First time on the Broads on a Hunter’s Yacht?
Or, been a while since you last sailed on one of our boats?
In either case, the instructional clips below may help in explaining what’s what, how things go together, or maybe just serve to refresh your memory!
Cover Removal, Boat Packs, Lowering and Raising Mast
The Wind, Beaufort Scale, Reefing (Shortening Sail)
Quanting, Prepare to Hoist Sails
Hoisting Sails
Basic Sailing Techniques
Mooring, Coming Alongside
Getting out of ‘Irons’
Lowering, Stowing Sails, Replacing Boat Cover
Hunter’s Half Deckers (Day Boats)
We don’t ask for formal qualifications but expect you to have sailed recently as the skipper in charge. Good dinghy helmsmen have no difficulty sailing our boats but experienced seas-sailors can find Broads sailing a bit different at first.
Our boats are provided with a quant (a type of punt pole) and instruction is given on its use. We have a programme to fit electric flooding propeller motors to the cabin yachts and a number have already been fitted. These motors are not designed for sustained motoring but just to use in awkward situations, like getting off a leashore, mooring and bridges. Our day-boats are supplied with either oars or paddles.
Yes, and currents and tidal flows do affect sailing, particularly in light winds. Tide tables are provided on the boats or on the ‘Aweigh’ app. The tides do affect the clearance at some bridges too. The tidal range in most of the rivers and broads is normally less than 10cm.
Each cabin yacht has two drawers under each bunk (capable of holding the contents of a reasonable sized suitcase) and further storage beside the bunk. Storage space for suitcases/bags is limited so it’s best to unpack and leave bags in your car. There are two large drawers in the well for food storage and bulky items can be stored in the forepeak.
Our boats have no power supply for refrigerators. A good quality cold box will keep food cold for up to three days and we (and other boatyards) have the facility to re-freeze freezer blocks.
