SPEEDTRIPLE

The first one at St Olaves might be Santa Fe, the second one might be "Captai Morgan", and the Riccos one might be one of the Merlin class. I`m sure Clive will soon come along and put us right though?.

I`m hoping Karen will buy me a copy for Christmas. I`ve been a fan of Guy Martin for several years now, ever since i saw him being interviewed at the TT when he`d lead nearly every race, and then having broken down in every race, and he was so down to earth about it, and completely calm. Shame that can`t be said for some of these other little tin god so called sportsmen who think they`ve won a world title purely and simply because of theiy`ve turned up for the event and they get payed millions for the privilage. For anybody who`s interrested, i bought the DVD of both series of "Speed" which has not long been out. "TT close to the edge" is really worth watching too. He`s the sort of chap who if you saw him in the street and offered him a brew, he`d accept it, and have a chat about anything engineering. An amazing man, with a seriously individual personality, and also does a lot for spinal charities. Check out his big brew on Faceache (facebook), and if you buy something, you automatically get entered into a prize draw, and HE actually phones you up and tells what you`ve won.

Quite so Chris, with land mass gradually sinking, river levels will get higher, which in turn means MORE water coming in, resulting in faster water running through the constant width or lessening opening of a bridge with an arch.

A well put point Timbo. Can anybody remember Griff Rhys Jones`s programme a few years back called "Rivers" or something close to that?. While he was travelling the rivers of Cambridgeshire and East Anglia, he did a report on an ongoing study by one of the Cambridge Universitys where they were measuring over many many years how the whole of the East Anglian land mass is slowly sinking. I can`t remember the ins and outs, but they had a scientific measuring device (a pole with marks and graduations on it) placed very deep into the ground, and measured its change of depth every year. It was staggering to see how much the land structure had sunk in as little as 50 years. Another programme was "Coast" with Neil Oliver. He went on a dive in the North sea with a grouop of scientists . They were a long distance offshore, and the depth was`nt very deep, and they actually showed tree stumps several fathoms down. What a lot of people don`t know is that several thousand years ago, the North Sea did`nt exist, it was just a small estuary which throughout time has grown to a large see due to the land mass sinking due to the continuous movement of the planets structure. This is more than likely the reason why the East Coast region is continually sinking, and the Western Coasts are gradually rising out of the sea. A lot of people like to quote so called (and possibly bogus?) "FACTS" because it suits their argument and purpose. I however would much rather believe scientific facts rather than political fiction., and as for my thoughts on Potter Heigham (and other broadland bridges) being "Tedious", tough, i`ve got just as much rite to post my thoughts on this forum as much as you, but if you care to read back through your posts, or anybody elses for that matter, you`ll notice i DONT make any PERSONAL or sarcastic comments just because they disagree with mine. If you think my views are tedious ............... DON`T READ THEM.

The great North South devide,.................... £15 for 6 drinks. Come down here to sunny Dorset, £25 ALL SEASON................... And our houses are much more expensive too.

I`m sure i saw a seal in Breydon water when we crossed a month ago. 3 years ago, Karen and i were cruising past the Beauchamp arms and thought some scroat had thrown a black bin bag in the river, which i thought was being blown along by the breeze, but then it disappeared imediately. That`s when i realised it was a seal, and called Karen up to keep an eye out. Seconds later, he (or she) popped his head out of the water to have a look around. He was about 10ft to our left side, and looked straight at us. Absolutely stunned to see a seal that far inland, as i know people have seen them at Reedham sunbathing on the bridge woodwork. A great pic too Keith, well done, and thanks for posting it.

