SAILING GROUP
During the week 10th to 15th June, some 27 members of the Bosun Group u3a sailors braved the elements for some exhilarating sailing on the Norfolk Broads.
The weather seemed to be unsure whether it was meant to be Spring, Summer or Autumn; sometimes we had all seasons on the same day with very strong gusty and cool winds, heavy rain, hailstorms, limited sunshine, but great fun.
The boats we sailed are all classic wooden Broads yachts that are now owned and maintained by Hunters boatyard at Ludham. The boats do not have motors and rely solely on wind and paddle or oar power (with the occasional tow from our accompanying sailing/motorised Shrimper yacht when the 
wind dropped or was blocked by trees or waterside houses).
For the technically minded, the six yachts we sailed were balanced lug (no jib) or gunter rig (with jib) and ranged from 18' 10" to 22' 9" in length with sail areas from 190 sq ft to 358 sq ft. All are a joy to sail and, especially the faster ones, are quite a challenge in the restricted widths of the Broads and rivers. Nifty tacking and dodging the many motorised 'bath tub' type hire boats definitely hones the skills. The yacht designs date back mainly to the 1920s and 30s with the oldest, to 1908: this one was built in 1927, The other boats were built in the 1930s, 40s and 50s.