit on the right that sticks out and curves – that part of the country... Anyway ended up me saying to ‘Google’ boating on the Norfolk broads. The thing is as Andy said – there just is no advertising, information – you name it – going on (at least that I am aware of) promoting the area. Within the area there is a lot of talk, activity and the local paper often covers stories and editorial from the Broads and its businesses – but outside the county all goes mute. My father works on a trade publication and when Google set up shop everyone thought that would be the end of advertising as we knew it, yet just like the channel tunnel did not actually see of the ferries, print advertising still has its place. The problem with advertising in print is you have to pay up a lot up front in the hope of some returns, where as with the Google banner ad model you only pay when a potential customer clicks your advert. Tricky things is knowing what your scope is for the digital adverts (websites, platforms and so on) and how much per click you are willing to pay – not to mention biding on keywords and such like. People make a lot of money working that sort of thing out because it is all rather complicated and good old Google only give so much away – so you are left hoping that your adverts will be doing what you want them to and shown on sites relevant to your business. No single business can take on the task to promote an area, but a group could. Far fetched idea approaching: You come up with a campaign based on banner adverts, as an example, set up a ‘pre-pay account’ come to an agreement on the message e.g. ‘Go boating in Norfolk’ and how much spending there is - and everyone puts a bit into the pot – it runs and I am pretty sure you could have several campaigns within an ad group where by the same banner can concurrently run but link to (in this case different yards) websites – it would run until the pot is depleted and then.... see if anything came out of it. If bookings increased it was a good thing, if they did not as long as the contribution to the pot of money was not too great it would not be a huge loss.

It is my understanding that back in the day (but perhaps still) the yards which were with Hoseasons would each year get together and have a meeting – at this things would be talked about such as the outlook for the next seasons, pricing and ways to help better the bookings – midweek starts, short breaks you know the score. It is interesting that Richardson’s have decided to offer 2 night breaks and Thursday starts for 5 night breaks – okay only a small number of boats, but on these days otherwise would be laid up not even available for hire. Small things but changes none the less. Now it surely could not be that big of a leap for the hire yards – all of them – to come together and bring about not so much a booking agency for them, but a ‘promotional agency’ if you like – as Andy has pointed out – to really spread the word about the area, holidays afloat but also focus on the prime fishing, rental properties, hotels – generally get people interested in Broadland from far and wide. Hoseasons recent television advert – had to cover all they offer, canals, broads, cottages, lodges etc – gone are the days when you would see a Hoseasons advert just for boating. So lets leave the booking agency behind and think about how people ‘on the ground’ can best promote the area they run the businesses in – after all they will know better than any outsider or marketing agency what their customers want and who their customers are (and who should be encouraged to be the next customers). Thing is all takes time, and money. But there comes a point where you have to think do we sink without a fight or go down valiantly with a fight (that’s not to say anyone is going down anywhere) but you get the idea that if the big ship Hoseasons is getting closer to the rocks, jumping ship and doing something might be better in the long run. Fact is if you did not know about the Norfolk Broads how would you find out about them, the fact you can holiday in the area and so on? Sure if you searched the web you would find out – but you would need to know to search or be interested in that to know. Some may say that is the job of the Tourism Board to promote the area – and yes if one was looking for holidays in Norfolk you might stumble over the fat you can hire boats there – but again that is for people who like Norfolk so searched for it – there is hope though – Aha! yes Alan Partridge is making the big screen and Cromer Pier is to be shut for a couple of days filming – you never know, after the film is released people may want to visit Norfolk, search and find ‘hey you can hire boats there too’.

