Low Bridge Ahead!

Now, the Norfolk Broads and their rivers extend over quite a large patch of Norfolk, and, while it is an unspoilt area of great beauty, people do live there, and they don't all have boats, so they need cars and roads to get around.

So, from time to time, our peaceful sail was interrupted by the looming presence of a road bridge. It is a feature of Broads bridges that they are very low and everything has to be lowered, first and foremost the mast, to get through.

Getting the mast down for the first time was quite scary and definitely challenging, but, as you can see from our next picture, we did manange it (after 2 attempts!). If I'm looking a bit exhausted on the roof, I was; a fresh wind certainly didn't help.


The key to it all is the metal plates which act as counterweights. Due to the rather irregular sizes of some of our plates, getting the mast to swing in and out of the trap door affair cut into the foredeck, was quite a feat, as it was an extremely tight fit. If you look at my next picture, you'll see what I mean about the metal counterweights (or perhaps you won't as I seem to be blocking the view of the plates!)


In the background you'll see the bridge we wanted to pass under. In our next post we'll get a lot closer and you'll see what a tight fit it was.

Lots of love Eddie & crew of Leander xxx