Liverpool BBC 2 last night

[Kurrawong_Kid]

Did any other ECF member watch this largely nautical programme? Apart from some sentimental and sensational description of cruise ships and the Mersey Race (swimming) there was a lot to interest us. Watching 2 pilots coax a large fully laden tanker over the Bar with less than 2 metres under her keel was almost heart stopping when the echo sounder sounded the alarm at 2 metres and went blank! The tension on the skippers face and the concentration of the pilots demonstrated how tricky this entrance can be. Not staged I think. I first sailed, at age of 11 at Abersoch, in a Seabird day boat, and there great scenes of owners restoring these century old classics. The conclusion was of the three Cunard Queens celebrating 125 years of the Cunard line by making an impressive formation. Recommend an Iplayer visit.

 

[Murv]

I thought it was excellent! Never really looked at Liverpool in that light before, and the piece on the wooden boats restoration/maintenance was fascinating

 

[Tam Lin]

Have watched this series and enjoyed most of the programmes. Must go to Liverpool some day.

 

[chinita]

I thought it was an excellent programme too. Managed to avoid the formulaic carp (meanwhile, Cathy is busy preparing herself for the big wedding.........blah blah etc) and miraculously did not mention football.

If you can get past the stereotypical Scouse Scallie stuff the City of Liverpool is one of the best in the UK with the waterfront one of - if not THE - most impressive in the world.

Edit: Forgot to say, why do these sort of programmes feel the need for backing Muzak? Particularly the interminable pizzicato which seems to prevail for 90% of the time .......grrrrr!

 

[Bru]

Liverpool is inked in on my Round Britain plan

I'm enjoying the series very much

I did chuckle that the depth sounder on the mahoosive oil tanker looked about as sophisticated as the ones on most pleasure boats!

 

[Biggles Wader]

I missed the first bit but thoroughly enjoyed what I saw.Its all changed a bit sinse I was last there over thirty years ago.

 

[ancient mariner]

I missed the first bit but thoroughly enjoyed what I saw.Its all changed a bit sinse I was last there over thirty years ago.

As one who pilots large ships myself (as well as sails small yachts in my leisure time), I found the programme gave a good and....for once, a factually correct insight into the professional work that marine pilots undertake.

The depth sounder showing zero when the tanker was passing over the charted shallow bank at the entrance to the buoyed channel, very much reminded me of the time when I had a deep-draft cruise liner in a similar situation and whereas I had informed the Master that we were going to be tight on water when crossing a particular shoal on the way in, I then discreetly covered the echo sounder display with my jacket in order to avoid any panic arising amongst the other members of the bridge team, as we glided over. Have to say it got the adrenaline going a bit, but then that is all part of the job we do...