Welcome back to some old Norfolk girls!

[Dan]

Hi Everyone

I was pleased last week to see a fair number of returnees... boats built in Norfolk in the 80's & 90's that have been brought to the Broads for the 2010 season from France or Europe by Le Boat, Barnes Brinkcraft & Richardsons.

Here's a few piccies.. first up Barnes Brinkcraft seem to have around five 29ft 2/3 berth "Brinks Duet" class (built by Brooms) that came back last season, five 29ft 2/4 berth "Brinks Jazz" class (Built by Connoisseur) & two 29ft 2/4 berth "Brinks Comet" (fitted by Crown Cruisers)...

[Dan]

Good to see Le Boat have brought some of their dual steer 2/4 berth "Cirrus" class over, in addition to a good number of 29ft Sedans & 32ft 4/6 berths for last season.

I really like the Cirrus class, though I'm rather disgusted by the price they are charging compared to similar standard/size craft... but anyway, nice, neat little boats:

[Antares_9]

That Brinks Duet thing looks like a real boat, whatever next?

[Dan]

...and finally, Richardsons have added four Ideal 45s "Challenger" (fitted at Crown Cruisers), seven Connoisseur 37ss "Madeira", five Connoisseur 42s "Fairway", "Prelude" & "Tidecrest" (I think!), two Alpha 35s, two Aquafibre 32 dual steers "Trinidad", there may be a few more I've forgot. Edit: yep - I forgot the two Bounty 40s "Jamaica" (fitted at Crown Cruisers). Richardsons seemed to be really going to town on making them their own and improving the interiors, always exciting!

For me, being so interested in the hire industry it's great to see extra craft needed to meet demand, and some extra choice available, especially as it doesn't seem long back the hire industry was struggling and numbers were dwindling slightly each year. Hopefully some of these extra, new customers will become regular broads addicts and will help towards a good future for all

Dan

[Guest]

Very nice

Jonny

[Guest]

Now Brinks Duet looks rather nice and, unless I am mistaken, there is a top quality non-Norfolk boat directly behind it in the background.

[Guest DAYTONA-BILL]

Do we know the owner of that very handsome vessell then, and is HE as handsome as that very smart vessell,? Probably not .

[Guest DAYTONA-BILL]

Hi Dan, that Cirrus class is a very nice looking boat, and even though i`m not a fan of high top designs on the Broads, i do like that one, and would seriously consider hiring it, but only if i was doing a week on the Southern side. However, it would be perfect for the Fens or Thames where bridge height is`nt an issue. Nice photo`s too Dan, did you take them yourself?. I thought i was the only hire boat ANORAK, It`s nice to know i`m not the only one, and no, we`re not saddo`s . Regards ...............Neil.

[Guest DAYTONA-BILL]

Sorry Dan, i forgot to say, i totally aggree regarding the hire fee. For that money, i`d want one of Clive Ricko`s RC35s (when it`s finished though) . Regards ..................... Neil.

[Dan]

Hi Neil

Yeah, the Cirrus' are really nice, well designed compact boats. Their aren't particularly high sided either, quite impressive for a dual steer though I they are still too high for Wroxham and Potter. Le Boat seem to have gone mad on the pricing of the boats they brought back last year & this (Tamaris, Capri, Caprice & Cirrus) so much so I cannot see them having a good occupancy rate on those other than in peak season when demand is probably always too high to supply and they should let. However, when I was doing an availability check on Hoseasons a month or two ago for an off peak break Tamaris (the only one on the list I searched at the time) had a hefty discount showing and was then within about £30 of the Richardsons equivalent. I'm no fan of price high & then do a massive discount so people think they have got a bargain mentalities, but this said if this kind of thing is their style and you wanted one of those types of craft ever then I think it would be worth diving on Hoseasons & searching Horning availablity - may just be priced more in line with what is fair & sensible when you look further

I did take the photos myself, and did indeed have my anorak on at the time!

All the best

Dan

[Dan]

Now Brinks Duet looks rather nice and, unless I am mistaken, there is a top quality non-Norfolk boat directly behind it in the background.

Ah yes. This was however just before the big centre cockpit boat tore round the corner & into it's rear canopy

Dan

[Guest]

Ah yes. This was however just before the big centre cockpit boat tore round the corner & into it's rear canopy

Say it isn't so!

[Guest]

Say it isn't so!

Bet you dint get a photo of that did you Dan

i bet the pilot received a large bill

Jonny

[Dan]

Say it isn't so!

OK, that bit wasn't true... must remember to use emoticon next time!

Dan

[Guest]

Phew. Thought you were having a very tall antelope but the lack of emoticon did make me wonder.

[Brian]

That Brinks Duet thing looks like a real boat, whatever next?

Look at the interior fit out, looks good to me

[Broads01]

Good stuff. Thanks for the info and pics Dan. I like the old Connoisseur designs. Agree about Cirrus pricing, completely bizarre.

Richardsons and Brinks must be doing really well to be able to add so many boats at once. I'll reiterate what I've said on a previous thread that I'm concerned about the impact on boat traffic and mooring availability in peak season. The downstream traffic on the Ant on Friday & Saturday afternoons in August will be evn worse. Ludham Bridge doesn't bear thinking about.

[andyg]

hi all,had a good look onboard fairway this morning after returnig back to rickos.very smart and loads of room for 6. sure theses boats are going to be a big hit jamacia looked very smat too couldnt find out any info re clives new boats,anyone got any info wen they go on sale for next year??? clive ta