Assistance Shoreham locks Friday 11:00 am

[Boo2]

Hi,

I have to get Sunrunner through the Shoreham lock on Friday at 11:00am to get her lifted at the Sussex Yacht Club and I wondered if any denizen is going to be available to help me through the lock at that time ? Will obviously be setting out from Southwick by 10:45 or so.

I would ask on the SYC members' forums but haven't succeeded in registering yet.

Thanks in advance,

Boo2

 

[Plevier]

I might, can't promise at this stage. PM me your mobile number.
If you tell the lock-keepers in advance that you're single handed I'm sure they will help with lines anyway, they normally do unless coping with a commercial at the same time.
Hope it's the small lock!
Mike

 

[Boo2]

Also, while I'm here, can anyone tell me the best way to approach this lock ?

For those not in the know, it doesn't have pontoons nor vertical rails you can loop a line through, all there is are recessed steel ladders and vertical (& horizontal ) baulks running down the sides.

I am at a loss to see how to approach it single handed because the baulks will need to align with fenders and the ropes will need to be continually moved down the ladders.

We made a right mess of it last time and I won't have anyone to shout at this time

Thanks,

Boo2

 

[nimbusgb]

Fender board/s ie a scaffold plank suspended outside your fenders, will make alignment non critical.

Looong lines looped around some point allowing you to pay out as you fall ( or rise ) ? Then just retrieve from one end.

Could be available to do the trip. PM me

 

[Plevier]

Ah that's the big commercial lock. Yes it's a pain. You need to do lots of pushing off and don't rope in too tight. No easy solution. Best to tie onto another boat with more crew!
Suggest you find out if you'll be in the small lock. That has a floating pontoon to tie to (south side of lock). Easy with two people or if you can get one of the keepers to take your ropes.
If you can grab someone at Southwick to help they don't have to come all the way to Shoreham with you, they can get off at the lock and walk back.
If single, don't rush in. Give the water time to settle after gates open. Have your ropes ready!
At Shoreham there are scrubbing posts to tie to on west side of slip if the crane isn't ready for you to go straight in.

 

[geoid96]

Hi,

I have to get Sunrunner through the Shoreham lock on Sunday at 11:00am . . . . .

Boo2

Not that I can help, but your title says Friday 11:00 and your message Sunday 11:00.

Either way, high water is mid-day'ish on springs so you won't have to contend with too much fall in the lock and possibly none if you wait a bit.

 

[Boo2]

Not that I can help, but your title says Friday 11:00 and your message Sunday 11:00.

Well spotted, it is Friday (tomorrow) not Sunday.

Either way, high water is mid-day'ish on springs so you won't have to contend with too much fall in the lock and possibly none if you wait a bit.

Yes, that will make things easier but the locking times are fixed by the lock keepers and I've made arrangements for being lifted at the other end so the time is more or less fixed.

Thanks for the advice,

Boo2

 

[Boo2]

Just to say thanks to Troubadour and nimbusgb for their offers of help. In the end Troubadour gave me a hand as I phoned nimbusgb a bit late.

The lock was the small one which has a pontoon but I'm still glad I didn't have to try it solo...

Thanks again,

Boo2