the beccles wooden boat show

The Beccles Wooden Boat Show is a celebration of wooden broads cruisers. It is an independent event that takes place at Beccles Yacht Station each year on the second Saturday in August. We attract a range of boats spanning back close to 100 years with most of the broads based manufacturers from times past represented. Broom Boats, Powles, Herbert Woods, Royalls, Sandersons, names of just some of the prolific builders whose boats are still enjoyed just as much today as when they were first launched.

The event is a private gathering of a group of like-minded individuals. There is no intended connection with any organisation, forum or company. There is no entry fee, no club to join, no membership fees to pay, no hidden agenda, no commercial sponsorship and we have nothing to sell. The only thing attendees pay is their mooring fees to the yacht station. The event is financed by me and me alone. That is my choice. Why? Well I don’t drink, smoke or keep maggots in the fridge. I do, however, have a passion for these old woodies and this is me indulging my passion and, in the process, recreating what Beccles yacht station once looked like the way I remember it back in my youth. A line of glorious boats covered in varnish.

I call it a boat show because we encourage those attending to open their boats up for each other to have a look round, to ‘show’ them. To show anything is an extension of pride of ownership and to be able to both own and share one of these glorious vessels that brings back memories for so many is very much a part of our event. These old hire boats were the very first taste of boating for millions of people over the decades and they continue to bring pleasure today. 

We are extremely fortunate to have many owners who do feel able to open up their boats and are willing to allow us to browse around and be taken back in time surrounded by mahogany, oak, varnish and all that those wonderful interiors offer. Showing your boat is not a prerequisite of attendance, some boats cannot be opened for any number of reasons, safety, work in progress, a moody Alsatian etc. which we fully understand and accept.

As part of the event we run a fun quiz that has a question on each boat attending which again encourages people to visit each other and talk. That way everyone feels involved, part of the show.

Many attendees choose to come early and join us in Oulton Broad on the Thursday for tea and cake followed by powerboat racing. We have a cruise in company from Oulton Broad to Beccles for the event on the preceding Friday. Two dozen or so old woodies cruising the Waveney together in close formation makes quite a sight! Show day is Saturday with social evenings Friday and Saturday night.

At the event there is a huge wealth of knowledge and experience on just about any and every aspect of running a wooden boat. Advice on planking, electrics, the best fenders, where to get the best deals on materials – and labour! Meeting and talking to other owners, people who have been there and done that before you, can help keep these boats going and is, maybe, the most important part of the show? 

The Beccles Wooden Broads Cruiser Show is the biggest gathering of wooden broads cruisers on the broads. Entry is by private invitation only, we have no extra available spaces on the day. If you would like to find out more, come and see the boats, be considered for an invitation or, perhaps, just like to get in touch, then please use the contact details on this website and we will be in touch.