Boating on the Broads 2023

The Norfolk and Suffolk Boating Association (NSBA)

BOATING ON THE BROADS: NSBA's POLICIES

Introduction

This statement takes as its main theme the approach of the NSBA to navigational issues on the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads and their related waterways.

The Broads are managed by the Broads Authority which is funded through boaters' tolls for its functions in respect of its navigation area and by a DEFRA grant for its other functions (approximately 50:50). The NSBA believes that the current perceived status of the Broads as an area primarily orientated towards nature conservation may tend to obscure the active role of the Broads and related waterways for navigational use. The continuation of this role is seen as vital to the maintenance, enhancement and survival/preservation of the Broads.

The statement outlines the ways in which the fundamental needs of recreational boating can be achieved whilst having regard to nature conservation interests. These range from the practical management problems of dredging and weed cutting to the creation and reopening of additional water space for recreational boating. These themes are extensively developed with full consideration being given also to the important issues of land-based facilities, moorings and landscape.

The policy of the NSBA with regard to a large number of specific navigation-related issues is clearly stated and explained and the specific concept of designating Very Important Sailing Areas (VISAs) is introduced. This is seen as a vital method of identifying and safeguarding the long-established use of parts of the broads and rivers for all types of recreational boating.

Finally, the NSBA is fully committed to reinforcing the identity of the Broads as an internationally recognised cornerstone of safe recreational navigation.

Contents

Boating on the Broads: NSBA's Policies

Introduction

Background

Intention and Definitions

The Broads

The Norfolk & Suffolk Boating Association

Specific Policies

1. Navigation

1.1. Rights of Navigation

1.2. The Broads Authority

1.3. Channel Marking

1.4. Bank Erosion

1.5. Water Depth

1.6. Bridges

1.7. Additional Water Space

1.8. Powered Craft

1.9. Sailing Clubs

1.10. Public Access, Moorings & Facilities

1.11. Access to the Sea

1.12. Safety

1.13. Users of the Waterways other than Sailors or Motor Boaters

2. Environmental Management

2.1. Water Resources

2.2. Water Quality

2.3. Flood Alleviation

2.4. Disposal of Dredgings

2.5. Weed Cutting

2.6. Scrub

2.7. Birds

2.8. Whitlingham Broad

3. Climate Change

Recognising potential impact

4. Very Important Sailing Areas

4.1. Designation of Very Important Sailing Areas (VISAs)

4.2. Characteristics for Evaluation of a Stretch of Water

4.3. Broads used for Sailing -- Inaccessible from the Broads System

4.4. Potential Areas for Sailing currently Closed from Broads System

4.5. Special area

Background

Intention and Definitions

Although the NSBA is also concerned with navigational matters on the adjacent coast, in this statement the NSBA outlines its position on navigational matters primarily within the Broads Authority’s navigation area. It does not attempt to cover every possible situation that may occur, but addresses those issues where a constructive and balanced approach is believed to be necessary at this time.

For the benefit of the reader of this statement, “the Broads” refers to the whole navigation area of the Norfolk & Suffolk rivers and broads while the shallow lakes therein are referred to as “broads”.

Also for clarity the following meanings are used:–

”boating"’ describes the use of vessels whether the source of power is sail, oar, paddle or motor;

"sailing" describes any activity in vessels under sail;

"navigation" describes movement by water under any form of propulsion whether commercial or private.

The Broads

The Broads are one of Europe's most popular inland waterways. Whereas for many centuries the Broads were an essential transport network and broads themselves were created by man extracting peat as a principal form of fuel in medieval times, today the waterways are used for recreation, attracting more than one million visitors a year. Some 13,000 craft are registered with the Broads Authority and use the Broads regularly.

The Broads is an engine of economic prosperity and a mecca for recreational water borne activity.

Dr Martin George writing in his book ‘The Land Use, Ecology and Conservation of Broadland’ (Packard Publishing Ltd, Chichester I992), records that the waterways have been used for pleasure for at least two hundred years and probably much longer. Organised yacht racing began in the early 19th Century and the first person known to have made a living from hiring boats was John Loynes at Wroxham in 1878.

