Ross' Norfolk Broads River Trips

Ive known Ross for a good number of years now, he organises the Sailing Regatta at Hicking Broad every year close to where I live. Ross has lived in and sailed on the Norfolk Broads all his life. He has been guiding boat trips on the Broads for over ten years. Ross has an extensive knowledge of the Broadland flora & fauna and of the fascinating local history. When not guiding trips on Lady Ann or sailing on the Broads, Ross works as a Historical Interpreter in the medieval kitchens at Hampton Court Palace.

 

Discover the “hidden” Norfolk Broads...

Leaving from the staithe by Horsey Windpump, enjoy an informal all-weather wildlife tour in the comfort and safety of mv Lady Ann, a traditional wooden Broads built pleasure boat. Your friendly, experienced, local Broads guide knows just where to take you to see some of the unique flora and fauna that have made this part of Norfolk so famous.

Book a trip with Ross on Lady Anne

Princess 41

I was at Brundall Bay Marina carrying out a Pre-Purchase Survey on this Princess 41 Motor Yacht yesterday.

Marine Projects of Plymouth built the Princess 41, a stretched version of the Princess 37, from 1977 to 1982, when the boat was superseded by the 414, based on the deep-vee version of the 37 hull but with a modified superstructure and interior layout. The 414’s continued in production until 1987.

The standard layout for the 41 has eight berths in four separate cabins. The standard engine installation is twin 235HP Volvo diesels with a top speed of about 24 Knots.

There are so many boats in Brundall they are running out of moorings!!

Hardy 26 Mariner

Todays job was in Brundall at Broadland Boat Centre. They offers a 'one stop shop' for the maintenance and refurbishment of motor cruisers. They are also equipped with a 12 ton gantry hoist, which is ideal for Survey lifts. The centre offers high quality engineering and mechanical staff to carry out all types of work from routine maintenance to full renovation and fit-out projects.

September 1998 saw the International debut of this shaft-driven cruiser which has combined the very best Hardy features with a modern planing underbody. A wide variety of Yanmar diesel engine options with mechanical or hydraulic gearbox is available to suit every need. This was was a Cat B boat with a 230hp motor. The wheelhouse, which can be enclosed or opened fully using four framed teak doors, allows full standing headroom. The cabin accommodates 3 and contains a galley, locker space and toilet/shower compartment.

Traditional wide side decks are apparent with easy access and there is an abundance of stowage.

A really nice sea going boat!

Albin Vega 27 Yacht

I had a return trip to Whelpton Yacht Services at Upton Dyke today. I was carrying out a Pre-Purchase Survey on this Swedish built Albin 27. The Albin Vega was designed by Per Brohall in 1964, for Larrson Trade AB, builders of Albin marine petrol engines, who were looking for a way to increase sales of their engines. A wooden prototype was built in 1965 and extensively sea-trialled, and from this prototype the moulds were made for the Albin Vega. The company soon became Albin Marine, and concentrated on boat building, by 1971 replacing their own Albin engines with Volvo Penta diesels in the by then very popular Vega. Nearly three and a half thousand Vegas were built, until production stopped in 1979, and they have a remarkable reputation for seaworthiness. At least three have circumnavigated, and one has even explored Antarctica.

Sealine 310 Ambassador

I had a trip to Fambridge in Essex yesterday to Survey this Sealine Sports Crusier. Fambridge Yacht Haven is in a charming location on the River Crouch, set within the beautiful Essex countryside and surrounded by natural saltings and farmland. Spread across two sites, the marina provides excellent fully serviced pontoon berths and undercover boat storage.

Fambridge boasts a comprehensive range of boatyard services on-site, including a 25 ton slipway hoist and 30 ton mobile crane; an undercover and fully enclosed storage facility for boats up to 19m LOA; extensive storage outside; 2 wide, concrete slipways; secure lockers for hire; and mast and trailer storage.

My kind of boat!

Fambridge Yacht Haven

Todays Survey.... the Sealine 310 Ambassador has the perfect combination of a roomy cockpit, to seat friends and family, as well as room inside to sleep four.