Passing for a Pilot

The bridge we needed to pass under was the Potter Heigham bridge. It is a beautiful bridge, but it has narrow arches and is incredibly low (just 2.03 m). This is so low, that hire cruisers are not allowed to pass through without a pilot. As a sailing boat though, we were expected to pass through without a pilot. This made me feel incredibly important, but also quite nervous.

We spent a long time, while we had our lunch, eyeing it up and deciding on the best line of approach, bearing in mind the currents that swirl round the foot of arches.

We were very lucky to have a small engine on Leander so we could crank it started (literally) and drive through, rather than having to rely on a quant pole to push her through, which is what non-powered boats have to do.

As we approached I kept a steady paw and a clear head. I posted my crew at strategic look out points so they could tell me if I got too close to any stonework.


As we sailed under we could see lots of gouges in the stonework which told a chilling tale of boats that hadn't made it through unscathed.


After making it through successfully, my happy face returned, and the task of getting the mast and sails up again didn't seem half as daunting, as it had been earlier.


In no time at all we were proceeding at full sail along the river, ready for the next chapter in this exciting adventure.

Lots of love Skipper Eddie & crew xxx