Bootlegger celebrates in style for her 100th year on the water!
Bootlegger, our very own Norfolk Broads vintage yacht, has been celebrating her 100th birthday year, by taking on the Bootlegger 100 challenge!
This challenge has seen her sail to all the ends of navigation on the Northern and Southern rivers! From Horsey to Horning, Barton to Beccles and even into Norwich, she has been there in 2023!
We would like to say a massive thank you to all of our customers that have made this happen. Some of the highlights include:
Launch Party March 2023!
Bootlegger was launched in style back in March of this year with a birthday bash attended by over 50 people, including members of the local school community and boat builders past and present, that have restored and maintained her over the years. We were very lucky to have some wonderful art work produced for this event:
3RR – The Three Rivers Race 2023
The 3RR is an inland sailing race on The Bure, The Thurne and The Ant. All competitors have 24 hours to complete the course, which includes navigating bridges and often sailing into the early hours of the morning. We were thrilled that one of our long time customers decided to enter Bootlegger this year and with the help of one of our most experienced instructors, saw her over the finish line in 50th place out of a total of 102 entries.
Eastwood Whelpton Summer Flotilla 2023 – exploring the southern rivers
Next, August saw Bootlegger lead a flotilla of Eastwood Whelpton yachts to the southern rivers for a week of sun soaked sailing and exploration. The itinerary included crossing Breydon Water, with overnight moorings at Loddon, Lowestoft Yacht Club, Geldeston Lock and Oulton Broad. When not on the water, we managed to fit in wine tasting, open water swimming, watching the power boat racing and even a (rather competitive) game of football!
Bootlegger and the Flying Scotsman enjoy a birthday get together!
What could be better than messing around with boats? Messing about with boats and trains at the same time of course! In June this year Bootlegger and the Flying Scotsman aligned for a brief moment in time, to celebrate this momentous year. We were thrilled to be able to capture the moment on camera!
Barton Charter Regatta 2023
Barton Charter Regatta takes place every year in October and is a week filled with friendly but competitive racing, on Barton Broad. Bootlegger was hired by an amazing crew this year and we were thrilled to see her win a trophy or two!
We wonder what the next 100 years will bring? If you would like to be part of Bootleggers next adventure, get in touch today!
