Norfolk Wherry Charter boats set sail on Broads

Dozens of people turned out to watch and ride the five historic pleasure wherries in the care of the Norfolk Wherry Charter sail out to mark the end of its 2023 sailing season.

Andrew Scull, the charity's chairman, said of the September 30 sailing: “Everything went really well - even the weather was kind to us. 

The Norfolk Wherry Charter's vessels were out in force (Image: Mary Ryan Underwood)READ MORE: Council set to buy four homes to help refugees and homeless households

“It was remarkably well attended, all of the five boats were full of passengers and crew. We managed to stay in pretty good formation.”

The charity sails the wherries between May 1 and September 30. They are usually based at Wroxham apart from the oldest boat, Hathor, which spends much of the season at How Hill. 

Andrew Scull, Norfolk Wherry Charter chairman (Image: Denise Bradley)READ MORE: Historic tea room set within woodland reopens in coastal town

Mr Scull said: “At the end of the season she sails back to Wroxham and the other four boats sail out to meet her. 

“From there we sail all five of them back and that marks the end of the season.”

Pleasure wherries on the Norfolk Broads. (Image: Mary Ryan Underwood)READ MORE: Norfolk tip to be AXED (even though hundreds wanted it saved)

The boats all have fascinating histories. 

Hathor was built in 1905. Named after the Egyptian goddess of love, her interior is adorned with hieroglyphics and decorations from the age of the pharaohs. 

Olive was first available to hire when she was built in 1909. Sailings then cost as little as £10, including the hire of a skipper and a steward. 

A historic photo of Norada, built in 1912, which was once renamed Lady Edith (Image: Library image)Norada, built in 1912, features a large saloon with an antique piano. In the 1950s she was bought by a man who had sailed on her for his honeymoon and renamed her Lady Edith, in tribute to his wife. 

White Moth, built in 1915, once sank in a dyke at Neatishead after the couple who owned her had a row on board and one of them vented their anger by cutting a hole in the hull.

Historic photo of the pleasure wherry Ardea, which was once owned by a Parisian madame (Image: Library image)Ardea, built in 1927, was once owned by a Parisian madame, who allowed “her girls” to spend their spare time relaxing on board while she was moored opposite the Eiffel Tower.

A historic image of Hathor on the Norfolk Broads (Image: Library image)