I was recently invited into the studios of one of the local radio stations to talk about the joys of boating on the Broads. As we discussed the Broads’ history, their creation as a man-made environment, how they need continuous care and management, about the freedom they offer to explore 200km of attractive waterways and landscape, e-mailed questions started to flow in from listeners. How could they get onto the Broads? How could they see them best? Was it difficult to control a boat? Would they be able to afford it? How could they make a start?

As I tried to put them right on those points, it occurred to me that in most instances, they couldn’t do better than come first to the NSBA for the answers.

Our Association is the biggest repository of knowledge, expertise and skill concerning boating on the Broads. We now have almost 50 affiliated organisations: yachting and sailing clubs, large and small, modest and posh. We have people who sail singlehander dinghies, and those who cruise the rivers from the bridge of a twin-engined motor yacht. We have people who restore and sail historic craft, we have people who provide training for young and old, able-bodied, disadvantaged or disabled. We have those who compete for fun, for records, or with an eye on Olympic Gold.

That knowledge, and the routes to it, are now distilled into two publications. One you have in your hand at this moment: the other is its online companion, www.thegreenbook.org.uk – the NSBA’s invaluable website. As Broadland boaters, we do all possible to make the knowledge and expertise we can call on available to you.

The expertise of the Association is increasingly recognised. We are natural consultees for anybody seeking informed opinion on Broadland boating matters. We work with government, local authorities and the Broads Authority. We influenced thinking on the recent Broads Bill, and ensured that it recognised local knowledge, manifested in the BA’s Navigation Committee. We do all we can to ensure that those in authority understand the importance of the Broads as, primarily, a navigation. Without boating, the waterways would have no income and they would soon be lost, to boater, angler and conservationist alike.

If you are an old hand, or new to Broadland boating, I urge you to make full use of this book and the other services we offer. I urge you too to take up individual membership of the Association. It’s not expensive, and in return we will keep you informed about what is going on – and we will continue to represent your interests to those who need to understand them.

Good Boating!

Mark Wells Chair, NSBA February 2010

.