Clueless in New Jersey:

Having only experienced the Broads from across the Atlantic by way of some Swallows and Amazons books and The Magic of the Swatchways, my wife and I are taken with the idea of a sailing holiday on the famous waters. We're thinking of a Horning to Lowestoft cruise. However, our information is at least 70 years out of date.

Does anyone know if the waters are still pleasant enough to be enjoyable? Or are other waters preferrable? Or do you know someone who would could comment knowledgeably? Any recommendations for sailboat (preferably wooden) hire for a summer holiday? Or a bonhomous sort of skipper (or couple) and boat?

Sevens and estuarine sailing in their native habitat - what could be better?

Regards,
Pete

Hi Pete,

I live pretty locally to the broads and often go there in the summer.

They are still a lovely place to take a sailing holiday. Get in touch with some of the boat hire places, they are all knowledgeable and helpful and can recommend a boat for you based on your experience.

http://www.norfolkbroads.com/

David

Do you mean boating or actual sailing?

If you mean proper sailing, it's not really the best place to go. The main routes through the broads are quite busy and there are a lot of motor cruisers which make sailing tricky, as they are too big to give way to you!

I have been on the broads a number of times, in both motor cruisers and sailing dinghies of various descriptions, and I would say the motor cruisers were by far the better option there.

Some of the bigger broads have some good sailing, but its getting between them that is more tricky.

Have you ever tried the ICW? Norfolk to Moorhead City is one of the prettiest cruises you can get. The rest all the way to Miami isn't too bad, either. Well, at least as far as West Palm.

Cheers,
Syd.

Canal cruisers are the way to go, all mainland rivers are a great place to go with amazing serenity. Sailing is not advisable. Most boats on the waters these days are GRP hulls.

Should probably mention that of the Swallows and Amazons series only Coot Club and The Big Six were set in the broads.

I'll get my coat