UK-HBBR Rally, Barton Turf, Norfolk 24-26th May 2008
19 boats from all parts of the country showed up to enjoy the excellent facilities at Barton Turf Adventure Centre (http://www.btac-services.co.uk/). Our hosts Simon & Sheila Fishwick made sure that we had a very enjoyable stay despite the, by now, traditional HBBR weather. Saturday was bright with a very gusty wind and most boats got on the water then. Individuals responded to the conditions in varying ways – some double reefed sailed very cautiously others flew everything and consequently broke bits; the important thing was we all had a ball. Sunday produced a penetrating solid rain. One maiden launch was rained off, Dave Wallwork brought his beautifully finished Oughtred Puffin ‘Lucia’ but discretion prevailed. Most chickened out of the planned cruise in company for Sunday lunch at the other end of the Broad. Two boats braved the elements, Tony Waller , resplendent in Jan’s rainwear, in ‘Isabella III’ with pilot Chris Waite, and Conrad Natzio in ‘Spoonbill’. These are Conrad’s home waters so he is probably used to the climate. The rest took the easy option to the pub where friendships strengthened over lunch. Thanks are due to BTAC for hosting brilliantly and to Ian Ruston for ‘organising’ the rally.
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- On arrival, 900 miles after leaving home with two boats.
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- The rather lovely camp site
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- A general view of the staithe
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- Deux Chevaux with builder Ian Ruston.
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- Tit Willow moored up
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- Builder and designer confer
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- Conrad Natzio with wooden outboard
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- Tit Willow from across the water
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- A quiet domestic moment on Tit Willow
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- Wayne Everhopeful heading down the cut.
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- Family activity portrait
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- SamB in his own boat – a rather nice woodstrip kayak
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- Tony checking over the rig on Isabella III
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- Tony and Chris head gently out onto the Broad
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- Isabella III fully crewed
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- Isabella III making for open waters
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- Isabella III responding to the breeze
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- Isabella III leads Inwe confidently out on to Barton Broad
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- Inwe
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- Isabella III returns wounded
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- Richard Rooth brings Inwe home
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- ‘Polly’s Folly’, a Selway Fisher Highlander 14 out on the Broad
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- ‘Polly’s Folly’ under Grahams expert helm
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- Graham, in “B&Q”, “Polyethelene Pam” or “Pollywobble”, just what is her name?
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- SamB of SOTP tries the single paddle in ‘Scotch Mist’
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- Conrad in his own boat
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- Father and Daughter, but where’s Gem?
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- The Nobes clan in ‘Serafina’
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- Three of the canoes at play
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- Chris Partridge propelling ‘Nessy’ in calm waters.
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- Richard and Inwe again
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- Steve Blackman with his restored mermaid
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- Steves Mermaid
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- Restored Mermaid by member of the Home Brewed Beer Rally
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- Not one of ours
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- Phil and Gem push off
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- SamB (SOTP) plays with Scotch Mist as ‘Polly’s Folly’ heads for the horizon
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- Wayne takes an ‘Everhopefull’ voyage down the Broad
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- Tit Willow sailing home
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- This is what we came for – nice brew Steve
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- The ad-hoc design group in session
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- ‘Lucia’ a slightly shortened Oughtred Puffin
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- Tony and Chris prepare to return to base
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- It’s no good – you can’t hide in a survival bag
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- Isabella III heading homeward on a rather wet day
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- Little and Large
