Cruising News

Wayfarer International Rally on the Norfolk Broads © Terry Cook

Wayfarer International Rally on the Norfolk Broads © Terry Cook

Report by Merrin Froggett:-

Wayfarer sailors from eight nations gathered in Norfolk last week for the Wayfarer International Rally 2018. Organiser and UK Wayfarer International Committee representative, Ralph Roberts, saw his target of 100 participants exceeded as 114 people took to the water in the fleet of 40 Wayfarers, one Norfolk half-decker and a cruiser making this the biggest ever Wayfarer International Rally.

It was a fitting climax to the season in which the centenary of designer Ian Proctor is being celebrated coinciding with the 60th anniversary of his design for the Wayfarer. ...read more

Sailors from USA, Canada, Netherlands, Denmark, Poland and France joined with those from Ireland and the UK to experience the wetland habitat of the Norfolk Broads. The fleet relished the challenges presented by sailing twisting, narrow and reed lined rivers, tidal flows, low bridges, river traffic and sudden wind gusts between trees and buildings.

Comments were made that Broads sailing requires a high level of skill, persistence and patience as well as quick reactions. Many of the Wayfarer sailors had never tacked quite so much and felt that their tacking skills were well honed by the end of the week.

The wherry Albion glides past during the Wayfarer International Rally on the Norfolk Broads – photo © Mike Playle

The event was based at Clippesby Hall and boats were berthed at Thurne. A selection of destinations each day ensured that the fleet dispersed but that the UKWA members and the visitors could enjoy sailing in company and sharing insights and experiences. Westerly winds made for fast passages to Hickling Broad and Horsey Mere but required determination (or a motor) for the return.

Some boats went down to Stokesby and swept back on the flood tide. Many snaked up the River Ant to How Hill visiting the wherry Hathor or went for a spin on Barton Broad. A succession of destination broads and villages along the River Bure made for shorter trips and cultural visits while most people visited Ludham Village and enjoyed the heritage of Hunter’s Yard at some time.

Norfolk pubs were particularly popular with the overseas visitors looking for authentic experiences and warm beer.

Sail-making during the Wayfarer International Rally on the Norfolk Broads – photo © Merrin Froggett

Off the water, a hog roast and a talk by a Broads Authority ranger kicked off the week which was followed by music making led by the Danish delegation. Michael McNamara came to demonstrate how to get the most out of your cruising boat and then hosted two evenings at his sail loft making up and finishing a Wayfarer genoa each time.

An evening of foot tapping music was provided by the Shanty Buoys from Lowestoft and the week ended with a dinner at Dunstan Hall, Norwich to which transport was provided by two Routemaster buses.

We were delighted to be joined by Ian Proctor’s son Roger, who spoke about his father and his remarkable lifetime designing boats and also presented special centenary awards to three Wayfarers who have made the Wayfarer Class or the International Wayfarer organisation and rallies the success they are today.

Chasing Wayfarers in a Half-Decker during the Wayfarer International Rally on the Norfolk Broads – photo © Thierry Grenier

Cercle Nautique de Ver-sur-Mer

Eight Wayfarers took part recently in an amazing experience of cruising along the beaches of the D-Day landings that took place in Normandy in June 1944. It was one of those unusual weeks for UK Wayfarer sailors where a swimming costume and buoyancy aid was all that was really needed!

Huge thanks to Thierry Grenier who pulled out all the stops to make this a most memorable week. With Bastille Day on the first Saturday, followed by France winning the World Cup on Sunday, there was an air of excitement among the locals all week! ...read more

“We had a good sail around the IoW on 9th June. It was the longest recorded time afloat for the event. We all set off at 07.30 and virtually all arrived back at Calshot at 21.00. It was quite surprising how we took different routes and all eventually ended up back at Calshot in one group. It certainly made it more interesting sticking closer together. ...read more

Returning to Calshot – photo c/o Jamie Grigor

There’s going to be a write-up (by Jamie) of the recent Tidal Training event coming soon, probably in the next edition of Wayfarer News, which is due for publication shortly after the Nationals in early June.

Remember this?

(Posted Thursday 15th Mar, 09:00)

“Dear All

“I have had to juggle three main factors in my decision here. The first is the risk of snowfall with certainty of high winds on Sunday, the second the certainty of a grey weekend with strong winds and temperature maxima of 1 degree, and lastly waterlogged ground and a flood alert on the River Trent with further rain forecast for the next 2 days. To put the cherry on the top of this the river level data for that stretch of the Trent has not been updated since last night (and it usually is). We have also been unable to find an alternative venue nearby at this short notice....read more

“60th anniversary celebration of our Wayfarer on the Hartley Boats stand at the RYA Dinghy Show.

“Roger Proctor, son of the late Ian Proctor, whose centenary was also being celebrated, popped the cork, and I had the honour of cutting the cake, beautifully crafted in the shape of 60, with perfect ‘W’s all over, by the wonderful Sarah Burgess, our UKWA Secretary and her son.

“As I cut the cake I made a traditional wish – and it’s no secret that I hope the Wayfarer will continue to provide happy family sailing, amazing cruising adventures, training for all beginners, and high-powered racing, for the next 60 years. Thank you Ian Proctor for designing the most versatile dinghy ever. Long Live the Wayfarer!”

– Liz Feibusch (W11000)

“The weekend of 24th/25th February saw 8 hardy (foolhardy?) boatloads of Wayfarer sailors brave the icy blasts from the east for some sailing at Brancaster on the North Norfolk coast. All survived to tell the tale and in fact enjoyed the brilliant sunshine and superb sailing.

“Accommodation for the weekend was the ‘bunkhouse’ at Burnham Deepdale, where hearty meals and celebratory drinks were consumed amid tales of tides, shallow water and waves.

“Winds of 20 knots and gusting showed how efficient reefing systems and a seaworthy boat really came into their own.” – Matt Sharman W773 (organiser)

“Seven boats managed to sail today. Wind was ESE F5 gusting F6 occasionally, bright sunshine and jolly cold!!” – Matt Sharman

Ralph Roberts (UKWA’s WIC Rep) has made available further details of this September’s International Rally on the Norfolk Broads, with a poster that can be downloaded (or viewed) here.

Separately there are now also full details of the proposed itinerary, as well as a detailed breakdown of the costs of various types of accommodation and a description of what is included in the price. This is all accessed via the ‘Cruising’ section of the menu, also linked here.

Ralph has arranged a fantastic array of enticing activities, visits and events – do take a look at what is on offer!