Recent content by Jaysay

Shiplake fixed 11154

Shiplake Lock hydraulic failure. Divers down. Estimated delay stated to be 40 minutes as at 1130 3Oct.

There used to be a booklet with list of all lock numbers, but it is as quick to Google the lock and retain the number on your phone for future use.

Smartphone. Tried VHF but no-one there.

Some good advice here; perhaps I can add to it. I can recommend anchoring if moorings are scarce and/or you want peace and quiet at a place of your choosing. I used to anchor a lot on the Severn and Avon, where moorings are hard to come by, though I have never had the need on the Thames, where...

Is it me, or are we seeing a marked increase in the number of regattas that close off or restrict the navigation on the Thames? Navigating through a regatta can be hell. There seemed to be quite a few this year, and I now see that Desborough Cut will be closed off in January and the reach from...

Not before time! The has been far too much emphasis on the environment and not enough on maintaining the navigation. If only they could clear the trees blocking large parts of the Thames above Oxford as well...

Well you could try Sheridan Marine (http://www.sheridanmarine.com/boatyard/contact), who specialise in Freeman (Freemen?). They are a bit far from Bray, being just above Cleeve, but it would be a good excuse for a cruise for you and they are nice people. I don't have a Freeman, but I have...

Anyone wishing to avail themselves of the slackening stream and opening of Iffley and Abingdon Locks may wish to note that a sunken boat has, apparently, blocked the navigation at Godstow Bridge. I do not know the details, but I assume that both arches are blocked. I understand that the EA hopes...

ABingdon Marina Hi Rafiki I was at the marina for 6 years until last year. It was very good, an excellent location, and I never had any problems at all. The access through the estate was fine and it seemed a very decent area to me, so perhaps True Blue's comment is a bit out of date. The...

Lock Maintenance Programme I have been literally locked in for several months every Winter and Spring for the last three years as the SAME locks are repaired each time either side of my mooring at Abingdon. As a professional engineer I fully recognise the need for regular maintenance (you...

As I understand it, there is a 2m head and the turbines are expected to generate about 200kW - not very much in National Grid terms or when one considers the physical size of the turbines, but enough for a third of the needs of Windsor Castle. I have often thought that it is a pity we do not...

I have just passed the construction site below Romney Lock where they are preparing the above work, and two of the Archimedes Screw turbines are visible on Home Park, awaiting installation. Quite a sight! They must be about 2 or 3 metres in diameter and about 6 metres long. Worth a visit if you...

Well, that one seemed to get everyone going...

I take the point that often these people will return a friendly wave and, perhaps, we should try to be tolerant of their choice of lifestyle. But the communities at Reading and Kingston are but one example of several on the river: offhand, I can think of semi-permanent boats also at the aits...