Safely through Great Yarmouth
Getting through Great Yarmouth is essential if you would like to cross Breydon Water to cruise between the northern rivers (Bure, Ant and Thurne) and the southern rivers (Yare, Chet and Waveney). This really does require thinking ahead - so plan your passage carefully and don’t just leave after breakfast! Read on for some tips to help you and please read the notes on the maps as well.
The Broads Authority operates a navigation ranger patrol in the Breydon Water area. In high winds Breydon Water can be rough at high water, but if you cross at the right times at low water this should not be a problem. Remember that you are advised never to navigate Breydon Water (or anywhere else) in fog. If in doubt about whether it's safe to cross, you can telephone your boatyard or Broads Radio Control (01603 756056) for advice.
- You must time your arrival in Great Yarmouth to coincide with the right tide - slack low water or just afterwards. Slack low water is approximately 1¼ hours after low water at Great Yarmouth Yacht Station. To find out when low water is check the tide tables. At slack low water the current is weaker so it’s easier to moor and there is more room under the bridges. If you try to cross at high water you may not get under the bridges, and there is nowhere safe to moor to wait for the tide to drop if you are on the Breydon Water side.
- It will take about 2¼ hours to get to Great Yarmouth from Acle and about 2 hours from Reedham or St Olaves.
- Check the map here and follow its directions. It is very important to stay within the posts as there is very shallow water outside the posted channel.
- Remember that everyone should wear a life-jacket, but especially when crossing Breydon Water.
The rivers, bridges and currents in Great Yarmouth 
Visiting Great Yarmouth
- You can moor up at the Broads Authority's Great Yarmouth Yacht Station. The quay rangers will assist you when possible.
- Always approach the moorings against the tide.
- It may be difficult to turn in the narrow river, so turn well upstream or down, depending on the tide, giving yourself plenty of time. If it's busy, be prepared to go down through the bridges and turn where there is more room.
- You must not proceed downstream if three vertical red lights are on the Yarmouth/Acle road bridge.
- Check the map to help you.
