23rd April and 29th April 2024 Well, the weather on Tuesday 23rd April looked alright (ie. it wasn’t raining) when Humphrey B, Barry H, John A and Duncan H assembled at the Carnser to take potential new member Kevin out on his first trial row. However, the sky rapidly darkened as a squall passed overhead and the wind picked up considerably. Nothing daunted, Humphrey decided conditions were just about good enough to get on the water and, indeed, by the time the skiff was launched the squall had passed and the wind had dropped from ‘gale force’ to ‘somewhat bracing’. With it blowing across the ..read more

Many thanks to Alan C for his account below of what proved to be something of a baptism of fire for potential new CRABbers as both skiffs were put through their paces in somewhat challenging conditions. That this first row took place so late in the season reflects the appalling weather we’ve had ever since the skiffs were moved to Blakeney and which, sadly, shows little prospect of abating in the near future. Thanks also to Alan and Barry H for the accompanying photos of the event. “An afternoon row at 4:15 pm on Saturday 20th April 2024 promised to be a great opportunity to give possible new ..read more

9th February and 20th March 2025 Both boats have undergone annual maintenance to get them ready for the summer. This has involved thorough cleaning inside and out, repairing any damaged areas, re-painting where necessary and stripping down and re-varnishing the gunwales and both sets of oars. Bluejacket is back on the Carnser and ready for action; Hoi Larntan will follow shortly when maintenance is complete. Thanks to all who turned out to help with this necessary but rewarding task ..read more

Friday 8th March 2025 Barry H has sent us this picture of him giving a talk about CRAB’s activities to the Sheringham/Muzillac Twinning Association. It took place at a dinner at The Lighthouse in Sheringham. Areas covered included the fun of rowing, a description of the skiffs and how outings are organised. There was a special description of the club’s trip to Morbihan last year – not far from Muzillac. The audience numbered about 40 ..read more

Thank you Barry H for this report on a very special Barton outing. Friday 8th March “The crew met at sunny Barton, eager to row and to celebrate Tom’s big birthday. The wind blustered and constantly changed direction as the skiff was being prepared. Stalham was deemed a worthy destination: it soon became clear that a strong headwind would preclude a visit to Sutton. Tom and Rob shared the cox/stroke duties on the way with Barry at three, Jenny at two and David in the bow position. In the shadow of the trees, the rowing was sheltered and pleasant. There was the promise of cake and crew members ..read more

Tuesday, February 6th 2024 Duncan H writes: “Well, it’s not often this year that I’ve been able to write that conditions for Tuesday’s row were near perfect: the light rain had stopped by the time we had launched the skiff, it wasn’t very cold, the sun was (almost) shining and there was scarcely a breath of wind. Things would have been completely perfect had the geese not decided to stage a dirty protest on the slipway, making things very slippery if you misjudged your step. We set off down the Ant heading towards Wayford Bridge with Steve McG stroking, Duncan H at Bow, Andrew F at Two and Dav ..read more

Many thanks to Alan C for this account of Sunday’s row from Barton Turf. Not too many more opportunities now to enjoy a row in these parts before the skiff returns to Blakeney for the summer. Sunday 25th February 2024 “This morning started with a frost. The windscreen had to be cleared of ice, the morning mist had not yet lifted as the sun tried to break through, making for some great photo opportunities.  The water level at Barton Turf was very high, making launching from the slipway very easy! Then the sun came out and we were jealous of Rosemary who had brought her sunglasses.&nbs ..read more

The Bard of Barton amuses us with another of his Crabbers’ missives. “The crew arrived at Cox’s Boatyard to find the skiff exhibiting signs of a wet previous row [You betcha, see previous blog entry.Ed]. After a quick bale-out, and with sail-cloth and a Sainsbury’s bag-for-life, all supplied by a quick-thinking Rob, we were ready to launch, with covers for our wet seats. The water was high so the launch was easy.  Adrian M took stroke, Rob and Tony in the engine room , with David on lookout in bow. We set off across Barton Broad with a stiffening breeze. Lots of cormorants buzzed overhead ..read more

Sunday 18th February Duncan H writes: “Things were not looking good on the way over to Barton Turf, the rain falling steadily and several roads in the vicinity being flooded. Not to be put off, however, Bluejacket was launched and we set off for How Hill with Humphrey coxing, Alan C stroking, Anta at 3, Andrew F at 2 and Duncan H keeping an eye on things from Bow. Pitter-patter went the rain, but on the plus side there was very little wind, even as we went across the Broad. Nearing How Hill, Humphrey commented that the rain was definitely easing a bit, immediately after which it became conside ..read more

Many thanks to Barry H for yet another account of a CRAB outing. Sounds like we might just be seeing some better weather, for a change. Friday 16th February. “What an excellent day for a row! Barry, Diana, Tom, David and John set off into a light westerly wind with the aim of rowing under Wayford Bridge and as far as the Dilham turn. John set a fine pace. There were three calls for firm rowing and the bridge was reached in good time. Passing through the arch presented no problem as the headwind remained slight. There was even a long period of bright sunshine which lifted the mood even more. Th ..read more