I would disagree with that completely Chris. You would`nt have to raise either by any great amount, but you would have to carry out serious improvements to the base structures and how they`re built into the bed of the river. If the foundations were much improved to stablise the base structure, then they won`t sink any further into the soft base layer. Once this has been achieved, it would be relatively simple, and quite inexpensive to re-build the main structure with a greater air draught. With an increase in airdraught to Wroxham bridge, of about 6 inches, and 12 inches at Potter Heigham, you`d still only have an ahw airdraught of around 7ft 3-6ins. Still plenty low enough to stop all these hi level boats, but plenty high enough to allow ALL the boats that were originally designed to go under them the ability to do so again. This would also benefit what buisnesses that are left above the bridges. It would also give much improved access to a sustantial number of moorings which would free up what little mooring space there is below the bridges for those boats NOT designed to go under them.

Hi all, We1ll be on Lightning for a week in early November. We`ve never been on the Broads in November, so what`s it like, and what`s still open?. I`m particularly interrested in places like Geldeston, Rockland, Reedham etc etc, as i know a lot of the pubs are seasonal. I`d imagine that Oulton broad yacht station would still be open, but what about things like toilets and showers, both there and WRC?. It`s going to be a new experience for the Speedtriple crew, so all info would be greatly appreciated. Also, will anybody else be afloat around that time?.

I`m with you on that one John. I`ve only ever flown 4 times (well, technically 5, once in an air experience flight in a glider), all 4 times flying to Toronto and back while working for Hunting aircraft interiors. That was in 96. I flew out there on July 31st, flew home for a holiday on the Broads (Aston Sapphire) in October, then back out there til Christmas. Notice i came home for the important things?. I still work in aircraft interiors, but HAVE`NT flown anywhere since.

It`s pretty clear what sort of people these were, with beer cans and food all over the floors etc, and their attitude to those that were tasked to get them to safety. With this in mind, there should now be a "blacklist" of people like this, and when on that blacklist, they`re banned from hiring any boat anywhere in UK waters, both inland or coastal FOR LIFE. Pussyfooting around with these morons achieves nothing, but hit them hard in the wallet, and bann them for life is the best way. There is always the option of holding on to their car keys and tell them all to get the train home, then come and collect your car when the salvage costs are payed in full. Also, if they don`t pay in full within a given period, say 7 days, then the fleet operator should then have the rite to sell the car to recover said salvage costs. There`s been hundreds of people who`ve made a simple error of judgement, and run aground, also other factors such as poor weather conditions, or a sudden lack of concentration. But most of the time, the hirers offer their apollogies and are extremely grateful to those that help them out. This bunch of to...rs just did`nt care for anybody, not to mention the safety of those who tried to help. I certainly think Alphacraft had a good claim of criminal negligebce, and the crew being drunk in charge.

Yes, i think that`s a good point, especially where "GREAT TITS" are concerned :naughty: :party: Have i gone too far Mods?.

New Boater, How did it go then?. Did you enjoy your first boating holiday, and what are your thoughts?. More importantly, are you going to do it again?.

Not all hirefleets require you to use the pilot service. We`ve nevr used it as we know full well whether a boat will go under it. Read the plaque on the helm, then read the bridge height gague. However, i do understand that SOME peoples helming skills are not as good as others. However, if we hired a boat and the yard requires the use of the pilot, then we would have to go along with it. I would`nt be very happy if the pilot had gone home, and we know we could take it under safely ourselves though. That could mean a restriction on cruising time.

When Karen and i were at WRC on Lightning last year, we bought 4 of the Chris Crowther series, but to be honest, i did`nt think i`d ever read them. We bought them because Karen likes to read at lunchtimes at work, and sometimes in bed before lights out. When we got home, I picked up one of them and started reading. It was slow to start, but i did`nt want to put it down. about a week later, i finished it, having read a page here and there, or a chapter once i got into it. When i finished this particular one, the following day, i picked up another, and could`nt put them down, and was actually disappointed when i finished all 4 of them. Up til then, throughout my entire 56 years, i`d only ever read 3 books. 2 were Nigel Mansell books, and the other was Swallows and Amazons Forever. It was`nt untill we bought the Chris Crowther collection that i read any more, and could`nt put them down, so much so, that when we stopped off at Thurne and called into Ramblers (Lizs shop) we bought the last one of his Broads books, and learned that he`s supposed to be writing another. Although i`m not a big reader by any stretch of the immagination, there`s something about books that is special. I`ve always had this dream about having my own library, but don`t read much, other than monthly special interest mags. Wierd i know, but that`s the magic of books.