Legend has it that Admiral Nelson learned to sail on Barton Broad and certainly the Broads have provided a nursery for sailing expertise which, over the years, has been exported to the world. There are many international sailors and administrators in its halls of fame.

The Broads have also been described as an unrivalled wetland within the UK and an internationally important ecosystem, where there are fens, grazing marshes, carr woodlands, rivers and broads, all providing valuable habitats for wildlife.

The ecological health of the Broads is of importance to the majority of navigators who wish to enjoy the pleasures of boating in diverse attractive natural surroundings. The integral link between the health of this unique waterway and the enjoyment of being afloat on its waters is fully recognised. Therefore the creation of the Broads Authority was welcomed, particularly that in its formation it was charged by Act of Parliament with three management objectives none of which has precedence over the others:–

• conserving and enhancing the natural beauty of the Broads

• promoting the enjoyment of the Broads by the public; and

• Protecting the interests of navigation

The Norfolk and Suffolk Broads Act 1988 (hereafter "the Broads Act 1988") provides that boat owners' tolls should only be spent on the management of navigation. This provision needs to be strictly observed by the Broads Authority. The NSBA has always strongly supported a local statutory navigation authority, which has as its objective the maximisation of available resources with the minimum of bureaucracy. Given the decline in hire boat numbers, with the consequent effect on tolls income, and given that expensive conditions are now attached to the disposal of spoil accruing from normal dredging operations, thus increasing expenditure, it may be difficult to retain the previous status quo.

It is NSBA’s firm belief that it is possible and desirable for recreation, conservation and navigation to co-exist in reasonable harmony. This approach worked tolerably well until the advent of European Directives and supporting UK Regulations, which in effect may have given primacy to one element and led to prolonged and acrimonious dispute. It remains to be seen what the terms of the replacement to the European Directives will be after the bonfire of European Directives by the Bill currently before Parliament. The acceptance by DEFRA of proposals in the 2019 Glover Report is probably a step in the right direction for the Broads, however they are yet to be implemented. The NSBA believes that with goodwill and intelligent compromise on all sides, particularly with restraint in the exercise of legal powers, that reasonable harmony can be restored. To achieve this the NSBA is keen to work with any relevant organisation at any time.

Mankind has managed Broadland for many hundreds of years, sculpting and manipulating it for populations’ benefit. The challenge today is to maintain the area in a good sustainable ecological condition in harmony with the traditional rights, use of and access to the Broads for navigation and recreation.

The Norfolk & Suffolk Boating Association (

The NSBA will celebrate 130 years in 2024. As times have changed so have the Association’s objectives, from pure yacht racing to a wider remit involving most aspects of recreational boating. Its main role is to serve and protect the interests of navigators in Norfolk and Suffolk and to co-operate with other organisations in this regard.

The annual publication of the NSBA's handbook, the Green Book, has metamorphosed from a simple record of events and regatta of cers in monocolour into probably the most useful handbook for navigating the Broads; it is distributed to all members and en-block to af

There are around 50 organisations directly af liated to the NSBA with a combined membership in the region of almost ten thousand people. The interests of these range from sailing clubs purely concerned with competition or wholly cruising under sail or power, to wherry trusts and organisations providing accessible boating for those who are disabled or disadvantaged. In addition, NSBA has nearly nine hundred individual members. It is a voluntary organisation managed by a General Committee elected by its members at their Annual General Meeting.

The NSBA's main activities are centred on the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads and related waterways. It engages with several statutory authorities, including the Broads Authority, English Heritage, the Environment Agency and Network Rail.

NSBA is af liated to the national governing body for sailing and motorboating, the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), and has a close relationship with British Marine (formerly British Marine Industries Federation), the Broads Hire Boat Federation (BHBF) and their local members.

