A flotilla of yachts will fill Norfolk's famous Broads when they sail over on an international visit.

The fleet of more than 30 Bavaria yachts will travel from their home berths in Holland this weekend, sailing into Lowestoft and then coming in to Great Yarmouth.

Their visit has been organised by the Northern Rivers Sailing Club, based on the River Bure near Acle, and has involved military precision in its planning as the visiting fleet will be pass through two road bridges, a rail bridge and over Reedham's chain ferry.

Jeff Harteveldt, vice commodore at Northern Rivers, said the trip came about after he and ellow club members met the commodore of the Bavaria Owners Club of Holland at the Coldham Hall pub two years ago.

'There were 12 of us on the south Broads moored up at Coldham Hall. We took up all the space and up came this 50 foot Bavaria yacht. It couldn't get any further so we moved to allow it to come in and were invited on board and the friendship grew from there,' he added.

'We kept in touch with the commodore, they're celebrating their 25th anniversary this year and they thought what a brilliant idea it would be to invite a few friends to come over.

'It was originally going to be half a dozen boats but it's turned out to be 36 with something like 110 people aboard.'

The Dutch yachts, ranging in size from 39 - 50ft, are due to arrive in Lowestoft on Saturday.

They will head to Yarmouth on May 5, making their way up the River Yare and through Haven Bridge.

A Broads Authority vessel will escort them through Breydon Bridge onto Breydon Water, through Reedham rail bridge and over the ferry, which will lower its chain to the bottom of the river, before they head to Coldham Hall.

On May 6 they will travel by train to Norwich, with an extra carriage arranged at Brundall to fit them all on, for a special meeting with the Lord Mayor at City Hall.

Mr Harteveldt said: 'We're absolutely looking forward to it, It's been nine months in planning.

'The only thing that will create problems is poor weather so we're keeping our fingers crossed the weather will be good.

'They should be quite a sight coming up through Yarmouth.'

The fleet will set sail for Holland on May 7 passing back down through Yarmouth before heading for home.

And in the future it is hoped members of Northern Rivers will be able to make a return visit to Holland.