Try the Raj Indian restaurant. We`ve been several times, and never been disappointed. It`s between the hardware shop and the chippy on the corner.

Joking aside, what`s the fishing like on the broads in general?. The reason i ask is that we keep reading about Primeneseum parva (or whatever it`s called), also otters becoming ever more abundant, and in recent years, Seals moving further upriver (we actually saw one 3 years ago as far up as the Beauchamp arms). I`ve also read in Anglers mail a couple of years back that catfish are growing in numbers, so with all this negativity around, what`s happening to all the fish, has it declined, if so, by how much?.

Yep, a couple of weeks back, we had Lightning at 1,800 rpm, being 6 mph according to the plaque on the helm panel (except going past Stracey moorings). Add to that we were AGAINST the tide AND wind (hard at times) all the way, and it took us aimost 3 hours, and that was from Stokesby, and not Acle bridge. Yes, i`ve done it in 2 hours, but that was flat out all the way with the tide under us. Gt Yarmouth and back by boat in a day is just not worth it, as when you get there, you then have a long walk to the front, then a long walk back, and a laborious chug up the lower Bure again, with the hassle of finding a mooring at the end.

1.5 Hours from Gt Yarmouth is VERY optomistic, 2 hours is doable with a spring tide behind you at 6 mph all the way. Don`t forget, the Acle straights are 5 miles and 3 miles long, which is 8 miles total, and THEY are dead straight, whereas the Bure will twist and wind for an extra 3-4 miles. i`d say by river, Acle bridge is around 10-12 miles from Gt Yarmouth yacht station. I`l check it on a map.

It looks like one of Clives?. If it IS one of Clives, take the name and number and report it next time. When we were moored at Loddon, one of Rickos boats with a party of men / lads aboard, came in and moored next to us. They were`nt loud or offensive to anyone in any way, but they were doing something they should`nt, so i mentioned it to Clive when we returned. Being as it was a thursday evening / friday morning, i assumed they would still be aboard when we got home, so i reported it back to him directly. If ANYBODY on a hire boat is doing something wrong or offensive or dangerous, report it immediately to their home base. The fleet owners want to know, so they can take steps to reduce the possibility of things happening again, especially if there`s the slightest chance of them being held partially responsible.

One prime example of how to squander toll payers money is to build and run an expensive toy like SOB, another is do away with moorings but NOT cut your tolls.

It really does irritate me when you see so many boats with such big gaps in between. I don`t think there`s ANY excuse for selfishness and greed. When we moored at Reedham ferry while on Lightning, we had the nose just off the edge of the quay. We could have moored in the middle of the gap, but moored respectfully to those thatt may have wanted to, which nobody did. However, the mooring was available. We only moore there because while approaching a large mooring space at Reedham quay, when we were about 3-400 yds away, a bounty 27 went straight in. This was particularly annoying because about 4 boats up, there was enough room to moor a 35 footer, but they had to go for the bigger space. Pure selfishness in my opinion, and no excuse for it either. Maybe the fleet operators should tell people to moor close to the beginning of a mooring, and about 3-4 feet behind the boat ahead. The same goes for some private owners who are just as bad too. Rant over

