Yes I can see how the channels on Barton could be confusing. With the island, my brain always wants to work out which side of it I should be but I know in reality there are channels both sides. It's a beautiful stretch of water though and the openness is nothing to worry about.
It must have felt fantastic to be back aboard your first hire, Jean. Thanks for writing up - one thing you wrote confused me though, why didn't you enjoy the Barton Broad crossing?
I remember Richardson's doing their logos, around 2015 I think. I'm not a fan of the Hoseasons one either and I like the idea of each yard being distinctive.
I completely agree about Silverline and I'm looking forward to returning to them next month.
I'm hiring from Silverline next month and for solo hirers like myself they ask you to bring your own auto-inflating lifejacket. I've seen them on Amazon for £65 upwards - do you have any recommendations for particular makes or features?
Ferry Marina have refitted Rose Emblem and it looks good, albeit I'm not convinced about the grey upholstery. I do like the way they've opened up the view between galley and saloon. I had this booked for a week late September but changed for Silver Emblem for an extra £300. I'm now wondering if I did the right thing.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=4814815195222355&id=198981940139060
I think the subject of mooring for the night in Norwich has come up before. Just to say I've only done it once in recent years but I very much enjoyed it. It was a Monday night so pubs were quiet and I had no disturbance at all.
Oh dear, the sad economic facts of life. I only ate there once and it was very nice. They were busy there last July when we sat out in their veranda for a drink. I guess they were always up against stiff competition with the Bridge across the road.
Looks like a good plan, Andy. My own preference would be Oulton rather than Somerleyton for Saturday. I don't find Somerleyton that interesting, to be honest or maybe I'm missing something?
Then again, if you stop at Oulton Broad Yacht Station, there's actually a very nice gift shop just along the road....
I agree and it's unenforceable as well. If you want to take a wander down the road to one of the other pubs then it's nothing whatsoever to do with The Ferry.
I asked Bridgecraft last year with that and they were tentatively ok as long as I was present. They're main concern was parking space there is very limited and I think a delivery van had got blocked in there not long before - either that or it had hindered a customer. If you're booking a later slot though I'm sure it won't be a problem.
I had a really good experience with a Sainsbury's delivery to Caley Cruisers last year. It was very necessary that time given we'd flown to Inverness. Caley are used to it with customers and are relaxed about whether you're in attendance or not. They even had a store room seemingly full of arriving customers' shopping.
"As space is limited we may move your boat along the moorings to make best use of the space available." That's not something I've seen anywhere else but seems reasonable and potentially helpful. I'd draw the line if someone double moored with me without permission though.
London Bridge (and possibly Vaughan's boat also) is unusual for a Pearl 38 in that the side hatch is on the starboard side rather than above the helm seat. Having hired the design a few times, the helmsman's hatch is one of it's best features because it enables the helmsman to have open air when the canopy is closed, a benefit for which I've been grateful in poor weather. I'm curious to know why London Bridge has the hatch on the "wrong" side.