THE PERFECT SOLUTION ?

The Problem
Son no.1 was having increasing difficulty folding himself into the quarter-bunk on Mayfly II and we were rapidly finding we could not fit all our gear on her. She had been in the family for 20 or more years and it took 2 seasons (and a lot of cosy nights) to bring ourselves to accept that the time had come.

The Brief
28-29ft, 4 - berth, topsail rigged, easy to manage and sail with 2 people, handicap probably 7-11%, no restoration projects.

The Market
Nothing about which excited us much, with the notable exception of 'Waxwing', a lovely Ernest Woods design (aren't they all?) standing on the hard at Loddon. However, she was in need of a lot of work, which we decided we didn't want to tackle (sounds funny now). Incidentally, she is now owned by Robin and Simon Clayton and is about to receive a huge amount of TLC - watch out for her in 2004-ish.

Each season is predictable, TMOR, Three Rivers, Yare Navigation... etc. etc.

The crew of Bishy have one special annual event; The Gentlemen's cruise, held at the end of each season. Previous cruises have taken them to West Somerton, Horsey New Cut, Sutton, Neatishead, Dilham, Coltishall, and Brundall, but this year the plan was Geldeston and Norwich, with perhaps Loddon thrown in for luck!

In the past we have been lucky with the weather (not too wet and bags of wind), well this year it was to be a little on the wet side, but with no lack of wind!

How it all started, one of our first Gentleman's Cruises
...so many years ago!

Bill Seath's plastic YBOD

There are several " One Designs" that are especially suited for the conditions on the Broads. The photograph shows Bill sailing the first fibreglass YBOD on Malthouse Broad. Needless to say, it was not the most popular craft on the Broads at the time but there can be no doubt that this development was in the best interests of Broads sailing. Built at Acle station by Kingsley Farrington in 1980, she was fitted with a wooden deck. Launched at Tim Whelptons yard at Upton Bill then took her for a "spin" to Malthouse Broad, ( and no doubt a quick pint was consumed ) Bill gave her the name Green Forester and later was given YBOD number 94.

EACC Goes West For The Summer? (Or, Where have all the sailors gone?)

Certain members of the East Anglian Cornwall Club were sighted at the coastal resort of Polzeath on the Atlantic coast, namely the Jones and James families, some of whom were seen to spend more time in the surf than others, who spent more time in the sack ! We will leave you to decide who did what.

We always hear "the rules" from the female side. Now, here are the rules from a male skipper's point of view. These are our rules! Please note... these are all numbered "1", ON PURPOSE!