The Association has seen many changes in the Broads and its management and has represented the interests of private navigators whose basic requirements have remained largely unchanged, e.g. suf ciently deep water, the absence of obstructions such as overhanging trees, water free from obstructing aquatic plants, viable boatyards, adequate long- and short-term moorings and facilities provided by local authorities. Those whose interests lie in sailing also value the wide, open marshland, free of scrub and wind inhibiting obstacles, all blending and contributing towards the traditional landscape of the area.

The NSBA is committed to helping to safeguard the well-being and special character of the Broads and a future which encourages recreational boating in the way that has existed for many decades.

Specific Policies

1. Navigation

1.1. Rights of Navigation

The NSBA will assert, promote and defend the public right of navigation within the Broads, Great Yarmouth harbour and Lake Lothing, which give access to the North Sea. It will support navigation by suitable craft on the upper reaches of Broadland rivers beyond the Broads Authority’s present limits of navigation. The NSBA reserves the right formally to object to the temporary closure of any area of water which enjoys a public right of navigation. It may withdraw its objection(s), if:

• the Broads Authority implements the formal process set out in Paragraph 5, Section 13 of the Broads Act 1988; and

• acceptable space and time limits are proposed;

• suitable additional water-space replaces that which is to be closed;

• a sufficient and acceptable reason is given.

1.2. The Broads Authority

The NSBA strongly supports the principle of a Broads Navigation Authority with its statutory Navigation Committee. Proposals to change the Broads Act 1988 will not be supported until it is clear that the new arrangements are working satisfactorily.

1.3. Channel Marking

For reasons of safety and appropriate navigation, NSBA expects the Broads Authority to provide and maintain adequate channel marking. Where, for flood alleviation purposes, riverside ronds are set back and a sloping channel edge created, it considers that the minimum depth of water at channel marking points should be at least 1.37 metres (4ft 6in) MLWS. If such channel marking would add an additional cost compared with current practice, funding should not be provided from toll income.

1.4. Bank Erosion

It is understood that tidal movements, floods, wind induced waves, excessive grazing of riparian plants by birds, inadequate bank fringe management which allows trees to dominate the natural vegetation, and boat wash are all contributory factors to bank erosion.

NSBA will support the enforcement of the Broads Authority’s Speed Limit Bye-laws to help control that element of bank erosion that can be attributed to boat wash.

1.5. Water Depth

Maintaining adequate water depths for navigation is a fundamental river management task for the Broads Authority. Its stated midstream navigable depth of 1.37 metres is unlikely to be satisfactory unless this depth is extended across most of the waterway as this would severely restrict a sailing boat that is by necessity tacking against the wind from using the entire river width.

NSBA expects that when establishing target depths for dredging, the Authority takes into account different depths of water needed by different craft.

1.6. Bridges

Sailing boats with their masts erect, as well as some modern motor cruisers, have a substantial air-draught and most bridges present a barrier to these craft and are generally hazards at which many navigation accidents occur, regardless of the craft involved.

Climate change (Section 3 below) will adversely affect both occasional flood risk and more permanent reduced bridge air-draught. The extreme restricted heights already known at Potter Heigham and Beccles are only likely to get worse.

Subject to the quid pro quo arrangement to benefit boaters, such as that mentioned at 1.7 below, the NSBA will oppose any proposals to provide new bridges over navigable water in open sailing areas. At all bridges, existing or proposed, it will press for the provision of adequate mooring facilities for the safe lowering and raising of sails and masts on all four quadrants of the bridge.

It will expect any new or replacement bridges to have a minimum air-draught at MHWS of 3.96 metres (13ft).

lt will support the Broads Authority in its efforts to ensure that existing swinging or lifting bridges remain operational for the appropriate passage of high airdraught craft.

1.7. Additional Water Space

In view of the loss of navigable water over the last two hundred years or so compared with the growth of recreational boating, there is an urgent need to find additional water space for this activity in general. Out of around 50 identifiable broads and other areas of open water – such as Breydon – only 18 are open and available for navigation, whilst a further 10, which are suitable for boating, are not open to the public.

