The Norfolk Broads

Situated in eastern Norfolk and, to a lesser extent Suffolk, the Broads consist of about 120 miles of navigable rivers, all to a greater or lesser extent tidal.  The Broads themselves are shallow lakes, originally mediaeval peat workings.  Some are landlocked, whilst others are connected to the rivers.  Of these, a significant proportion are open to the public, and navigable.  Details of this fascinating environment, can be found on the Broads Society and Broads Authority websites.  For our purposes it is sufficient to know that the rivers vary in width from very wide to narrower than the 27 foot yacht we are sailing; that the tides vary from very fast to negligible; that further upstream the rivers are often tree-lined, which is picturesque, but blocks the wind; that there are a lot more motor cruisers than yachts; that the wind always seems to blow from ahead; and that there are pubs at frequent intervals along the river banks.  There are also frequent road and rail bridges crossing the river.  This means that we have to lower the mast (which is hinged and counterbalanced), and use the quant pole to make progress.  The Broads area is also a unique and beautiful environment, rich in wildlife and history.  See the Broads Society for lots more fascinating detail.