The “Bold Captain” Gray
Gallant to the last (drop) and the inspiration and organiser behind many of the expeditions. Mr Gray is undoubtedly a great leader of men (notably when at the front of a procession to a local hostelry).
Having initially built and subsequently redesigned “Bridge of Birds” through several incarnations (which have fallen short of her becoming an aircraft carrier - though not by much), he has a substantial knowledge of small boat building techniques and theory, and all manner of alternative sailplans
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John aka “Bang F***” the galley slave.
An inspirational cook known to have created culinary delights to rival the infamous “Frappe Mystique a la Aldershot” [thank you Spike Milligan], and in the confines of a limited galley, and all for the sole reward of hearing the satisfied grunts of “good scoff that”.
John has also got more blood, sweat and tears invested in the various incarnations of “Bridge” than anyone else alive or undead. He has a substantial knowledge of small boat building, particularly how to fabricate just about any marine fitting from about 3 hundredweight of quality hardwood, armed with little more than a spokeshave; and of making and modifying numerous sails in accordance with the alternative sailplans mentioned above.

Nick “87 Tacks” Simpson
Always an individualist, Nick is the proud master of “Waltzing Matilda” a craft designed and built craft by his brother-in-law’s late father, which at about 14ft stem to stern was seaworthy enough to be sailed around the fearsome seas of the Scottish Hebrides.
A deft (yes that was d.. e...f... t), skilled and ingenious engineer, innovator and occasional welder he is constantly finding new ways to modify some aspect of Matilda or other favourite craft, in the quest for the ultimate in effectiveness, efficiency and staying comfortable.
Nick has a substantial knowledge of “cormorant posts” in Hickling Broad.

Graham “where’d that wind go?” Boocock

The only member of the core team to sail a standard type of craft - famously salvaged from impending destruction for the price of a pint (the boat that is, not Graham - although....), he has a serious aversion to getting too wet having cut his sailing teeth on “keelers” as opposed to dinghies, where getting wet wrestling with ill tempered sails tended to mean staying wet for long periods.
Graham has a substantial knowledge of how fast a boat can accelerate when hit by a squall and how manacing a leeward shore looks when approached at speed in a GRP boat!

Anoop “what’s down here then?” Kotecha
A Stalwart sailing member, Anoop used to do “proper” dinghy sailing off the shores of Alderney (steady reliable breeze and none of these fiddly little rivers), so the Broads experience came as a bit of a shock at first. Still, ever game for a challenge he was quick to disappear at some speed, down the cut returning (some time) later under power of oars and supreme effort (“Yes Anoop it is tidal !!!”).
Anoop now has a substantial knowledge of small fiddly channels and drainage dykes which seem to have him enthralled.

Curzon (Cog) (Coil-Meister) Wragg
Well what is there left to say that hasn’t been said before about our dashing new mariner (Well actually .... just about anything flattering!). So I’ll pander to his self delusions and let him introduce himself .....
One of two new recruits (a.k.a. Johnny come latelys) to the RM crew. Discovered the delights of the Broads in 2009 and also found messing about in boats quite entertaining at the same time. Early on in the piece he discovered beer and boating to be an excellent mix when a mooring at Salhouse Broad afforded the opportunity to visit the Woodfordes brewery. As a result a small trolley to assist in the transportation of beer is high on the packing list for future trips. Sailing so far has been a mixed experience with the low point being a failure to tack on his first solo outing in a dinghy resulting in an encounter with trees, a lowering of the mast and the slow row back to the cruiser. The high point being the ‘dipping of the gunwales’ in Jasmine on Horsey Mere some days later. Also discovered on first outing was a disturbing penchant for rope coiling which resulted in some artistic arrangements on Silver Jubilee.

Simon (Sam) Hudson
Am man so relaxed - its a wonder he doesn’t collapse in a heap BEFORE setting about the beer, wine and whisky stocks. Far too relaxed to contribute his Photo or Bio yet!!

AND .... The Shore Crew
Mention here should also go to long suffering partners, friends etc., some of whom have also had the good fortune (?) to previously have been sailing members - I’m sure we will add more of them to these details in time.
Our thanks for their forbearance, patience - and permission to engage in these forays, they are very much a part of the Reed Manglers spirit - but not as damp as the rest of us.