The NSBA will support any reasonable proposals for increased recreational water space, particularly that which is connected to and extends the existing navigable water, e.g. Hoveton Great Broad.

Where new water space is available for navigation, the zoning of the area in time and space for different water activities is supported where appropriate.

NSBA will press the case for quid pro quo provisions if another initiative potentially detracts from boating freedoms. An example of such provision is exemplified by the proposal of the East Norwich Masterplan, where the NSBA has pressed for a new marina facility to replace lost access to the city if bridges upstream which are currently lifting become fixed.

1.8. Powered Craft

The Broads Plan policy discourages any further growth of motor boating. The NSBA believes that this is an unrealistic policy. The encouragement of electricpowered boats is also noted and supported in the context of the general wish for the Broads to provide a quiet environment for public enjoyment in an unpolluted wetland of charm and special character. The demand for such electric propulsion may grow but it should be acknowledged that there is a very large investment in existing boats with other types of propulsion. The increase in electric craft must be matched by a corresponding growth in bankside charging-points.

The NSBA actively supports the responsible use of motor boats for recreational purposes.

The NSBA acknowledges the Broads Authority’s work in respect of any form of quiet boat propulsion and will support the introduction of a voluntary code of practice for the reduction of pollution by existing engines. It will oppose the compulsory conversion of a boat’s method of propulsion and will encourage the Broads Authority to help both private and commercial boat owners reduce engine noise and the risk of pollution discharge.

1.9. Sailing Clubs

There are 31 sailing and boating clubs throughout the Broads with a membership of many thousand adults and children. They are mostly located in fixed positions and many of their activities take place within well defined areas. A typical club may have a clubhouse with changing facilities, a clubroom with facilities for refreshments and its members will use boats ranging from sailing and motor cruisers of over ten metres in length to sailing dinghies of less than three metres. Club sailing is usually family orientated and often provides regular organised racing with regattas and other special, sometimes national, events during the season. Some clubs arrange cruises and rallies for their members which, taken together, range over the whole of the Broads.

Sailing provides physical and mental recreation of the highest standard and an important element of many clubs is organised sail training for all ages under RYA qualified instructors.

NSBA supports the mental well-being which has recently been identified as enhanced through proximity to water.

Sailing requires certain environmental conditions: clear and consistent wind, adequate depth of water and, for racing, an expanse of water which permits competition courses to be set, including lengthy diagonals to allow for sailing against the wind.

The NSBA will actively support its member clubs and seek to protect them from any hindrance or interference, which may threaten their operation.

1.10. Public Access, Moorings and Facilities

The maintenance of water and land access to public and parish staithes is of fundamental importance to the Broads. Adequate public moorings, slipways and facilities such as toilets and showers are very necessary to the well being of the area and public enjoyment of the "Broads experience".

The NSBA believes that the land-based facilities currently available to the public are not generally up to the standards required and will support any proposal for their improvement to an adequate and affordable level. The NSBA welcomes and will continue to encourage efforts to improve the facilities at Beccles, Oulton Broad, Norwich and Great Yarmouth yacht stations.

In particular the provision of facilities enabling those who are physically less able and those with learning difficulties to enjoy the Broads is strongly supported.

The NSBA supports any practical proposals for the increase of short and longterm moorings for both private and hire vessels which are environmentally sustainable. The NSBA would resist the closure of any public or parish staithes, together with established access to them from land.

1.11. Access to the Sea

It is essential to maintain a safe and easy passage for vessels between the Broads and the sea. A substantial number of seagoing boats are kept on the Broads. Visits to the area by coastal and foreign-based vessels are frequent.

The NSBA expects the Broads Authority and other relevant authorities to maintain liaisons for protecting the access to the North Sea via Mutford Lock and Lowestoft harbour as well as Great Yarmouth harbour for all toll-payers and visiting craft.

The NSBA believes that the facilities and moorings for visiting private, seagoing, vessels in Great Yarmouth harbour are not up to modern standards and will strongly support any proposal for their improvement.

