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

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quentin.sands
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Hi Thor

Hi Thor

Thanks for those links - they are helpful. The itinerary that starts in Stalham and heads to Wroxham looks like a good starting point. I have emailed Cox's and others to enquire about launching, car storage etc.

In terms of how the Big Mac gatherings operate, I reckon that, in general, we try to create an itinerary that allows all boats to gather at the same destination every night. Some boats will travel together, some will do there own thing. You should be able to enjoy solitude and company - but there are no rules! By reputation the Broads will be busy at the time of our visit so finding places where we can all get in might be tricky and a case of playing it by ear.

The other complication is that some will be staying longer than others and some might be coming in off the sea.

In due course a firm plan will be announced and you might be able to book some bnbs around that. Alternatively, create your own plan and we'll follow you!

I will post on this thread if I get any detail on a group launch, trailer storage and car parking deal from any of the marinas I've approached. If anyone else reading this has any suggestions for a starting point, pray tell.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

quentin.sands
quentin.sands's picture
I have had some replies to my

I have had some replies to my enquiries for launching, parking and berthing for 5 to 10 MacGregors.

Richardsons of Stalham run a boat hire business and we can launch and retrieve on their slipway for £15 each way and parking for boat and trailer will be £20 for the week. No berths likely to be available. This would mean that the Big Mac week would be based around the Northern Broads.

Alternatively, in the Southern Broads, on the edge of Norwich, Griffin Marina can accommodate us too. £20 each way to launch and retrieve, £5 per day to park. They can also offer berths for the first and last nights at £8 per night.

It is good to know we have options and more will come along too. Feel free to air your views on the North/South divide.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

thorsten.roser
Hi Quentin,

Hi Quentin,

I guess northern vs southern broads question might need a bit more research and discussion. Oliver's have outlined different sailing routes on their website incl. route planner https://www.broadssailingholidays.co.uk/route-planner . I guess depends who is joining from which end also. From what I hear Breydon water can be fun, but it is perhaps also the most challenging bit.

Cheers, Thor

andrew.vincent
               

Hi Quentin

Just to add to the mix I have been looking at the 2nd week or minus 1 week which ever way you look at it.

I am proposing a route out of Great Yarmouth down to Lowestoft then Southwold and then Felixstowe.

Or we can return back to Great Yarmouth from Southwold.

Regards

Andrew Vincent

Black Shadow 26 M 2006

thorsten.roser
Hi Andrew,

Hi Andrew,

Sailing down the coast (perhaps after) the Big Mac sounds like nice idea. Might need to do this bit solo (i.e. without the 'river crew') or onboard new crew (existing members or invite a mate to join for this bit).

Cheers,

Thor

quentin.sands
quentin.sands's picture
Thanks Andrew

Thanks Andrew

Therefore, a sensible start point for the Big Mac might be Great Yarmouth or close to it. Which still leaves the option of the northern or southern Broads.

I will investigate.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

quentin.sands
quentin.sands's picture
Galleon Boat Services in

Galleon Boat Services in Becles can accommodate us. They have a slipway and parking - although slightly limited space but alternatives can be found. Beccles Old Road Bridge will have to be negotiated with masts down - 2 metres clearance at average high water. It isn't too far from Yarmouth and the open sea and it would be a good trip up to Norwich. Food for thought.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

rick.jones
rick.jones's picture
Err...

Err...

Beccles is a long way from Yarmouth, although not too far from Lowestoft which is the other connection to the sea! For those after a bit of open sea navigation, travelling the coast from Lowestoft to Yarmouth (or v-v) could be a nice diversion.

Also, to get to Norwich, you need to go on the Yare not the Waveney, the northern arm that flows into Breydon Water. Beccles to Norwich and back would probably take the whole week.

The nearest boatyard to Norwich is Brundall, which is Mac-friendly.

Re. Breydon Water, it looks enormous on the map, but as I recall is very shallow, with just a single navigable channel in the middle. Fun for sailing in a dinghy, but even a Mac would have trouble outside the channel.

Just some thoughts ...

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

quentin.sands
quentin.sands's picture
According to the mileage

According to the mileage chart, Beccles to Yarmouth is 23 miles - is that a lot in Broads terms? 5 hours? I presume Beccles to Lowestoft is less.

Beccles to Norwich, down the Waveney and up the Yare, is 35 miles; 70 miles, Norwich and back, as you say Rick, seems like a plan to me. Those wishing to have a second week on the sea could stay on the Yare on the return journey and head out at Lowestoft or Yarmouth while others return to Beccles or head up to the Northern Broads.

I contacted Brundell but they haven't replied although Brundell is probably too far to suit those who are wanting to combine rivers and sea.

I hope there will be time to mull over these things when the committee meet next week.

Quentin Sands (Editor)

1993 MacGregor 19, Margarita 

rick.jones
rick.jones's picture
Speed limits on the Broads

Speed limits on the Broads vary, but I think average is about 4 mph, so Beccles to Yarmouth is likely 6 hrs non-stop. If you want to take in the scenery, explore the small broads off the main rivers, enjoy a riverside pub, etc. then 15-20 miles in a day is I think realistic.

Technically, boats under sail are not subject to the limits, but opportunities for an optimum point of sail and a good wind to be able to exceed that in a Mac are likely to be few!

Brundall is actually 19 miles from Yarmouth!

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

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