Getting safely through Great Yarmouth
Getting through Great Yarmouth means crossing Breydon Water which can be rough in high winds.
This means planning ahead and crossing at the right times at low water. Don't attempt to cross in fog.
You'll need to cross Breydon Water if you want to cruise between the northern rivers (Bure, Ant and Thurne) and the southern rivers (Yare, Chet and Waveney).
If in doubt whether it's safe to cross, call Broads Control (01603 756056) or Great Yarmouth Yacht Station on 01493 842794.
- Time your arrival in Great Yarmouth to coincide with the right tide - slack, low water or just after, which is approximately one hour after low water at Great Yarmouth Yacht Station. To find out when low or slack 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 bridges. If you try to cross at high water you may not get under bridges and there is nowhere safe to wait for the tide to drop if you are on Breydon side.
- It will take about 2¼ hours to get to Great Yarmouth from Acle and about 2 hours from Reedham or St Olaves.
- Stay within posts - there is shallow water outside the posted channel.
- Everyone should wear a life jacket, but especially when crossing Breydon Water.
- Make sure your mobile phone is charged.
Download map and instructions here
Ranger patrols
Regular ranger patrols are made to coincide with high tide at Great Yarmouth Yacht Station during the summer and updates are passed regularly to the Yacht Station and Broads Control. If in doubt, check with Great Yarmouth Yacht Station 01493 842794. Passage should not be attempted in fog. You'll find additional information from rangers in our Breydon navigation notes.
Byelaws
Broads Authority Speed Limit Byelaws apply on Breydon Water although there are no speed limits. All vessels must exercise care navigating this stretch under the Broads Authority Navigation Byelaws:
- Navigation Byelaws 1995
- Vessel Registration Byelaws 1997
- Vessel Dimension Byelaws 1995
- Speed limit byelaws 1992
- Broads Act 1988
- Broads Authority Act 2009 (which amends various sections and definitions contained in the above).