Given that the Harbour Master at Wells-next-the-sea had stated that he no longer accepted bookings for moorings we knew there was a chance that we might not get into Wells.
An email received from Wells two days prior to our departure date gave the news we did not want to hear; – they could not guarantee one single mooring. A phone call to the Harbour Master the following morning advised us not to come.
Plans were hurriedly made to travel south instead. Our friends at Wolverstone & Ipswich Haven Marina made space available for us at very short notice, for which we are very thankful. Tides worked out & bridge times changed & we were ready to go to the Orwell.
An issue with Reedham Bridge delayed our departure slightly on Friday morning but it was soon repaired & the fleet gathered on Breydon at around 1030hrs ready for an 1100 hrs Haven Bridge lift. Hot sun & calm seas were the order of the day as we made our way out of Great Yarmouth Harbour & down the coast to Orfordness & then on to Felixstowe & into the Orwell.
Most of the crews met at the Riverside restaurant on the Marina later that evening where we were well looked after by Clare. We enjoyed a lazy day on Saturday before meeting up at the excellent Royal Harwich Yacht Club for dinner on Saturday evening.
On Sunday we left Wolverstone for Ipswich Haven Marina, arriving in time for ‘free flow’ at the lock. Lots to do in Ipswich which kept everyone busy for a couple of very pleasant days.
We left on Tuesday morning for Great Yarmouth. The Forecast was variable, mainly south westerly 3 to 4. In reality it felt like a good force 4 creating a bit of a swell, but the south westerly direction gave a comfortable ride up the sledway & onto Great Yarmouth, arriving back for a 1430 Haven Bridge lift.
Another gold standard trip NYA
The amazing thing is how you logistically fit everyone in to sometimes very tight moorings without mishap !
Thank you to all your crew James and the very competent team back at Brundall
John and Valerie Queen V
To James and the whole NYA team (we include those left behind picking up the extra work and especially Louise who is a star) we say a big thank you. It was obviously a disappointment not to get to Wells but the resourcefulness of NYA was not to be beaten. The trips down to the Orwell and back were enjoyable and the friendly social environment meant everyone had a good time. Fortunately Mark (Speedo) Rob, Simon Amanda and Chris were not troubled too much but were all ready to go to the rescue, when they were. It makes cruising that extra bit reassuring. The professionalism of the team can never be doubted, Thank you once again, David & Carol (Moneypenny).