Broads01

Me too, probably Friday-Sunday.

I really like the Holly & Teak, both on this boat and previous. I think it's a good combination of practicality and looks. Richardsons have been using it for quite a few years now.

I completely agree, engine great and handling absolutely fine.

Here are my thoughts on Contessa having hired for a week in September 2018. Contessa is 37 foot dual steer design built on the late 1980s. It shares its DNA with the much more common 32 foot design (e. g. Distant Horizon, San Julian) but with an additional bunks cabin to make it a 6-8 berth and the galley towards the rear instead of forward. The first thing you notice about Contessa from the rear is how high the stern deck is, sufficient to make access a challenge at some stern on moorings. My mother (who is 76) was in the crew and is fortunately able-bodied but even for myself it was sometimes a clamber to get aboard using the rear grab handle as a makeshift step. Side-on moorings presented no such issue as the side decks have steps down to a much lower level. Once aboard however, the helm position is typically high for a dual steer and views over the scenery commanding. The boat lacks an exterior windscreen which would give some protection from wind. Air draft is officially 8 foot 6 but in reality probably less and bridges at Ludham and Great Yarmouth were negotiated comfortably. There is a seat behind the helm and plenty of outdoor deck space for the crew. A door next to the helm provides the only entrance to the boat and there are fairly steep steps to reach the central saloon. To the rear there is fairly spacious galley which has been refitted at some point with a good size fridge. There's no microwave as this is a 12 volt only boat. There's a handy fold out shelf in the galley corridor which is useful when cooking. To the rear of the galley there's a good size shower and toilet compartment. The toilet is of traditional type but with welcome electric flush in place of the pump handle. Also at the rear is a comfortable double cabin with a good size bed. Headroom above the bed is limited by the deck above but there is good headroom and space at the end of the bed by the rear window. Returning to the saloon, the L shape sofa is a good size and comfortable. It has a tatty look about it unfortunately however thanks to the base cushion having been replaced by one in mismatching and older fabric. The flooring is much more cheery having been refitted with the holly and teak variety. There's plenty of cupboard space opposite the sofa but unfortunately the TV is laptop size and far too small for the saloon area. Often with 12 volt boats the TV has a 3 pin socket which can be borrowed for phone charging but in this case the wiring is hidden away. The only power source for the entire boat is a car style 12 volt socket near the TV so be sure to come equipped with a USB adaptor. The interior helm position (used only on one wet day) has good forward visibilty but rear visibilty is absolutely non-existent. Leg room at the interior helm is limited. Ahead of the saloon the forward heads is to port which again is a reasonable size but limited headroom in the shower. To starboard is the bunks cabin where I slept myself on the lower bunk which is large enough for a 6 foot adult like myself, even if headroom in bed is so limited it doesn't allow sitting up. The top bunk is limited in width by the side deck. The fore cabin has a standard V berths arrangement with insert to make a double bed if required. As is often the case, however, using the insert cuts out most of the available floor space. We needed the heating early mornings and evening and this worked very well throughout the boat and can be thermostatically controlled. Typically for Richardsons, we had no issues that warranted a call out as everything worked as it should. The only niggle, which we reported on our return was an annoying whine from the propellor which was noticeable at all but very low and very high revs. A friend who'd hired Contessa earlier in the year had the same issue and had the boat lifted on that occasion with the issue explained as being related to a new prop. Contessa is priced keenly by Richardsons and probably due to the lack of 240 volt is significantly cheaper than its smaller sisters. We found it to be comfortable and excellent value for money. Photos to follow.

Looks good Clive. For me to hire a sedan it has to have a large sunroof I can get my head out of at the helm. What's the plan for the roof?

Good start, Helen, I shall enjoy reading.

Thanks for the review and excellent photos Malcom. The exterior looks superb as Summercraft always do. The interior has changed little since I hired her in 2010 and it looks very much up together. The only thing which has changed for the negative in my view is the covers for the base of the sofas which now unfortunately don't match the backs.

I think Sandersons charge far too much for what they're offering. Pacific and Freedom are much better value. I really like both. Freedom have the advantage of any day to any day hire, especially handy for short breaks or if you want to go for between 1 and 2 weeks.

So Herbert Woods have been shopping at Brooms then. I agree, David, 240 volt and a microwave isn't a big ask. I'll be interested to see the interior photos of this one when it's complete. On the toilet thing, I think a single toilet on a 4-6 berth is a mistake. Expectations have moved on from what they once were and personally whilst I'm happy to "utilise on shore facilities" when I have the opportunity, I don't expect to have to do so or avoid using the toilet on the boat. With a single toilet and even with a crew of 4 let alone 6, you might need a pump out every other day.

Thanks, great photos. Good to see you all consistently with canopies open in the sunshine. I never did understand people who cruise around on a sunny day with the roof closed.

Yes close to the pub. There's not a lot of length but you should be OK this time of year.

Good stuff Malcom. That height gauge at Ludham Bridge, why do I ever bother looking at it? I swear yachts could pass under there without lowering the mast.

I enjoyed reading about your week, Griff, you certainly seem to have had a good time. I'm impressed with HW that they were flexible enough to give you the extra night aboard. I'm intrigued though that each Jewel used a different amount of fuel even though they all did exactly the same route at the same speed . Heating used to different extents possibly or are the mechanicals different?

You're like those people who park across your drive....

I certainly will Howard although you'll have to wait until late September next year. I'm on the river before that though for the meet in May.

Change of plan - my mum will now be accompanying me on this trip and we needed an extra cabin so I've changed the booking to Benmore 2. It was a toss up between that and Royall Commander but I opted for Benmore partly because I've never hired the design before and partly because I think it has an extra couple of inches of bridge clearance. Full marks to Barnes who amended the booking without fuss or charge.

From memory the signage gives conflicting information but when we ate there last month they happily deducted the full £10 from the food bill. I have to admit if hadn't been deductible I would have almost certainly gone to The Bridge.

Good shout. They also have the larger Lady of Freedom which I hired solo earlier this year.

I'm not a Barnes expert as although I'm with them next year its the first time in a very long time. Aft cockpit-wise they have Brinks Aries and Brinks Sonata. Aries is the same size and layout as Crown Gem and Sonata is the more recent sports cruiser type.

I can recommend Pedros as a really good place to eat. In fact the whole £10 mooring fee is redeemable there and the food is very good value. Its a bit like tapas but much better because the dishes are larger.

Interesting tale Nigel. I'm very surprised your booking wasn't cancelled long ago as mine was but fair play to Richardsons for sorting it out. Their position on the whole solo thing is still very bizarre in my mind and the way they cancelled my booking after I'd been loyal so long still leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. I have two bookings with Barnes for next year. I'd be interested to know how you get on with Peace as I looked at it myself but I was a bit put off by the helm position which looks a long way forward and therefore too cossetted by the screens for my taste.

I also saw the restored boat recently. They are indeed a striking design, it was difficult to take my eyes off it.

Enjoy! I always enjoy your detailed blogs. I have happy memories of a lovely trip on Gainsborough Girl with my daughter back in 2010 when she was 10 years old. As you may know it was originally fitted out by Brister Craft (as Yare Sunlight) and so there's a quality feel to the interior.