Four abreast

[russ]

I've not been back on the Thames for very long and seems nothing changed with the mind set of the larger boat owner.
Heading back down towards Boulters Lock cut Sunday evening when we were faced with four boats all fanning out to overtake each other. Whilst I know there is plenty of room, surely one would consider boats heading back down stream. At one point it looked like the fastest and biggest vessel was on a collision course with us.

Oh, and I noticed our local friendly advice giver at Bray Lock is still helping the locky.

 

[boatone]

That stretch exiting Biultees and heading up towards Cliveden has always been something of a "mad mile".
not restricted to boats heading upstream though, last week we encountered an emptying lock heading down from Cookham all apparently intent on getting to Boulters ahead of the rest.

 

[TrueBlue]

That stretch exiting Biultees and heading up towards Cliveden has always been something of a "mad mile".
not restricted to boats heading upstream though, last week we encountered an emptying lock heading down from Cookham all apparently intent on getting to Boulters ahead of the rest.

Which of course is completely daft as Boulter's can hold at least twice the number of boats as Cookham.
Still a bit guilty as we often 'open up' a bit to get past the dawdlers..

 

[boatone]

Still a bit guilty as we often 'open up' a bit to get past the dawdlers..

There were no dawdlers !

 

[Chris_d]

Oh, and I noticed our local friendly advice giver at Bray Lock is still helping the locky.

Yes encountered him for the first time on Sunday heading up
Crew did an epic throw to get the top white bollard in one but he still felt the need to give us the full course on how to hold the boat in the lock
Still he was enthusiastic

 

[apollo]

And nice brolly!

 

[normskib]

Yes encountered him for the first time on Sunday heading up
Crew did an epic throw to get the top white bollard in one but he still felt the need to give us the full course on how to hold the boat in the lock
Still he was enthusiastic

He's Harmless

 

[rosssavage]

I did know his name, but I've forgotten it!

I'm pleased for him - he obviously loves being there and interacting with us, so it seems like a great thing that he can do it in an official capacity now.

I've also been offered advice that my rope placement was not in accordance with RYA recommended practice, but I politely declined his advice.

He's harmless, and I'm pleased he is doing something he clearly enjoys doing....

 

[TrueBlue]

I did know his name, but I've forgotten it!

I'm pleased for him - he obviously loves being there and interacting with us, so it seems like a great thing that he can do it in an official capacity now.

I've also been offered advice that my rope placement was not in accordance with RYA recommended practice, but I politely declined his advice.

He's harmless, and I'm pleased he is doing something he clearly enjoys doing....

Is that the chap who wandered up and down the lockside in years past offering 'advice'.
If so a bit irritating when it's incorrect, but as you say, harmless - and I'm sure he means well!

 

[BobnLesley]

...Sunday evening...four boats all fanning out to overtake...surely one would consider boats heading back down stream...

Not just a Thames problem: A year or so ago we made the mistake of heading south from Daytona late one Sunday afternoon, just as the hoardes were returning from their days-out at Smyrna Beach; a variety of craft, all doing around 15-20 knots and 40-60' astern of each other, it looked like something out of Mad Max. The only time there was any more space in these lines was to allow (I kid you not!) for those boats that were towing inflateable bananas, ringos, etc. astern, with there kids riding on them; if one'd fallen-off, it would surely have been carneage.
As we were passing under Orange Beach Bridge - under-sail! - with the motorboats running three abreast north-bound, a fourth pulled out and onto a collision course with us, only pulling back when he was perhaps 50-60' from impact and at the same time hurling abuse because we apparently needed to "get over to your own side!" Not easy when the timber barrier's already within 6' of the starboard beam.
We've encountered idiots everywhere (sail, motor & paddle powered) but Florida, particularly around Miami & Fort Lauderdale, has we believe the most incompetent water users anywhere.

 

[Time Out]

The same chap that told me to go to port in an S48 when fenders and ropes were to Starboard.

I don't mind direction but there was only 12 inches either side !

Offering direction and advice for the sake of it. Neither of it was welcome regardless of the fact it was his lock. Nothing else could fit !