ESC on the Norfolk Broads
Published 22:12 on 2 Aug 2025
"We shall break out the jib and the foresail, the white houses on the harbour side will glide slowly past us as she gathers steering-way, and the voyage will have begun!" - The Wind in the Willows
14 Ely Sailors have been back out on the Norfolk Broads this weekend for the annual club (adult) trip to take out stunning vintage 'Rebel' class 1930s boats from Hunter's Yard in Norfolk.
A very early start for the combination of experienced, amateur and very novice helms saw us rigged and underway nice and early. Despite a downpour on the drive in, the wind was good and the weather dry by the time of setting sail, if somewhat moody in tone. A quick check of our rigging and we were off - we're getting quite well known at the Yard now and it's always nice to get such a welcome... And play with such lovely boats.
In contrast to previous years, the tide was on the ebb as we set off with a switch to flow around 12:30. So, making the most of this for some new adventure, we headed out towards Horning .
It was a busy day on the Broads and there were motor cruisers a plenty to contend with, including one that can only be described as a refashioned skip... Taking in the beautiful and the peculiar, we tacked, gybed and 'huh what is the boat doing'-ed our way up the Thurne. One small run in with a bush, a little jousting with the foliage to get out and then a final beat and we made it to St Benedict's Church moorings for a tranquil lunch stop.
But we'd made good time and the day was still young so we set back off, past St Bennet's Abbey towards our starting point. The weather still held although perhaps a little greyer than we hoped but the wind couldn't be faulted. One sadness though - we did not see the ice cream boat. So, we decided to take matters in to our own hands (or helms...) and head for Potter Heigham. This proved a navigational challenge... With motor cruisers a plenty, solid banks, the wind straight on and a narrow width of water, the beating skills were definitely put to the test - but nothing Ely didn't excel at.
A squish in to the moorings and it was ice cream o'clock - with a flake. Happy faces achieved.
A quick beat back to Hunter's and then the worst part as always... Tying covers on and setting off home. Much easier of course if you were a member of the early bird crew who took the boat with cover clips!
Well done to all - 3 boats and 14 tired but smiley crew returned and some excellent sailing on display. Surely we were the envy of the Broads?
More photos can be found on the website gallery.
Last updated 09:11 on 3 August 2025