Sun, Sun, Sun
I cannot remember a time when we departed on a cruise with a weather forecast quite as good as the one we had when we left for Southwold.
The fleet of 14 boats gathered at Berney Arms on the morning of Friday 4th May for Skippers Briefing and introductions. We left Great Yarmouth on an 1100hrs Haven Bridge lift in bright sunshine. The southerly F 3-4 wind was creating a bit of chop but with no real malice in it, the fleet really enjoyed the 17 mile run to Southwold. We entered the Harbour and rafted the fleet together on the visitors moorings conveniently situated outside the Harbour Inn Public House. At 1630hrs the crews met on Evita for a convivial drinks party before splitting up into smaller groups to eat and socialise.
Saturday was spent enjoying Southwold and the sunshine in a very friendly and relaxed atmosphere. On Sunday afternoon we set sail again bound for Lowestoft and the Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club. The sea state was flat calm and we really enjoyed the run.
The RN&SYC had laid on a super carvery roast for the 40 something people in our group in their Historic dining room. Then for a night cap (or two) in the bar before retiring.
We had a leisurely start on Monday morning with breakfast served in the club before our 1200 noon departure. Once again the sea state was delightful and the sun was warm. We arrived back onto the Broads on a 1315hrs Haven Bridge lift and said our goodbyes.
A very memorable and pleasurable weekend in good company.
Hi Folks,
I’m sure you’ve been inundated with gifts etc. from other boaters as thanks for the Southwold cruise.
Well – we’re just emailing you !!
Please accept our heartfelt thanks for all the hard work that all you great NYA people put into making the Cruising Club such a ‘winner’.
The Southwold cruise was exceptional – amazing weather, sea conditions etc.- none of which could have been enjoyed by many of us ‘amateur cruisers’ without the support of NYA.
It’s clear that you all put in loads of your personal time to make the whole thing a success – and it’s a real ‘family’ vibe.
Thanks again – looking forward to the next time.
Dick and Viv Rabel
Louise,
Did not get round to calling up on radio to thank James and all NYA Crew just in case I said over and out, would like to thank all for a fantastic weekend, good weather and great company felt at ease with boat as there was always help at hand and is such I well organised trip as always, so please let all at NYA know that we loved every minute and looking forward to Wells, and must not put fenders out before we get into harbour.
Regards Bob
Things started well, with charts plotted and the boat stowed we were ready to go and woke to sunshine and clearing sky’s on the first morning of the NYA Southwold Cruise. We had stayed over night at the Berney Arms with a few of our other sea faring companions and as the rest of the fleet gathered, spirits were high and we were all looking forward to the next few days.
Following a briefing and radio check from James Fraser and the NYA team, we left our river moorings with the hood down and the sun blazing, what a treat! Following the lead boat, Evita, we crossed Breydon water passing under the Breydon and Haven Bridges in Gt Yarmouth and heading out to sea, for Nanette and I as relative newbies to sea going leaving the harbour walls and venturing on to the ocean is still a a great thrill. As we turned toward Southwold picking up speed it was good to get the boat on the plane taking the opportunity along the way to put her through her paces and enjoy some wave hopping.
On arrival at Southwold we felt a little apprehensive as we approached the harbour entrance, we knew that the NYA rib would be sitting over the sandbank to help guide us in. With Evita safely moored the NYA crew, James and Mark were on hand to direct us to our mooring, this time we were rafting alongside Evita, we made a turn into the tide and with some trepidation approached her gleaming blue hull, James gave calm advice from the deck and secured our lines, everything went without a hitch and we were soon moored up along with the rest of the fleet.
We enjoyed lunch on the boat with friends from NYA before a drinks party on Evita which was great fun, a perfect time to catch up with old friends and meet new ones who all share a love of boating. After the drinks party most of us adjourned to the Harbour Inn for a spot of food and further refreshments.
Next day with the weather looking even better, we spent time on and around the boat watching the world go by and later in the day were joined by Nanette’s parents who regard Southwold as a favourite haunt and loved the novelty of staying on board.
Before making our way to Lowestoft on Sunday for an overnight at the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club we made the most of the beautiful weather conditions and along with a few others including the NYA RIB exited the harbour on our dinghy to have a rip around at sea which was great fun. Later, as planned, we left Southwold on a slack tide and were greeted by a smooth, very blue, North Sea. Following Evita we made our way the short distance up the coast.
The RN&SYC once again provided a delicious dinner and another chance for us enjoy the company of our fellow boaters…along with the best G&T’s on the East Coast (according to Nanette!)
A lazy start on the final day when most of us met for breakfast and slowly made preparations to get underway for the final leg back to Gt Yarmouth and to our home moorings on the broads. Once again conditions were perfect and we had a very enjoyable cruise to Gt Yarmouth back under the Haven and Breydon bridges over Breydon Water and for us back to Brundall.
We had a fantastic time and can think of no better way, to gain experience and build confidence than to cruise in company. The help and expert support NYA gives has really helped us to take the first step and I am sure for us it won’t be long before we go out alone or in a small group, had we not had the option to take part in the NYA Cruising Club we would never have taken the decision to go to sea.
Thanks to James and the team at NYA…looking forward to our next adventure!