For the 13th consecutive year, Navigators & General (N&G), the UK’s leading pleasurecraft insurer and part of the Zurich Group, is sponsoring what is believed to be the largest and most unusual inland waterways yacht race in Europe.
The Navigators Three Rivers Race, which is run by Horning Sailing Club, is held over three rivers on the Norfolk Broads; the Bure, Ant and Thurne. It takes place over Saturday 31st May and Sunday 1st June 2008 and makes for a hugely entertaining spectator event with a large variety of boats and beautiful scenery.
The course is 50 miles long, and is an invitation-only event with over 100 boats taking part. Participants range from fleets of Wayfarer dinghies and classic local half deckers to the larger cruisers and adapted racing yachts built for the broads. Competitors have to navigate tight broads and open dykes, avoiding other competitors and hire boats travelling in all directions.
Engines are, of course, banned, which makes lowering masts to pass three low bridges an event worth watching. The broads are tidal so having a strategy to get your boat under the bridges by paddle, or pole power is vital. Rounding marks are large buoys with buckets to deposit entry tokens, or guard boats who acknowledge competitors passing.
The staggered starts commence at 12pm on Saturday 31st May and continue through the afternoon. There is a 24hr time limit to complete the course, which isn’t often challenging as the wind often dies in the evenings. But the hearty breakfast laid on by organisers Horning Sailing Club for all finishers is a surprisingly good motivator.
Navigators & General will be competing on the classic broads cruiser “Primrose” with staff and guests making up the crew. The race is an excellent team building opportunity and chance to learn some new sailing skills.
There are many good vantage points along the race course from where spectators can enjoy the event. Key vantage points are one of the many pub beer gardens on the banks of the broads, the start at Horning Sailing Club or at Potter Heigham - the site of the tightest bridge that competitors pass under with their masts dropped.
If you are planning a trip to Norfolk or Suffolk and want to witness one of Europe’s most interesting yacht races put the date in your diary.
Further details of the event can be obtained from Colin Facey from Woods Dyke Boat Yard Ltd, 01692 630461, e mail enquiries@woodsdyke-boatyard.co.uk
ENDS
For further information contact:
Simon Tonks, Development Manager,
Tel : 01273 863417 or e-mail: simon.tonks@uk.zurich.com
Joe Field, Navigators & General PR Consultant
Tel: 01273 863474 or e-mail: joe.field@navandgen.co.uk
Notes on the 2007 Three Rivers Race
• The first 3 rivers race was held in 1961
• The race starts and finishes on the same line at Horning Sailing Club
• It is a handicap event open to a wide range of boats
• Quant Poles are a traditional method to propel boats along the broads