1.12. Safety

The National Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) applies within the Broads. However, it appears to have been designed for mainly motorboats on canals and not for sailing boats. All boats which fall within the scope of the Scheme are obliged to pass a Safety Test. Naturally it is comforting for boat owners to know that their boat has passed the test and that the boat lying in the adjacent berth has also passed. However out of a population of some 13,000 boats the average number of incidents is about 5 per year and only a smallest proportion of them relate to fire or explosion which might have been prevented under the BSS.

Whatever national scheme exists, there is a need to accommodate the idiosyncrasies of traditional local craft. These are low freeboard craft that have little storage space available. This makes it extremely difficult to accommodate the various requirements of the scheme as presently drafted and if complied with may introduce a risk of flooding when the boat is heeled.

The NSBA believes strongly that safety afloat is of paramount importance and considers that today’s scope and scale of the BSS is useful.

Proportionate consideration should be applied for existing traditional class craft.

NSBA has been instrumental in brokering liaisons between BA and RYA for shared sponsorship of a series of pre-hire video education with safety issues prominent amongst other boat-handling instructions. NSBA commends these YouTube videos to all its members.

1.13. Users of the Waterways other than Sailors or Motorboaters

Potential conflicts of interest are an everyday occurrence between sailors and motorboaters and other users of the waters, including anglers during the fishing season.

The NSBA will support the creation of local area user groups. which provide the liaison facility for developing and maintaining harmonious relations between all recreational water-users.

NSBA will oppose the use of extreme forms of angling equipment that threaten the navigational use of the waterway, such as very long pole rods.

NSBA will resist the increase in areas accessible to anglers within Very Important Sailing Areas (VlSAs see section 4).

2. Environmental Management

The NSBA presses for the widest recognition by stakeholders of the manmade water channels whose preservation is vital for the continuance of the whole Broads environment.

The NSBA opposes adjustment to channel profiles purely on economic grounds without due study and prognosis for potential unintended environmental consequences (such as changes in salinity as the result of altered mixing depths.

2.1. Water Resources

Adequate river flows are understood to be crucial to water quality restoration and sufficient water quality is vital for the wildlife diversity of the fens and marshes. Adequate river flows are also necessary to reduce the problems such as blue-green algae, botulism and silt deposit, all of which can affect the safety and enjoyment of the waterways.

The NSBA will support the Environment Agency, the Broads Authority and other agencies in their efforts to protect, maintain and enhance the Broads catchment area whilst providing consistently safe navigation.

2.2. Water Quality

The NSBA supports the Broads Authority’s endeavours to enable viable aquatic plant communities to be established in rivers, dykes, bays and broads, which are isolated from those waterways where a right of navigation exists.

The NSBA will support any initiative to restore broads to at least their original area of water and to a depth of at least 1.5 metres (5ft). In the event of such restoration NSBA will press for these waters to be included in the navigation area.

The NSBA is aligned with the Broads Authority in its efforts to prevent pollution of the waterways.

2.3. Flood Alleviation

Environment Agency plans for flood protection are recognised. NSBA would have preferred the installation of a Yare barrier possibly enhanced by the creation of wash-lands. The recent bank strengthening throughout the Broads as an alternative form of protection can have a negative effect on the Broadland landscape but the roll-back is more attractive than hard-edged quay-headed banks.

The NSBA supports flood alleviation endeavours. Further bank strengthening is considered acceptable providing that the flood wall is not raised so high as to negatively affect the normal view from the water of the traditional landscape of Broadland or increasing the risk of flooding to moorings and riverside facilities.

The NSBA will oppose maintenance costs which arise from flood alleviation works which are not purely for navigation being funded by toll-payers.

The NSBA supports the Broadland Futures Initiative as a partnership for assessing and managing flood risk. The goal is to build a management framework to cope with rising water levels, mainly using nature-based engineering.

The NSBA advises the managements of clubs and other organisations to consider necessary adjustments to marks, staithes and moorings, and to secure their premises well within river defences.

Fish barriers have been installed to protect species from unwarranted salinity incursion into slower moving waters.

