Another day on Maud

We were travelling as passengers on the Wherry Maud from Sutton Staithe back to her base at the Forsythe Wherry Yard at Ludham. The wherry was due to leave Sutton at 1030, but first we had to drive to Womack Staithe to pick up another passenger, Simon and take him to Sutton. At Sutton we met up with John who had come down to see us off, John and I worked offshore together for many years but its been several years since we met up in the flesh.
While we were standing around chatting the crew were hard at work putting 3 reefs in Maud’s sail due to the very gusty winds

 

Life jackets on and the safety briefing done, eventually we were all aboard and off being pushed by the tender past all the moored boat to the end of the dyke where the crew hoisted the sail.

 

We were now sailing down the River Ant heading for Barton Broad, on the way we were overtaken by the museums steam launch

On Barton Broad we met the Broad's Authority launch towing yet another hulk away.Last time we were on Maud we saw them doing the same. Abandoned boats on the broads are becoming quite a problem

We did a circuit of the Broad dodging, or should I say they were dodging us, the yacht racing on a Sunday morning. as well as the yachts there was a family dog out for a Sunday morning cruise

Then the sail was lowered and we left the broad at the opposite end to where we joined it still on the river Ant. The reason for lowering the sail was the river is narrow and tree lined as well as the wind being gusty and against us.

 

    

 

 

The river Ant flows through the village of Irstead which has its own staithe as well as some very pretty riverside properties.

 

We were heading for our lunch time mooring at How Hill. The reason for the stop was not for lunch but to wait for the tide to pass under Ludham bridge. As we approached the moorings we found there was already another Wherry there, the Hathor.

 

We had hoped to drop in at her stern but when we arrived there were canoes moored both in front and behind her. Thankfully when the party of young people saw we wanted to come in they continued their journey and gave us space.

We had about an hour and a half at How Hill, it was a pity we didn’t have longer as it was one of the rare occasions that the house was open to visitors.

We wandered along and looked at the old wind drainage pump that is looking very sorry for its self.

 

It would cost a lot less to restore this back to working order than the large brick mill they are working on and its much more unique.    
We were away from the moorings at about half one, still being pushed by the tender with our sail lowered. Before we reached the bridge the mast had to come down. This is so well balanced that it has to actually be pulled the last foot or so required to clear the bridge.

As we neared the bridge we passed a rather nice traditional Broads Hire boat which no doubt is now in private ownership. The bridge is a very tight fit for the wherry, its so close that there is just room for a crew member to deploy a rope fender if necessary to stop her rubbing the side. Today it wasn’t required, as we didn’t touch a thing and the height, well there was just inches that way as well. A hire boat coming towards us had to hold back while we came through as there is no way we could stop and reverse.

Once clear of the bridge the mast went up again thanks to a block and tackle on the forestay.

Then the sail was hoisted using the two man winch mounted just in front of the mast . While this was going on a bit of quanting, a bit like punting was going on to keep the bows away from the moored boats and then we were sailing again. This photo was taken by Diana from the tender, now that it was no longer required to push us along.

You can see how low the gaff is and how small the sail with three reefs in. Look at the sky, you can see how its changed since we set off this morning in the blustery weather. It wasn’t too long before we were

passing St Bennetts Abbey, I didn’t know at the time but my friend, John and his family had driven there by car and then walked down to the river to photograph us going by, this is one of the photographs he took.

We had good sailing from here past Thurn Mill all the way to Womack. We also met and had a yacht pass us who was tacking up the river towards us before  turning and heading back.

As we turned down towards Womack Staithe from the River Thurn the sail was again on its way down followed by the mast, this is so that Maud can slide into the shed beside Albion, another ex working Wherry, but first a little historic motorised dingy had to be moved out of the way.

 

 

Once we had all said our good bye’s and thanked all the crew for a very enjoyable day we walked up the lane to the staithe carpark where Simon had left his car this morning, for the 10 minute drive back to Sutton Staithe, where we left some 6½ hours earlier to pick up our car and drive home.

 

Where we went

If you would like to help preserve this lovely old Wherry and have a chance to sail on her you can join the Wherry Maud Trust at Membership – Wherry Maud Trust or just go there and read more about this fine vessel .