The event organised by Adrian Hodge from CRAB, Coastal Rowing at Blakeney was originally scheduled and postponed during Covid. The event was held Monday to Friday and covered the rivers and broads between Hickling and Coltishall.
The base was Barton Turf Adventure Centre, where many camped or stayed nearby at various locations of their choice. Twelve skiffs attended from six clubs these included five St. Ayles skiffs from Blakeney, Kings Lynn and Woodbridge and Adrian’s rather fine Thames skiff, well over 100 years old.
The boats were left overnight at various pre-arranged locations, parish staithes, boatyards and yacht clubs. Adrian’s organisation of the whole event was meticulous, particularly in getting crews back and forth to the boats.
An itinerary for each day was produced, together with maps and suggested points to visit. Most of our rowing was thus in the company of just a few boats, with a few more meeting up at the obvious lunch spots. A mud weight was provided, as the Broads Authority does not like anchors, and this was useful at lunchtime in the broads.
We had two evening events, a barbeque at BTAC and a ceilidh in Neatishead Village Hall with an excellent band and food.
We finished the event rowing back to Wroxham Broad, where the Norfolk Broads Yacht Club have good facilities for getting the boats back on their trailers.
A lovely week, well organised and some lovely rivers and Broads.
