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Three Edwardian wherries will ply the northern and southern rivers of the Broads throughout August on a three week tour organised by the Broads Authority.

The annual wherry tour which runs from August 5th to 25th, is an ambitious project which gives the public the chance to experience the Broads in style from the decks of traditional sailing craft, while keeping the Broads heritage very much alive.

Wherries Hathor, Olive and Norada, built between 1905 and 1912, will sail together from Wroxham to Lowestoft, and up the Waveney to the navigational limit at Geldeston Lock. On August 11th they will go through Mutford Lock and offer 2½ hour trips round Lake Lothing. Sailings on the tour vary in length from half an hour to a nine-hour day to suit all needs and interests. Some trips include a buffet or afternoon tea on board while others end with a meal at a pub or restaurant.

At some destinations passengers can join in with other activities, such as canoe and rowing boat hire at Geldeston Lock, Nutmeg Puppet Shows, commissioned by the Broads Authority, which carry a "green message," guided walks and bat hunts.

No sailing experience is necessary. The wherries will be crewed by Broads Authority staff who have undergone intensive training for the tour.

Connecting transport is included in the cost with some trips this year including connections by train. Each boat takes up to 12 passengers and have seats on deck with comfortable cabins and toilet facilities below. Refreshments are available on the pre-booked sailings.

Short sailings, for which there is no advance booking, will be held on August 15th, 16th and 19th, at Beccles and Geldeston. Tour prices range from £2 for a half hour sail to £20 for a full day.

With only seven wherries left in the Broads this is a unique opportunity to experience the Broads as they used to be. And for those who don't fancy a sail there are plenty of opportunities to step aboard these historic trading craft while they are at their moorings.

For a wherry tour leaflet and booking form please contact The Broads Authority, 18 Colegate, Norwich, NR3 1BQ, or telephone 01603 610734. Please mention GetAfloat.com when making contact. Bookings are by post only.

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