Navigators & General sponsors Navigators 3 Rivers Race

22 May 2009

For the 14th consecutive year, Navigators & General (N&G), the UK's leading pleasurecraft insurer and part of the Zurich Group, is sponsoring what is believed to be largest and most unique inland waterways yacht race in Europe - The 49th Navigators Three Rivers Race.

Run by Horning Sailing Club the race is held across three rivers on the Norfolk Broads - the Bure, Ant and Thurne. It takes place over the weekend of Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st May 2009 and the staggered starts commence at 11am on Saturday 31st May and continue through the afternoon.

The course is 50 miles long, and is an invitation-only event with over 120 boats taking part. Participants range from fleets of Wayfarer dinghies and classic local half deckers to the larger cruisers and adapted racing yachts built for the broads. Competitors have to navigate tight broads and open dykes, avoiding other competitors and hire boats travelling in all directions.

Engines are (of course) banned, and race participants have the extremely difficult task of lowering masts to pass three low bridges one of the highlights of the weekend event which generally makes for a hugely entertaining spectator event in beautiful surroundings.

James Roberts Head of Navigators & General said "The broads are tidal, so having a strategy to get your boat under the bridges by paddle, or pole power is vital. There is a 24hr time limit to complete the course, which isn't often enough as the wind normally dies in the evenings."

Navigators & General will be competing in the classic Broads cruisers "Primrose & Camellia", with staff and guests making up the crew. After last years retirement of both boats due to lack of water they are hoping to make the finish within the 24 hrs.

There are numerous key vantage points on the banks of the broads, but two of the most popular are the start at Horning Sailing Club or at Potter Heigham - the site of the tightest bridge that competitors pass under with their masts dropped.