Friday morning, and we`re awake early. Karen and i usually get up at 6.00am to get ready for work, so when we`re on the boat, even though the fresh Broadland air makes us tired and go to bed early, we`re usually awake early, and just lay in bed dozing til about 8.00am. So today is no different, but what is different is the pitter patter sound over our heads. Yes, it`s raining. We both lay there listening to the raindrops on the cabin top, but then they get louder, then a little bit louder again, then soon, it`s absolutely pouring down, but then the rain starts to ease, and then there`s this distant rumbling sound, yes, it`s thunder. We`ve been seeing Lightning every day, so now we can hear thunder, and it`s not the engine of the big white fibreglass sister ship to ours. I get up about 7.30ish, and stick my head out of the salloon curtain, and the sight that greeted me was absolutely spectacular. The surface of the river was dancing like crazy, and i`m standing there just watching it, and looking for the occaisional flash of lightning. It is`nt long before the deluge starts to ease, and we`ve seen and heard the last flash and bang, and the rain gradually starts to die. Although i was enjoying watching this spectacular Broadland show, i`m pleased to see the rain stopping, and decide to put the kettle on and have a shower. In the meantime, Karen`s up and making the tea for everybody, and Derek and Pat are in the the throws of getting up and about. Shower over, and i`m soon dressed and doing the engine checks ready for the off later in the day. We`re not going far today, so we`re in no hurry to depart Loddon, but we do have a prior engagement at 9.00 in Loddons most respected eating establishment. Yes, we`re soon due at Rosie Leas, but Derek and Pat decide they want breakfast aboard. Karen is now up and dressed, and we head on over to see Caroline, and make apollogies for the fact there`s only 2 of us, after she reserved a table for 4. Never mind, she will no doubt have the place filled up soon anyway. Breakfast over, and we head back to the boat, and stop off in the shop to buy a lottery ticket. We don`t buy anything else, as we`re do well using what supplies we have left. With everything all tidied away, i disconnect the shorepower and start the engine, then fill the water tank while she`s warming up. We soon filled up, and on our way, but when i lifted the mudweight, it was caked in Loddons finest, so i left it dangling in the water while we were going along to was it off. The run down the Chet was a peaceful one, passing a couple of boats on the way. It`s clear we`re pushing a flood tide, and the wind has got up a little, though not as bad as earlier in the week. The skies are starting to brighten up, and before long, we`re cruising along in beautiful sunshine. As we reach the bottom of the Chet, we turn and head up to Brundall, and our progress picks up dramatically as we`re now running with the tide. Very soon, and we`re passing Cantley Sugar factory, and give a wave to some workmen. I`m amazed how quickly we`re going, and soon after, we`re well past Langley dyke, and passingThe Beauchamp Arms. A couple of years back, we saw a seal in the river here, so everybody is keeping their eyes out, but no luck, the seals are nowhere to be seen this time. Very soon, we`re well past the top entrance to Rockland Broad, and within sight of the Coldham hall. Our last days cruise is nearly over, but i decide to take one last detour and cut though Surlingham Broad. This is a really peaceful place, and sometime soon, we`ll overnight on the mudweight there.. As we`re approaching Brooms fuel quay, there`s a boat already there, so i reverse Lightning in down beside which is her new mooring. We were told last year to reverse in to our old mooring, as it makes it easier to exit, but at this one, i found out it`s not nessecary to reverse, which is great, because mooring nose in, we`re perfectly placed for the Brooms engineers to refuel and pump out the toilets. So i quickly turned her around, and we`re finally tucked up at our mooring for our last night. By now, the weather is gloriously hot, and i curse the fact that this always happens on our holidays. No matter where we go, whether a boat, or cottage etc etc, it always rains on at least one day. It might only be a few spits, but it WILL rain, and this week has been no exception. Now it`s time for the usual early start packing, and we quickly get unnessecary items packed and away in the car. We`re staying till tomorrow morning, so i`l give the boat a hoover out and window clean then, but i do take the opportunity to connect up the shore power so the ladies can do their hair, and we can use as much hot water for showers and washing up etc, as we can use the immersion heater. Wonderful things these 240v hook-ups, i`m definitely converted to them. With everything done for the day, we have a walk round to the Yare Public house and book a table for dinner at 6.30. Karen and i had a meal in there for the first time last year, and were very impressed with the place. It does`nt look very inviting from outside, but the staff are efficient and polite, and the food is very good. Throughout the week, and the same last year, i got fed up with scraping my knuckles on the deck every time i undid and tightened up the water filler cap, so while at the Yare, i walked into Brian Wards and bought a different type which i left on board. I can`t be the only one who`s had enough of skinned knuckles?. Back on board and we`ve a couple of hours before we go back for dinner, so it`s time for a cuppa and some more Chris Crowther. Unfortunately, i don`t have enough time to finish the book before we go home, so i`l just have to finish it there. 6.30 comes, and we`re at the Yare and ready for a decent meal. We`re NOT disappointed. Back on board, and we go through the remaining biscuits etc so we don`t have to take them home, and we sit down to a DVD. and a cuppa. The only problem is, now we`ve had the toilets pumped out, we have to walk over to the berth holders toilets. No real problem, not unless it rains, and a real nusance when someone regularly wakes up and needs the loo during the night. While engaged in this little escapade, i see someone going aboard another Syndicate boat, Moonlight Shadow. So i walked over to say hello, and discover it`s fellow forumite "CooWee" Keith and Lisa. I did`nt realise who they were then i picked up on what`s left of Lisa`s american accent. Then i realised we moored next to them 3 years ago at Rockland, and Lisa came aboard Swallow to have a look. She then invited aboard Moonlight Shadow, which furthered my enthusiasm for a syndicate boat. Now here i am on one. After a brief chat, i left them to enjoy their fish and chips, and went back to join the others for a cuppa and DVD. As the film finished, we`re ready for a good nights sleep ready for our laborious 250 mile journey home in the morning. It`s been a real week of first in some ways, First time for the in-laws, which is ironic, as Derek spent nearly 25 years building Sunseekers, but this was their first boating holiday. First time we moored at Reedham ferry, and it won`t be the last, First time we moored at Neatishead overnight, and the first time we could get moored there anyway. And the first time i`ve actually planned my timing to cross Breydon water right. It`s been a great week, and we`ll be back in the Autumn. Good night all.