The NSBA presses the Environment Agency for timely maintenance, deployment and removal of fish barriers in line with current-flow warnings.

Warmer, wetter winters with hotter summers may see more of us out on the water, but we can expect sea levels to rise by 19-22cm in 20 years, 22-46cm in 50 years and 54-102cm in 100 years. Impacts are likely to include more extreme meteorological events with the Broads low-lying landscape particularly susceptible to flooding exacerbated by often saline water.

The geography of Breydon Water may gradually begin to resemble the estuarine scene of Roman times.

2.4. Disposal of Dredgings

The NSBA believes that traditional ways of disposing of dredgings onto adjacent banks have not generally harmed the natural environment. However, where it can be demonstrated that the spoil contains harmful chemicals or that the sheer volume of mud will have a negative effect then alternatives may need to be found. Releasing dredged seed into less humid environment has been proven to have a deleterious effect on bank-side new growth (willow in particular).

The NSBA supports the Broads Authority in its efforts to identify methods of spoil disposal in order to minimise the impact on the environment. It considers that the toll-payer should not be expected to meet the additional costs that may occur and will continue to press for additional national funding for such expenditure.

A recent initiative for the Broads Authority to partner with Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve is applauded where spoil disposal from dredge at Oulton Broad has been used to create new lagoon spaces within the reserve. This enabled savings in both cost and logistics for the works, as well as improved environmental benefits for the reserve. The NSBA will encourage any further similar initiatives.

The NSBA will resist tolls funding being used for mitigation of excessive bankside growth where this can be shown to have resulted from dredging works (a funding double-penalty).

2.5. Weed Cutting

The cutting of aquatic plants, like dredging, is a necessary management task for the Broads Authority in order to maintain the navigation.

The NSBA considers that the Habitats Directive was misinterpreted when used to prevent the necessary and routine waterways management task of weed cutting. It remains to be seen what the legislation replacing the Habitats Directive says and how it is interpreted. The NSBA also suggests that the Broads Authority’s statutory responsibilities could be better discharged by concentrating nature conservation activities on the many closed broads and giving equal weight to the interests of boating on those open broads that are within the navigation area.

The NSBA will press Natural England to recognise fully the man-made nature of waterway channels and the need to preserve flow-rates and to ensure boaters’ general safety by cutting back weed growth significantly beyond any marked channel.

2.6. Scrub

Mature carr woodland is a characteristic landscape feature of the Broads, but less valuable areas of scrub have recently developed on neglected fens.

The lack of management of scrub in the water margins has had a negative effect on marsh plants, which have previously provided a natural buffer between water and land. The result has been a major loss of wildlife habitat and a weakening of the natural defences against bank erosion. Uncontrolled scrub impedes the natural flow of the wind and creates a wind shadow well beyond its immediate location and therefore can have a negative effect on the quality of sailing conditions.

The NSBA will encourage the Broads Authority to protect and appropriately manage mature carr woodland for the benefit of sailing, wildlife and the landscape. In principle it will oppose any proposals to plant trees on any open site river banks or the fringes of broads and will support any proposals to clear scrub from them. lt will encourage its members to provide voluntary labour to assist in this clearance.

2.7. Birds

One of the attractions of beating on the Broads is the opportunity to observe bird life at close quarters, often with more success than at land-based observation points. Boating and birds have always had a harmonious relationship. However, the NSBA will oppose any legislation which seeks unreasonably to impose limits on boating on the grounds of disturbance to wild birds.

Feral goose populations have increased in certain areas over recent years to the extent that the resulting pollution on moored boats, public staithes, quay headings and other areas adjacent to the water is unpleasant and an unacceptable danger to public health. Seagull droppings raise the same issue.

The NSBA supports moves to control the feral goose population to the point where they are no longer a public nuisance.

2.8. Whitlingham Broad

The NSBA believes that the Whitlingham Broads should be made accessible from the river and that adequate moorings be provided so all river users can enjoy the facilities of this Broads Country park and its surroundings.

