Hairy ride

[byron]

I was asked to take a Broom 37 Continental from my place to Upper thames Motor Yacht Club today which was interesting to say the least especially leaving certain locks.
Mapledurham was awash which was amusing.
The worst part was getting the boat back on its berth at the UTMYC as the jetty is downstream of the flow and directly opposite a large sluice that tried to suck the boat. Not only was I being pulled off the berth but also being pulled at right angles too. Quite hairy but once the boat knew I wasn't having any of her nonsense she slipped dociley on which rather took me by surprise. One moment fighting for control next moment acting like a baby. Two extremes.

 

[Captain Coochie]

I'm sure your case was down to being a good Skipper , I however am amazed when a boat i don't know does what i want it to do . I expect it's because you know what the river is doing where and when . Sussing that out is the key is'nt it ?

 

[TrueBlue]

Old Father Thames -

Is a pussy cat in normal summer conditions - which is when most folks do their boating, so this year everyone (including EA) has been caught out. Despite Strong Stream warnings being issued I have been surprised at the number of hire boats still proceeding (I'm talking about the rain in late June), as well as smaller boats with inadequate power to breast the flow.

It's not so much the open river but bridges and some of the lock weir streams. People don't realise the eddies ("whirlpools") around some locks downstream of the weirs and the pull of upstream weirs. Forewarned is forearmed, but some boaters are totally ignorant of the issues. We met a NB trying to enter Marsh lock from the upstream end last Wednesday and he slowed so much that the boat was pulled towards the weir, and very nearly crashed into the lock nose. The boat had "Abingdon Marina" on the side so I assumed he knew the river. I suggested he might fare better if he kept some more speed on, but when he came to Hambledon after the Uppers had left, he did precisely the same - and expressed surprise!!

Streams, wind, local river configuration, craft in front, craft behind all have to be watched, but so few take any notice. Such a pity as inattention spoil the experience for others nearby.


EA are getting more adventurous, an nice Irish sounding lady sent out her second warning on Saturday, not only in capitals, bold but "Strong Stream" in a large very red block. Don't think they can do more.