Well, it all began with a flyer from our ever-efficient secretary Julia. A few phone calls later and Tony and Jan met with Bill and Ann (does that rhyme?) and Mabel (the ship’s dog) at Coldham Hall on Saturday morning.

Destination Norwich seemed a little too close, so a new tradition was established: a stop for Gin and Tonic at Bramerton Common. Suitably refreshed and braving blue skies, bright sunshine and a mild summer breeze, the Fleet headed towards the Ancient Cathedral City of Norwich. Facing fleets of oarsmen (and women), paddleboarders and a succession of brightly coloured canoes, we reached the railway bridge.

Tony deployed Jan who lowered the mast and the fleet continued, despite swarms of near suicidal canoes and paddleboards. Following a brief stop to park the good Ship Retribution at the yacht station (an air draft issue), the company continued en-mass to invade the fortress city aboard Broad Flight. Canopy and windows lowered, Bishop Bridge was no problem.

Sheltered from the Blazing Sun by gorgeous greenery and towering buildings, ancient and modern, we progressed. At this point I was disappointed to discover that I was not the only person who knew that the Cathedral spire (the second tallest in England) was 315 feet, and then I was further chastised to discover that I was wrong regarding the designer of one of the bridges. Finally our journey was blocked by the Victorian Mill at New Mills Yard. Built in 1897 it pumped compressed air to power Norwich’s Sewage system! It replaced a succession of mills which did more conventional work. Turning round we discovered quite by surprise* that we were at the Ribs of Beef PH. I think that everyone thought it was a good idea to stop. Who knew that waiter service delivered Beer to passing river craft? Some pints of amber ale later...

*if you believe that you might believe anything.

Having braved the city bridges, we proceeded downstream with a brief stop to discharge Jan and Tony, who took charge of the good ship Retribution and the fleet headed towards The Norwich Frostbite Sailing Club to moor for the night. By arrangement, we made our way by foot and bike to the River Garden PH where we met with Julia, Christine and Pippa for our evening meal and a drink (or two).

Foot and Bike! What’s that all about? It sounds like a livestock disease.

For just a few hours the weather let us down, but it was polite enough to time the rain while we slept, so the next morning we headed downstream in calm and sunny weather. The burning question was where might we might stop for lunch. Would there be a mooring at Surlingham Ferry? The problem was resolved by a very complex and confusing phone call, during which one of the three people who spoke to me asked how to spell Broad Flight and the same person referred to the other boat as Rasputin!

Leaving any offence to one side, we arrived at Surlingham for drinks and a light lunch. As if by magic, an owner of my old yacht Viking arrived with his wife. Lots of fun and banter later, we cast off heading for the haven harbour of Cantley.

With immaculate timing, Vixen arrived crewed single handedly by Margaret. Side-stepping the hospitality of the Rush Cutter, the team (including Mabel the cabin dog) headed for the Cantley Cock (for refreshments). A good walk later, we met with Julia and Pippa for a lighthearted early evening drink. Fully refreshed and after a brilliant couple of days the team dispersed looking forward to the next cruise. Thanks to Julia for giving a lift back to the boats for those whose feet were worn out.

A truly splendid time was had by all! Here’s to the next event.

Bill Clark