Sunlit Horizon 2 - 'Lads Week' 2012 - Day ten - Final roundup

And so the day began, much as a Sunday would for most people – that ever growing realisation this lovely time was fast coming to an end, the feeling when you know you have to go back to work on a Monday morning is much the same as the taking back of a boat and the things you have done now suddenly turn to memories.

It had suddenly turned a lot more chilly and the wind too had got up so as far as the weather was concerned it was a good thing we had the best of it and were not some of the hirers who had just take over their boats the day before.  An easy start to the day, and a lazy cruise up the Ant, over Barton Broad and on to Nettishead.  This small stretch of water is lovely and has its own feel whatever the time of year – and as the leaves were falling and those which remained were going through their spectacular change of colour it felt like one was exploring a newly found waterway where one did not quite know where it would end or what would be around the next bend.

Having turned and come back, we took a slow cruise down the Ant, under Ludham bridge and notice the water levels had dropped from  their higher than usual levels.  Then it was onto the Bure where upon we encountered every yacht style and type going – making the most of the stiff breeze it made for interesting driving,
being over taken, then overtaking – speed up, slow down, left and right – I relished it.  

We arrived at Acle and after topping up with water decided with the wind, and now rain it was easier to moor here just inside Horizon Craft’s yard, do the packing up early and then have the evening free.  This we did and while there ‘Broads Sunset’ one of Richardson’s Platinum boats was overheating fiercely – the engineer was there and stumped.  He had changed the impeller on the water pump, this had caused the water to once more come out the exhaust – only to then stop.  He then changed the water pump itself – this was working well, indeed he had the boat in gear and at high revs for a good 10 minutes – then set off down the river, only to return sirens blearing and no water coming out the exhaust.  Take it out of gear, rev it and once more magically the water came back out the exhaust.

As he said to the family ‘things don’t just fix themselves and then unfix themselves’ but in the fading light could do no more – they were told to wait until morning, I can only presume the following day more work could be done or perhaps do a boat swap.  Funny things these engines.

In the evening the rain came down hard and we had to make a dash for the Bridge Inn whereupon a lovely meal was had – though it was unusually quiet compared with only a few days previously when in there during ‘Lad’s Week’.  I do very much enjoy this place; the atmosphere service drinks and food have always been first rate.

And that was that – a soggy walk back to the boat, and the following morning more wind, more cold and good news as far as fuel.  I had topped up at Stalham with 35 litres of fuel, all in that meant the 10 day period had used 117 litres.  Now had I not have done so much cruising on the southern rivers, and that long slog against the tide to Acle – I would have been well within my deposit, as it was I was on for £9.00 to be given back and  then I mentioned about the fridge packing up on the Saturday and Mick, the yard manager said ‘will £25.00 be fair’ and yes indeed it was, which meant all in I got £34.00 back in cash.

I had a lovely time and Sunlit Horizon II is a lovely boat.  I’d say the batteries were past there best, they took charge but did not keep it – even if one did not use heating or spent most of the evening in the pub not using any lighting but it was not an issue which caused me to put in a call, it was mentioned on return for them to look at.  Everything about the boat was clean – even the engine tray had absorbent mats to catch any oil drips! The linen was of a high quality, the upholstery and carpets in first rate condition – it had the best oven and grill of any boat, and until the compressor failed the fridge – an older model with a ‘fake wood’ door was very effective even on low.  So with thr fact the boat costs the same as any you would find of this class at Stalham, when you through in the free mini-bus service to Acle station, the beds all made up on arrival, the warm welcome and friendly hand over I cannot fault Horizon Craft.

My only complaint is I wish Richardson’s would have a better ‘spread’ of classes at the yard – they deserve a Broadsman down there to sit alongside Far Horizon!

Finally thank you for reading, for the comments, for those who have watched and been entertained by the Captain’s Blogs on You Tube – until 2013 then, the Rascal will return.