Big Mac 2024 - Norfolk Broads - Wed 24th July to Wed 31st July

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quentin.sands
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Big Mac 2024 - Norfolk Broads - Wed 24th July to Wed 31st July

BIG MAC 2024 - WEDNESDAY 24TH JULY TO WEDNESDAY 31ST JULY

The MOA committee has agreed on the Norfolk Broads as our destination for the Big Mac 24. We feel it can offer something for everyone and is a destination where the Association goal of convivial cruising can be achieved with opportunities for all levels of experience. We see the annual Big Mac as the best way to get a good turn out of Macs, and other trailer sailors, to share in the exploration of new cruising areas and build new associations and friendships.

If there is anyone within the Association who has good knowledge of the Broads and would like to take the lead in the planning or is willing to assist the Committee in planning a successful week, please let us know as soon as possible. You can put your hand up on this thread, or email any committee member (see here for the committee contacts).

As plans develop we will publish details on this thread.

In the meantime, expressions of interest are encouraged and will help build momentum towards a wonderful week in July next year.

I, for one, have it penned in and I'm sure Nicola will join me on this trip.

ALSO - although the Big Mac is the main event, we encourage members to advertise their own sailing plans in order to create 'mini-macs' at other times of the year. Within the 'On the Water' forum area there is a 'Member's Arrangements' section in which skippers can advertise their plans.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

quentin.sands
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Andrew and Tracey Vincent are

Andrew and Tracey Vincent are interested in the Broads trip with a view to extending it onto the East Coat through Great Yarmouth, during the week before or after. It sounds like an interesting option for those seeking a longer adventure.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

gary.jenkins
We had the idea to use

We had the idea to use Ashanti on the Broads for a whole season .This could be good fun and a good introduction to the practicalities.Will follow developments.

roly.simpson
I havent been to the Broads

I havent been to the Broads before so Im keen to do that but , having trailed up from Southampton I am also interested to explore mlore in that area so an extension either before or after is interesting . I seem to recall that there was a bridge height issue with getting a Mac between Gt Yarmouth and The Broads. Does anyone know ?

robert.gardner
I last had two weeks on the

I last had two weeks on the broads 23 years ago and i trailered a Norman 20 cabin cruiser there.

There are a number of very low bridges scattered around the rivers at approx 7 ft and the lowest at Potter Heigham on the River Thurne at 6ft 6 ins.

A Mac would probably have to leave the mast at home to get under some of these or at least drop the mast off the rear support to gain the extra inches . My Norman had a 6ft 6 inch beam for the narrow canals and I had to drop the windscreen to get through Potters Heigham.

rick.jones
rick.jones's picture
Not sure about Gt. Yarmouth,

Not sure about Gt. Yarmouth, but you can also access the sea at Lowestoft from Oulton Broad. There's a lock and 2 opening bridges, but a Mac can get under both with mast lowered.

Rick Jones (Treasurer), former 26X & 19 owner, Isle of Wight

ian.crosby
https://www.broads-authority

https://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/boating/navigating-the-broads/bridge-heights-and-opening-times

Hi

I hope this link to the broads authority website helps. We had a 26x on a permanent mooring in Horning on the northern broads for the last 6 years until we sold her last year.

Don't be worried about Yarmouth , just make sure you arrive at Low tide slack water, and the bridges will be passable with the mast in the cradle. Acle is also passable with the mast in the cradle. Ludham needs to have the mast on the coach roof, Wroxham and Potter are best avoided altogether as there's very little tide rise so the heights are accurate.

Sailing is best on the Bure above Acle, up to Ranworth, or turn right up the Thurne to Potter.

Best sailing broad is Barton, then Wroxham and Hoveton Little (Blackhorse)Broad. The Ant up to Barton is best under motor, its very narrow. In fact sailing on the rivers can be quite annoying/amusing trying to avoid all the budding Lord Nelson's in the hire boats.

If you want any more info about moorings, or Pubs, i know most of them quite well!

I don't know the southern rivers at all so i can't help there.

Regards

Ian

thorsten.roser
Hi all,

Hi all,

Just read about the Broads trip in the paper version of Newsletter 111 (thanks Ed for providing informative and entertaining content and,...for asking the right questions!). Trip added to calendar and looking forward to joining with 'Carpe Diem' (previously Mark Kinnard's 26M - she might be renamed to 'Ventura' by then, but the verdict is still out on this one). Presently, trying to personalise her and also experimenting with a new antifouling concept https://www.finsulate.com/en/about-finsulate/ Hopefully, firmly stuck to the hull by then...!

Kind regards,

Thor

quentin.sands
quentin.sands's picture
I think I have been confused

I think I have been confused myself and have confused others. The Big Mac events have all taken place Wednesday to Wednesday at the end of July - and will again this year. Contrary to what it says in the recent magazine, the Big Mac will be Wednesday 24th July to Wednesday 31st July. We choose these dates to try and encourage the attendance of school age sailors. Apologies if the confusion has caused any inconvenience.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

quentin.sands
quentin.sands's picture
Just been fretting about not

Just been fretting about not having a boat safety certificate for the Norfolk Broads and see that it is not a requirement for boats on a short visit toll.

Have pasted below from the Broads website - there is a link to it in Ian's post earlier in the thread.

They must have:

I daresay some self certification may be required when you purchase the toll.

Just wondering if anyone is willing to take this Big Mac by the scruff of its neck?

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

thorsten.roser
Hi Quentin,

Thanks for the checklist above! Ian's suggestion re Barton broad and related route is a good one. Point taken re tidal sections and (very) low bridges, but would be a shame to leave the mast and sails at home. Presently, it looks like I might have some crew with me that would prefer to stay at local B&Bs or pubs over night rather than sleeping on the boat. IMO being staying on the boat overnight the appeal of the broads, but can understand if some want more comfort. Any suggestions re route planning; are we going to stick together or are there certain meeting spots where the macs will gather every now and then? Also, any suggestions re slipways and launching points?

Kind regards,

Thor

Ps. here some slipways: https://www.norfolkbroads.com/story/boat-slipways-1156/ and https://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/boating/facilities/slipways-and-laun...

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