Dan's 2005 holidays

April 2005: “Elizabeth” - Sally Boats, Bradford-on-Avon
Having recently bought my first house the budget had been tight so Blakes 20% off for 4-day breaks during this period won the day. We cruised from Sally Boats base at Bradford-on-Avon to Bath and back, and on to Devizes. The boat was well looked after and had been built to a high standard

August 2005: “Highland Gem 2”, Richardsons of Stalham

I’d enjoyed my last trip on the Broads so much it seemed hard to wait until October, so in August I was back, this tome with my best friends and their little boy. It was their furst boating holiday so I was a little concerned over whether they’d enjoy it or not. I needn’t have worried - the weekend was first class and we’ve been every year since with them! The boat was ideal for us with two seperate cabins and bathrooms, and the central sliding canopy meant we could enjoy our vodka and cokes in the sun!

June 2006: “Magic Gem 3” - Richardsons of Stalham
Fancying a weeks holiday we chose Magic Gem 3 from Richardsons as we could leave all beds up, had our own bathrooms and she was very good value. She was a bit worn around the edges, but was very clean, quite spacious, everything worked and for the price was pretty good value. My Mum, Dad and Josh the dog enjoyed a good week and we crossed Breydon Water so as to be able to explore the Southern Broads a little more. We were able to pass under Beccles bridge and spotted a few Kingfishers, It was like another world through there - very quiet, pretty and unspoilt, definately worth doing if your boat style/height allows

Despite all the other Broadland trips this year I was back again, and with Mum, Dad, Josh. The main reason was Go Boating Uk’s new operation was offering such an amazing price it seemed madness to go anywhere else! Orient Star was their 29ft 2/4 berth which they had bought from R&J Russell after they had stopped hiring at the end of 2004. She was recently built and very comfortable, the staff were friendly and we were very impressed.