Self-Steer Canal and River Ops

Specialist Reports Activity Holidays Boating/Sailing Holidays Bareboat Charters Self-Steer Canal and River Ops Blakes 

	Blakes
Wroxham, Norwich NR12 8DH			MAP
tel: (01603) 782 400; brochures (01603) 739 333

A big name in boating (founded in 1908), an agency incorporating specialist boatyards, offering a wide selection of bases. In addition to canals has sailing on the Broads. Now offers 900 vessels in the UK and 500 elsewhere.
There are onboard skippers' manuals in all boats, specific to the boat and area with information on navigating the waterways, boat handling, operating equipment as well as essential service and emergency contact information. Specialist maps and guides can be ordered through Blake's brochure by postal order.

Where

Norfolk Broads, English and Welsh Canals, the Thames, Loch Ness-Caledonian Canal, Ireland, Brittany, Burgundy, Alsace-Lorraine, Charente, Aquitaine, Midi, Camargue, and river Lot, Ireland, and the Netherlands.

Type of Vessels

Fibre glass, style varying between broad canal, long boat and cruiser. Also narrowboats, barges and some yachts. Accommodate up to 12.

Equipment

Linen but not towels, most have TVs, some on request. Rest of equipment, eg fridges, depending on age of boat. All boats can offer some form of cotsides. Blue Chip boats provide extra comfort.

Safety

Safety vests including for toddlers. Free tuition is available from all boatyards prior to departure and a special Blake's video ‘Cruising with Confidence' can be ordered for some extra home tuition. The RYA Recognised Teaching Centre at Herbert Woods of Potter Heigham and The Norfolk Broads School of Sailing in association with Eastwood Whelpton's boatyard at Upton provide a variety of courses ranging from two to six days.

Sample Price

High season around £105 per person on the Broads. Canals around 10% more, France nearer £150.