Dan's 2003 holidays

April 2003: “Jamaica” (900E), Horning Pleasurecraft of Horning.
I’d always liked the shape of the Ideal 40 mould, and this was the first type of cruiser we hired back in 1989. Whilst the standard of that craft and waterway had left us little impressed I still liked the style of boat, and I chose one of the two Jamaica’s as both had recently been stripped out and refitted to a good standard. The boat was very good, and with just the two of us onboard was very spacious. Unfortunately (and rather stupidly!) there was no heating in the rear bedroom where we were to sleep, and as this was quite a low cabin so all but one night we slept on the convertible double in the saloon as this was higher up and had heating!! I really liked the boat, but my other half found it all a bit boring, not helped as it was a bit early in the season and hardly any boats were about and none of the local tourist industry seemed to be quite up and running.

June 2003: “San Telmo 2”, Richardsons of Stalham.
Our trip in April had done little to prove that Broads boating holidays are the best thing in the world! So, with a point to prove we booked a fairly last minute break, and from a limited choice and restricted funds chose a Calypso 28 mould of boat from Richardsons. She was a 28ft 2/3 berth that was quite old and on arrival we discovered a strategically placed cushion hid a big rip in the saloon fabric!! Other than that she was quite tidy, with a new galley and a ‘proper’ shower tray rather than the more common lift out panel in the bathroom floor. The ‘floating caravan’ design was much preferred to my choice in April, the sun was out all weekend and the area seemed alive and busy - a major contrast to our last trip and meant that we could both find things to enjoy. I was disappointed when both of the San Telmo class were retired at the end of the season. I saw the boat in 2007 in Richardsons abandoned area awaiting sale, she looked very sorry for herself, hopefully she’s had a spruce up and passed into new hands now.

October 2003: “Lady Diana”, Kris Cruisers of Datchet

This time the two of us were off with my parents and Josh the dog on a 38ft 5/8 berth from Kris Cruisers on the River Thames. We had a limited choice from them as to where pets were allowed (and from ‘04 they weren’t allowed on this choice either!) so Lady Diana seemed to suit on standard and layout, even if the price seemed a bit flabbergasting!! On arrival it was clear this was an incredibly well run and high quality operation and despite being the end of the season the boat looked first class inside and out. Internal and external steering positions meant we could enjoy either the internal comfort or be out on deck enjoying the sun, which also made visibility for the locks better. The biggest difficulty was the boat had no rear access, so you had to walk along or around to the external helm and down some steps to get in. This is something often modified on later Lowliner design models, a big improvement, especially if you have an energetic but not overly cautious Springer Spaniel keen to get ashore! This was a brilliant holiday, everything was right - great boat, great company, great waterway! Anyone liking boats who’s not tried the Thames must try it. I really think that the scenery, attractions and places you pass through really do make this the best UK waterway to have a holiday on.... Can’t wait to be back!