New Broads patrol boat launched

The Broads Authority’s new heavy weather patrol boat, designed to cope with the challenges of Breydon Water, was launched at the boatyard which built it - Goodchild Marine of Burgh Castle, right on the doorstep of Breydon.

The need for a new heavy duty patrol and work boat fit to ride 5 ft waves arose when the Authority took over responsibility for Breydon Water last year and committed to year round patrols.

The Authority’s river launches have neither the sea-keeping qualities nor speed for satisfactory patrols which respond to emergency calls from the Maritime Coastguard in all weathers, including fog.

Yards from all over the country responded to the Authority’s tender offering a variety of new, second-hand and adapted craft. But the best boat at the best price was found at the yard where the Authority’s river launches are already maintained.

The new launch, ‘Spirit of Breydon’ has been specially adapted to the Authority’s requirements from a premoulded 33ft AquaBell Trojan hull and superstructure, a proven pilot boat designed for use up to 60 miles offshore.

The £115,000 vessel has a low wash hull and cruises economically at 6 knots with a sprint speed of 20 knots. It has accommodation for a crew of two and seating for half a dozen visitors, a toilet, and a galley. It also has a working area capable of recovering floating debris via a side door. It includes VHF radio, a depth sounder, radar and is powered by a low emission engine.

The launch is part of a £300,000 investment in Breydon Water to make the crossing safer and more enjoyable for boaters. Clearer channel marking, new lay by moorings for boats waiting to catch low tide, new gauge boards at the bridges and a survey and study of the water flows to decide the future of the Turn Tide Jetty at the mouth of the Rivers Yare and Waveney are all part of the package.