Broads Authority to dredge Heigham Sound

Following the Broads Authority’s successful project dredging Candle Dyke, near Martham, last year and the re-creation of a trial island at Duck Broad, work is due to start later this month on increasing water depths in Heigham Sound. The narrow section between Duck Broad and Meadow Dyke has the highest priority in the Authority’s Sediment Management Strategy. It has silted up to a depth of 90cms in places and local boat owners have been pushing hard for it to be dredged for several years. The work, subject to approval by Natural England, will start in  the quieter, early part of the season moving into Heigham Sound at the beginning of the main boating season. Water temperatures early in the year are low, which should help reduce anglers’ concerns about an algal bloom. Using the tried and tested experience gained from last year’s successful dredging project, water quality will be carefully monitored to check the levels of Prymnesium parvum algae, which, if they bloom, can prove toxic to fish. The Broads Authority will take samples from four locations around Heigham Sound on a weekly basis to check Prymnesium counts and a joint fish rescue plan is in place.  The Environment Agency also carries out Prymnesium monitoring on a monthly basis throughout the year. Rob Rogers, Head of Construction and Facilities at the Broads Authority, said: “We would like to reassure anglers that every precaution is being taken to prevent a Prymnesium outbreak. It is not the Prymnesium season and the water is very cold at the moment. We dredged all the way through a very warm summer last year, when the water was 26ºC, and counts remained well below the trigger levels.“Prymnesium is a naturally occurring alga which is always present in the Upper Thurne. Our intervention level in the event of an increase in Prymnesium is lower than that set by the Environment Agency and we would stop dredging before there is a bloom. We will schedule a meeting with local anglers in the near future when we will be trying to alleviate their concerns.”

Sealine 330 Motor Cruiser

I was back in Brundall today Surveying a Sealine Motor Cruiser for pre- purchase. The Sealine boats have become amazingly popular on the Broads, especially around the Brundall area. There’s a huge array of boats moored here.

The marina holds hundreds of large seagoing motor yachts and cruisers.

Im on the look out for one of these if anyone can help!

Bounty 37 Survey

I was at Moonfleet Marine in Stalham today carrying out an Insurance Survey on a Bounty 37 River Cruiser.

The guys are busy working on lots of boats

This is a 'hybrid' between the original Buccaneer Mk I and Mk II classes, with the sliding canopys of the Mk II and the open forewell of the Mk I. A 7 berth, with a large stateroom under the canopy area.

I spoke to Phil the manager of Moonfleet, he lives close to me near Hickling Broad... he has just finished building his holiday house and its now up for rent see the following details its a lovely place. Perfect for summer holidays or winter escapes, for reunions and family gatherings, this handsome house nestles in peaceful countryside just 1½ miles from Sea Palling's glorious safe sandy beach. Boasting a spacious and well appointed interior and its own large garden running alongside a dyke, Lound Cottage stands within the grounds of the owners' home in the pretty Broadland village of Hickling – an ideal location from which to explore the many delights of this beautiful area. Close by, tranquil Hickling Broad, with its nature reserve, links to the Norfolk Broad's unique topography of reed lined waterways, famous for their good coarse fishing, boating and rich variety of wildlife, especially waterfowl. Boat hire is available at nearby Stalham and pleasure boat trips are offered at the bustling village of Wroxham. The quiet country lanes are lovely for relaxed cycling and walking, and nearby attractions include Bewilder wood (a treetop adventure park for children), steam train rides and family fun at Great Yarmouth. Picturesque north coast fishing villages, Cromer's end of pier show, and the wonderful city of Norwich, with its cathedral, castle, museums, galleries, restaurants, cinema, theatre and fine shopping, are all within an easy drive. Pub serving food and shop 1½ miles.

Click here for full information and prices

 

Wells next to Sea

I had an Insurance Survey to do on a Southerly 28 Yacht today in Wells ..... about an hour away from home.

I often come this way for work, and Ive always seen this old Ship in the harbour ...... shes a 100 year old Dutch clipper, built in Rotterdam in 1899.

The ship was built for Johannes Muller from Middelhanis, Holland where she remained until being sold to Denmark in 1918. It is belived her owner at this time, and through to the Second World War was a Captain Rasmussen, who used The Albatros as a cargo ship, exporting grain from Denmark to Sweden and even assisted Jewish refugees with their escape from Nazi Germany and delivered weapons to the Danish Resistance. In 1983 Tonn Brouwer purchased the ship and she has since been fully restored. From 1990-1996, she was used to carry Soya beans from Belgium to Wells-next-the-sea for a Norfolk agricultural merchant. In more recent years The Albatros has been used by Greenpeace as an environmental study centre for schoolchildren, and she has now returned to Wells-next-the-sea where she resides on an almost permanent basis. When she does venture away - either on a day trip or back to her native waters off the Dutch coast, it is not long before she return to the quayside. As one of the oldest sailing ships still afloat, The Albatros attracts an array of tourists, and is even available for charter by corporate and private groups.

Todays Survey on a 28-foot aft-cockpit fiberglass sloop with drop centre plate from Northshore Yachts Ltd. Designed by John Bennett. Formerly built in the UK. 148 produced from 1975 to 1984.