I’ve heard that commission rates are about 15% - 20% - but while they (booking agency such as Hoseasons) may say we will on your behalf promote your business in our brochure, website, advertising and so on – and perhaps throw in some added benefits such as spreading cost of river tolls to be paid back over the year in instalments, it (in my opinion) worked well once upon a time, and in more recent history for a smaller business...but not so much for the larger businesses. When you consider that if you have a larger yard, staff and the like you will likely with that scale be able to have meaningful budgets for your digital marketing – a website that is as good in design as the booking agency, is optimized just as well as the agency for search results and you take out banner adverts and sponsored search results – just like the agency – that commission payment to pay for promotion begins to be something less important as one can do that yourself. Now what the agency has over the independent is they will bring in the newbie’s – maybe someone who booked on a canal thinks they will go with the Broads this year, or a family who had a cottage might like to try boating. The reason is that a single site has all the options, an independent sells only their own products. Then there is ‘affiliated linking’ whereby you will get a fair percentage if someone booked a holiday through your website – but actually was handled through another – so in this case you may have ABC Boating and someone uses them to book, but the booking is handled through Hoseasons – Hoseasons gives ABC boating a percentage for the booking, Hoseasons then takes a commission from the boatyard. The boatyard gets a booking, Hoseasons gets commission and ABC boating gets a reward too. Granted this is more usual to be found in hotels and land based self catering than boating. Now let’s take Richardson’s – I am sure they personally prefer a booking made direct with them – they have a customer of their own, on their mailing list they also have saved on all commission payments and in so doing have for the same holiday made ‘more money’ on that customer – but to be fair they will give some of that saving back, in the form of a loyalty scheme. This works well because it keeps the customer be that a first time booker or one who used to book with Hoseasons, with them. Whilst the price paid is the same, the loyalty scheme makes practical sense for the customer to make future bookings with Richardson’s direct – also by so doing Richardson’s will in some cases keep that customer not just booking direct with them, but solely using them for their boating holidays – the reward of a discount on a later holiday keeps the customer pleased knowing full well that this could never have been achieved with another boatyard or if they had booked with Hoseasons. In these leaner times it is more and more key to keep your customers happy and a solid base of returning customers – and I think that the industry for years has been in decline and hard up, in 2011 things actually looked to be going well, investments were made – take Brooms coming back into the hire industry - only for 2012 to be a nightmare summer of rain and chilly times coupled with a gloomy economy – and now 2013 has started with a mix of cold, snow and rain and yet more ‘high street names’ going under does not inspire confidence in people – even if their job is safe and money okay it causes caution. So I think there is going to be less families this year booking, those who do will wait until they book and be a greater number of couples and the ‘silver pound’ being spent – over 50’s who want to have a relaxing holiday and who have the time and money to so do without the worry of the kids and cost of taking a whole family away. Anyway I risk sounding like I know what I am talking about – but that is my guesstimate none the less.

.... Unless it is First Choice local to me because I had not received the 2013 brochure popped into the branch and whereupon not having such on display I asked, and had a very bemused looking young woman look at me and ask..Hoseasons Boating? One has to remember that once we all had to go to a travel agent to book a holiday, or we could do it 'direct' through a brochure - but deal with another agent on the phone. That continues with the likes of Expedia online, they are bringing together many choices in one place - not bad in the scheme of things but when you get down to it they have to be paid somewhere along the line. If a boatyard can take its own bookings it works out better for them, and to advertise with Google is a good way to get the message out there because you can control so precisely how much that will cost you - how much you are charged per click of the advert or sponsored search - and then you have got someone on your website who may very well book a holiday with you - and that cost of getting the person on your site is peanuts compared to the cost of getting someone book through an agency and paying a commission. Because of that it is why I wonder how long agencies have (in respect of boating on the Broads).

I’ve never met Clive – though I am sure that it will only be a matter of time before I bumping to him since becoming a regular visitor to the Broads and using Richardson’s to book with. I suppose this is as good a time as ever to thank the business he is part of as a whole, and while this forum is not affiliated to that it is nice to give credit where it is due. I get the feeling that in this age of social media, many businesses have either been told by their website designers ‘get on Facebook and Twitter’ or, someone has thought in the company itself ‘it is about time we did that social media thingy’ – the problem with that is it seems all so shallow, such a thin veneer of actually wanting to interact with their customers. Not so with Richardson’s who really do get involved with their customers – even through the winter months – then there is the welcome one receives upon arrival which genuinely comes over as a ‘nothing is too much trouble for us’ attitude. But all the welcome and warmth in the world means little when it comes to the product you are selling – and their boats have come along in laps and bounds over the years and yet continue to represent the best value. If you seek to be afloat and have all you need for a family holiday, you can’t do better – but to be honest it is the fact you are rewarded for loyalty which is why I have come back time and time again not only though the reward card, but a tangible discount for a second holiday and other offers which are not just on for a month and gone the next. You see all this – the staff, moral, future plans and so on would not be possible without a good leader and someone who passionate not just about the business they are in, but making it better and their customers happy – happy customers come back. Clive and Paul therefore are the light that shines and makes everything else come together and long may it continue. You build awesome.

Its’ funny because Blakes is owned by Hoseasons, but Hoseasons is not ‘Hoseasons’ as ever it was – it is the Hoseasons Group, part of Wyndham Rentals – and Wyndeham Rentals is part of an American company - Wyndham Worldwide Corporation. So be it Blakes or Hoseasons they are now just names, which have a value – but while some of their staff say be passionate about – for example – the Norfolk Broads, they are as a company a tiny part of a much larger jigsaw which has no real bother about the area – just as long as boating holidays remain profitable for them that is the bottom line. Long gone are the days of independent companies who would have a very different outlook and way about doing things – thus proving a real choice for the boatyards who used them as an agency, or the customer who booked time and again though their preferred agency. Honestly I can see the day is coming when not only will Blakes vanish, but Hoseasons too (as far as boating in Norfolk) simply because there are every decreasing boatyards, and of those more and more are going their own way – have their own websites, freedom to set pricing and price bands and of course save on commission payments. I am sure most people who book through Hoseasons likely have visited their website to look at the boat in question in their brochure, and may very well have booked online too. Times are changing.