3. Climate Change

Climate change is the biggest challenge we face today. A warming climate destroys forests, crops and fisheries worldwide, causing uncontrolled human migrations. It may seem a long way from boating on the Broads, but we are all part of this problem, and we need to be part of the solution too. The government has committed to cut carbon emissions by 78% by 2035 and to achieve net-zero by 2050. Eight bells have sounded for the fossil-fuelled internal combustion engine, and boats will be no exception. Solar-powered and hybrid propulsion solutions are increasingly available and, until such technologies are commonplace, we need to cut the use of fossil fuels.

The NSBA supports a variety of measures including (i) strict enforcement of speed limits, (ii) using nature’s forces by sailing, (iii) pre-planning journeys to ride a favourable current, (iv) fitting solar panels, (v) never using outdoor heaters, (vi) checking the climate impact of lubricants, antifoul, paints and varnishes.

4. Very Important Sailing Areas (VISAs)

The concentration in the NSBA's area of recreational boating in whatever type of craft is on the rivers and broads, the demand for which is considerable. As a consequence of the application of the European Environmental Directives the undifferentiated navigation has been left at a disadvantage. For example; Hickling Broad, which is a large expanse of water upon which there are existing rights of public navigation combined with regular water-borne use, has effectively been redesignated as a conservation reserve. It remains to be seen what the legislation replacing the Environmental Directives says and how it is interpreted.

NSBA accepts and endorses the definition of the navigation area contained in the 1988 Broads Act and believes that all toll-payers should be able to use this area without let or hindrance. To avoid future disagreement between navigation and conservation interests NSBA believes that there should be established certain stretches of the rivers and broads which are of special importance to water-borne recreation and sailing in particular and are protected as such. All of the existing navigable rivers and broads are of vital importance, but the especial areas are Barton, Hickling, Oulton, Wroxham and Hoveton Little Broads and the River Yare between Train Reach Buckenham and Breydon Water, the River Bure from Ranworth to Acle and the River Waveney from St. Olaves to Oulton Dyke, and all club/regatta courses situated outside these areas. These are the major stretches of water in the Broads, which are ideally suitable for all types of recreational boating and, particularly, sailing and sail training. Otherwise the nearest available, suitable, open water is at least ninety miles from the Broads.

4.1 Designation of Very Important Sailing Areas (VISAs)

The NSBA designates Barton, Hoveton Little, Hickling, Oulton and Wroxham Broads, the River Yare between Train Reach Buckenham and Breydon Water, the River Bure from Ranworth to Acle and the River Waveney from St. Olaves to Oulton Dyke as VISAs and will do everything within its ability to protect them as such.

Hoveton Great Broad would be designated a VISA if opened to navigation.

4.2 Characteristics for evaluation of a stretch of water

4.2(1) Areas which have a public or permitted right of navigation. The entire navigable system of the Broads is used for cruising under both sail and power. This system comprises the Navigation Area as defined in the Broads Act 1998 and includes any broads without such a public right but where the owner permits navigation.

• Seagoing vessels with fixed masts or high superstructure are restricted in range by the air-draught of bridges and/or the depth of water. Those requiring an air-draught of more than 3.6 metres (12ft) are unable to gain access to the River Bure because of the fixed bridges at Great Yarmouth. Their access to the lower River Waveney from Great Yarmouth is only possible as far as St. Olaves bridge and to the upper reaches via Haddiscoe New Cut or Mutford Lock. Norwich is accessible from Great Yarmouth but only as far as Postwick Bridge for those exceeding an air-draught of 10.5 metres (35ft). Cruising grounds are thus more limited for these vessels and access to/from the North Sea at Great Yarmouth and Lowestoft is vital both for local owners of such craft and for visiting yachtsmen from elsewhere in the UK and abroad.

4.2(2) Recognised competition or regatta course(s). Important racing areas and regatta courses are located along many stretches of Broadland rivers and on specific broads.

Important areas for racing under sail are: –

River Yare:

• Yare SC: from western end of the New Cut at Trowse to Breydon Water.

