What A Wonderful World. The Broads.wmv

Broads boat hirer receives Royal Humane Society Award

A Broads boat hirer who saved a pensioner who couldn’t swim from drowning in the Broads has been honoured for his bravery.

The Broads Authority’s Chief Executive John Packman presented John Cressy with a Royal Humane Society award for rescuing a 72 year old woman when she was dragged into the river by her cruiser near Acle Bridge.

Calling Mr Cressy an “unsung hero”, Dr Packman said: “If ever there was a true 'Broadsman' it would be John Cressey. The act of saving this woman is typical of him during his many years living and working on the Broads. He has rescued other people in the past and he is always willing and keen to help anyone out
 no matter what time of day and whatever the weather.

“Because of his experience he can foresee the dangers and can spot a problem and sort it out. John is always positive and enthusiastic and able to overcome any problem.  I’d like to thank him for helping to make the Broads a safer place place.”

Patricia Scott, from York, who was not wearing a lifejacket, was on holiday on the Broads last year when she stepped off her cruiser to moor at the Horizon Craft boatyard. Her husband had left the boat in reverse gear and the boat went backwards, dragging Mrs. Scott into the river still hanging onto the rope. It hit another cruiser with three young men on board.

 Mr Cressy, a 60 year old diver and part-time fireman, runs Maffett Cruisers boat hire at Chedgrave, as well as Breydon Towboat Service with his family. He had been clearing propellers at Acle when he witnessed the incident and acted swiftly.

“I told the lady to hang onto the rope. I jumped into a rowing boat and rowed to the bank where I knew the boat would finish up. The boat was travelling at about 3mph and there was a strong current and a lot of wind and waves.  I grabbed her hand and whipped her out just as the boat was about to hit her. She was very cold and frightened.”

Mr Cressy’s wife Linda and daughter-in-law Jane Devereux-Turner prevented other people from jumping in to rescue Mrs Scott and called the ambulance.

Mrs Scott said she slipped when she stepped ashore. “I went under the water and climbed up the rope hand over hand until I was above the surface. The boat was pulling me across the river.  Someone got on a boat and put a life-ring through my legs and another man grabbed me and pulled me out. I was very shocked.

“I am very grateful to the people who rescued me If we had been in a quieter spot on the river who knows what would have happened? If we come to the Broads again I am going to buy myself a lifejacket.” Gary Leach from St Lawrence, Essex, who was also at the scene, received a Royal Humane Society certificate for the rescue, although he was not able to attend the presentation. He helped Mrs Scott into the lifebelt and boarded her cruiser to switch off the engine.

Steve Birtles, Head of Safety Management at the Broads Authority, said: “We strongly advise people to wear lifejackets whenever they are on or near the water. Most accidents happen when people are getting on and off their boats and mooring.

In three out of four cases of people drowning this year wearing a lifejacket could have changed the outcome. Two of these were boat hirers—one of them very experienced—and one was a private boater.

We are currently carrying out a lifejacket survey to find out why people are not wearing lifejackets and are liaising  with the hire boat industry to see how we can get the message over more effectively.”

Sessa Oyster 35

Todays assignment was at Brooms Boats Surveying this Sports Cruiser.

The Sessa Oyster 35 is an attractive sports cruiser with styling only found on Italian built boats.

Electric engine room hatch!.... great for access... with twin Volvo KAD43 230hp diesel engines.

Sessa Marine story is one of a family that, generation after generation, carries a dream of excellence for its trademark and products.

Born in 1958, It started with the moulding of plastics but very quickly progressed to the first applications of glass re-inforced polyester resins (VTR). In 1972 Sessa Marine started the production of small boats in polyester resin. It is the first company in Italy to install Piaggio jet on pleasure boats. Thanks to the strong innovative idea of aiming only at small boats, but with intriguing design and bold colours, over the years Sessa Marine establish itself on the national and international market for its high quality products, its noted tendency to innovation and care to design.

Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at:
steventruss1@aol.com

 

Walnut 17 Gaff Cutter

Surveyed this little 17ft Gaff Cutter yesterday for a buyer who lives in Australia. (she will be shipped in a container).

Designed by George Wisstock, she is a 3 berth clinker built clinker construction. Hog and Apron in American Oak. Hull in BS1088 Plywood with epoxy finish in 2 pack polyurethane.

Ideal little yacht for Hickling Broad where the inspection was carried out at Whispering Reeds Boat Yard.

She has a drop down centre plate.. ideal for shallow waters...

Classic Boat article.. not bad for a such a new boat..

Alpha 35. Buy a hire Boat!

My Pre-purchase Surveys at Barnes of Brinkcraft are becoming increasingly more regular. Mathew Thwaites the owner of the yard is getting an increasing number of regular customers now wishing to buy their own hire boat! This is the third Alpha 35 I have inspected.....The vessels are stock boats and generally any works required are carried out in the given time scales, and the vessel is then handed over into private ownership..

Returning from hire ready for the Survey

Hoisted out for 6 hours, inspection details recorded, before going back out on hire....

The works will be carried out once the season is finished and the vessel will be handed over to the new owners.

Thinking of Buying a Boat and Need Help? I will assist you to make an informed decision. Contact me for a detailed and comprehensive report at: steventruss1@aol.com