I won`t say how i came to be told this, but "i was told" that the second generation of the Swancraft family are just not interested enough in the hire buisness. "I was told" last year that Swancraft would more than likely be giving up in the next couple of years, and my sources were spot on. As Clive and Andy have said, the hire fleet industry is`nt a gold mine, and these days, buisness advisers, managers call them what you will, will always advise any company to chase the bigger profit, which obviously to some is building boats and running a general boatyard services boatyard, along with moorings, rather than a hire fleet. Working on customers boats is money coming in, working on your own hire fleet is money going out, which in todays financial climate is looked on as poor buisness practice.

Why on earth would ANYBODY want to come south?. The place is bloody awful. You would find me on a boat on the southern rivers, especially owning one :liar :oops:

Hi Robert, welcome to the forum from me too. . As far as Gt Yarmouth goes, forget it by boat, and get a taxi from Horizon craft at Acle bridge. 1st night, St Bennetts abbey, then an earlyish jaunt to Acle bridge and taxi to Gt Yarmouth, finishing off the day with a cruise back up river to Womack staithe for your second night, then a run to Wroxham, or Coltishall if you get through the bridge for your 3rd night, then a cruise to Sutton or Neatishead for your 4th night, as John says they are close to your home yard, so will be a short run on the Friday morning. The above is just a rough plan, but the choice is wide and enjoyable, especially if you go where Magic Gem takes you. However, if as you say Gt Yarmouth is a must, then i would strongly recommend a taxi, as you`ll spend 2 days getting there and back, and there`s so much more to enjoy. Have a great trip, and please keep posting on the forum, I think we`d ALL like to read a holiday tale from you, especially as it will be a first time, which will make interresting reading to hear a first timers experience, especially things you were concerned about, and things you find surprisingly easy. Have a great time.................... Neil.