• Norwich Frostbites SC: at Whitlingham and on to Coldham Hall.

• Coldham Hall SC: at Coldham Hall and to Breydon Water for their Yare Navigation race.

River Waveney:

• Beccles Amateur SC: racing and regatta course from its clubhouse just below Beccles bypass bridge.

• Passage racing from both Oulton Broad and Beccles to River Yare via Haddiscoe New Cut to Breydon Water at its confluence with River Waveney and return via St. Olaves.

• Waveney & Oulton Broad YC: Oulton Broad racing and regatta courses.

River Bure:

• Norfolk Broads YC: racing and regatta courses on Wroxham Broad.

• Horning SC: Hoveton Little Broad; Didler’s Mill downstream via Homing Reach racing and regatta courses. Horning Reach to Ludham, South Walsham, Hickling and Stokesby for Three Rivers Race and passage racing.

• East Anglian Cruising Club: Thurne Mouth regatta course — from Thurne Lion Dyke to Acle downstream and St. Benet’s Abbey upstream.

• Northern Rivers SC: Thurne Mouth to Acle bridge racing course.

River Ant:

• Norfolk Punt Club: racing and regatta course - Barton Broad.

River Thurne:

• Hickling Broad SC: racing and regatta course - Hickling Broad

Trinity Broads (not connected to the Navigation):

• Rollesby SC: racing course - Rollesby Broad

4.2(3) Much frequented by cruising vessels. Whilst the entire navigable system is used for cruising under sail and motor, the following are highly prized for their open vista and sailing conditions. Our Policy 2.6. (scrub clearance) is particularly applicable to them:–

• River Yare from Buckenham Ferry to Great Yarmouth.

• River Waveney from Oulton Dyke to Breydon Water.

• River Bure from St. Benet’s Abbey to Great Yarmouth.

• River Thurne from its confluence with the River Bure to Hickling, Horsey and West Somerton.

• All navigable broads are frequently selected as destination points when cruising and are included under this heading. Hickling, Barton, and Oulton Broads are particularly important cruising areas, each scoring heavily in the list of criteria.

Outside these areas, sailing has become restricted by heavy scrub growth and, although sailing is enjoyed throughout the entire Broads navigation area, these cruising waters could be substantially improved for both wildlife and sailing by careful management of the river and broad fringes.

4.2(4) An established windsurfing site. The most suitable place for windsurfing and where there is an established windsurfing club is on Hickling Broad.

4.2(5) Areas used for formal sail training. The following are areas where formal sail training takes place:–

Filby and Rollesby Broads (not connected to the Broads Navigation System)

Wroxham Broad Hoveton Little Broad

Barton Broad Hickling Broad

Oulton Broad Beccles

4.2(6) Special facilities for sail training

• Barton Broad (Nancy Oldfield Trust - special facilities for disabled or disadvantaged people)

• Oulton Broad (Waveney Sailability - special facilities for disabled people)

4.2(7) Has overnight mooring sites and/or ideal for the informal instruction of_children in boat handling and/or has a public staithe. Mooring and staithe facilities are vital for those cruising under sail or motor, whilst a quiet location for instructing children in boat handling is important for maintaining the excellent safety record of the Broads.

4.3 Broads used for sailing which are inaccessible from the Broads

system

Decoy (currently used by Scout camps), Rollesby (currently used by Rollesby SC), Filby (currently used by Norfolk Schools Sailing Association)

4.4 Potential areas for sailing that are currently closed or inaccessible from the Broads system

Belaugh, Hoveton Great, Hudson’s Bay, Ranworth, Martham, Ormesby, and Cockshoot Broads

Hoveton Great Broad is probably the most significant of the above and, if opened, would be a very important addition to the navigable water-space of the Broads.

4.5 Special Area

The Whitlingham Broad and Country Park has become important for dinghy sailing, sail training and other water-sports but with encircling hard footpaths there is no connection otherwise to the Broads navigable system and therefore it remains not fully available for widest use.