Thames, Rules & Etiquette etc??

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Chrusty1

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Hi chaps,

Could anybody point me at somewhere I can find out about the above? I am talking about Locks and rules of the road, that sort of thing.
 
Re: Thames, Rules & Etiquette etc??

EA website would be a start... Locks used to have maps and pamphlets detailing that sort of thing, but I don't know if they still do.
 
Re: Thames, Rules & Etiquette etc??

Many thanks both! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
I prepared notes on etiquette some time ago,and use of locks and sent it to Mike Gates of MDL I understood that he would amend it as required and issue it to new users of his marinae.

Not wanting to steel his thunder I regard it as his property now. He's a member of these fora, perhaps you could PM him for a copy of his version.
 
Let me try and explain in English . My English that is /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif


No , best i dont /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
"I am talking about Locks and rules of the road, that sort of thing. "

Rule the first.... You need some sort of tub with at least 1000hp preferably some sort of Broom.
Rule the second.... Some sort of 50ft Targa sports boat will do at a pinch but you will still need 1000hp.
Rule the third ...You will at all times go as fast as possible between locks at no time slowing down to appreciate the scenery or wildlife etc etc...
Rule the fourth..you must have a least 3 burgees of decent clubs flying from the radar arch on which sits a massive radar that has not been switched on since the boat left the factory....
Rule the fifth.Any conversation in locks/at the bar must begin with the outrageous amount it costs to keep a boat on the Thames the lack of moorings/dredging and end with a heartfelt gripe about how standards have fallen regarding fenders.....and as for narrow boats...
Rule the sixth...Always try to moor,especially in busy places like Windsor,so that there is not quite enough space for any else to squeeze in twixt you and the boat in front/behind.
Rule the seventh. You have a divine right to travel in the middle or even better still over on the "wrong side of the river at all times.
Rule the eight.You must never under pain of death admit to knowing anyone who rows on the river, mentioning that they seem quite nice people,have a perfect right to be there and anyway cause far less wash pollution and damage that a lot of gin palaces charging up and down the river at 10knots.
Rule the World ...Please keep your radio constanly tuned to channel ?? so that somebody can call up and remind you that you have forgotten to take your ensign down and so the flag officer on any passing aircraft carrier will not have cause to raft up and complain.
Other rules. Do not mention blue ensigns ever ever ever... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Hope this helps.
 
Brilliant!! Cheers! /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

I was asking on behalf of a friend who has a widebeam 60' x 10' "Tin Slug" /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

He has never been on the Thames before, and only had the boat for about 4 months. She is moored on the K&A at the moment, and they would like to cruise to the GU sometime soon.
 
Re: Thames, Rules & Etiquette etc??

You forgot you have to wear a blazer and white trousers all the time and must lift your fenders up between locks.

But otherwise an excellent effort, well done!

(Went to Rowers Anonymous last night, and let it all out ...."My Brother is a rower" - there it is, oh the shame of it....)
 
Re: Thames, Rules & Etiquette etc??

[ QUOTE ]
(Went to Rowers Anonymous last night, and let it all out ...."My Brother is a rower" - there it is, oh the shame of it....)

[/ QUOTE ]

Hmmmm....I've heard of 'coming out' but I think I'd have kept quiet about that /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
Re: Thames, Rules & Etiquette etc??

You forgot you have to wear a blazer and white trousers all the time

Get the etiquette right.

Blazer ??? Blazers are for crew only. Owners wear a Reefer with black buttons..
White trousers ??? not after 1900 hours

Additionally very bad form to wear yachting shoes with white trousers. They should be black polished shoes with rubber soles.
 
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Etiquette etc....

****....now I'm totally confused!

Just spent a bloody fortune at Dedge-Skinner this weekend buying Admiral, Commodore and Humble Rating uniforms for us all......now it looks like I didnt need to.....

We were so looking forward to the formal launching of our new purchase. I suppose we will have to cancel HM's Band of the Royal Marines who are booked for the disco......

Would it be acceptable to moor just above Sonning Lock and invite the locals on board to eat the prawn quiche and egg mayo sandwiches that SWMBO has bought specially at Iceland?

She will be bloody furious if I tell her that sequinned bikini and high-heels for on-deck have to go back too......
 
etiquette and posts.....

You wont hear a word from me once I get my hands on this bloody boat.....the process of purchasing a boat seems so painfully slow (I know, I know.....there are good reasons for that)....and I will end up wetting myself I'm getting so excited....

Until then I'm conducting thorough reasearch (he tittters) and un-earthing all the mysteries of this community.......this is also a VERY convenient want of avoiding going out into the garden and getting on with something productive.

The only alternative is to pirate the cruiser moored at Sonning overnight (Oi Oi Saveloy) and so bring an end to the wait.....

I sincerely apologise if my enthusiasm appears overwhelming :D
 
"I am talking about Locks and rules of the road, that sort of thing. "

Rule the first.... You need some sort of tub with at least 1000hp preferably some sort of Broom.
Rule the second.... Some sort of 50ft Targa sports boat will do at a pinch but you will still need 1000hp.
Rule the third ...You will at all times go as fast as possible between locks at no time slowing down to appreciate the scenery or wildlife etc etc...
Rule the fourth..you must have a least 3 burgees of decent clubs flying from the radar arch on which sits a massive radar that has not been switched on since the boat left the factory....
Rule the fifth.Any conversation in locks/at the bar must begin with the outrageous amount it costs to keep a boat on the Thames the lack of moorings/dredging and end with a heartfelt gripe about how standards have fallen regarding fenders.....and as for narrow boats...
Rule the sixth...Always try to moor,especially in busy places like Windsor,so that there is not quite enough space for any else to squeeze in twixt you and the boat in front/behind.
Rule the seventh. You have a divine right to travel in the middle or even better still over on the "wrong side of the river at all times.
Rule the eight.You must never under pain of death admit to knowing anyone who rows on the river, mentioning that they seem quite nice people,have a perfect right to be there and anyway cause far less wash pollution and damage that a lot of gin palaces charging up and down the river at 10knots.
Rule the World ...Please keep your radio constanly tuned to channel ?? so that somebody can call up and remind you that you have forgotten to take your ensign down and so the flag officer on any passing aircraft carrier will not have cause to raft up and complain.
Other rules. Do not mention blue ensigns ever ever ever... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Hope this helps.

Don't forget....

1. Always advise everyone very loudly at locks that they are using the incorrect way to tie up (of course there is no reason to tie up anyway)
2. Inform your crew of your requirements through a loudhailer.
3. Advise smaller boats not to come to close in locks in case they damage your paintwork.
 
Don't forget....

1. Always advise everyone very loudly at locks that they are using the incorrect way to tie up (of course there is no reason to tie up anyway)
2. Inform your crew of your requirements through a loudhailer.
3. Advise smaller boats not to come to close in locks in case they damage your paintwork.

Install /use / make lots of noise with bow and stern thrusters, especially when in the locks....
The combination of the above with much shouting at the crew / other boaters / lock keepers will, no doubt , endear you to all Thames users.;)
 
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