MiskinDriver
New member
Watching at St Kat\'s
I wandered past St Kat's today and stopped to watch as the lock was opening. Four boats coming in. First a nice Oyster - hit the lock gates, apparently after finding out that the boat doesn't stop too well when you bang on reverse at the last moment. Next, a mobo, made the starboard side (where the pontoon is) reasonably neatly after some confusion amongst lock keepers concerning which side the boat should go. Next two mobos arrived (having danced with each other outside the lock - there seemed to be some doubt about who was going first) going too fast so lotsa reverse and at least one saved by some very quick crew work from 13 - 15 year old female crew. She was off the boat double quick and got a couple of turns on a bollard, just enough to stop the boat hitting the one in front.
Chaos and confusion - but great spectator sport. Now I know that summer is here.
And yes, I know, I've been there too and I'm being cruel (tho' I've left the boats unidentified - I could have been more specific). Doesn't stop me enjoying the spectacle .......
I wandered past St Kat's today and stopped to watch as the lock was opening. Four boats coming in. First a nice Oyster - hit the lock gates, apparently after finding out that the boat doesn't stop too well when you bang on reverse at the last moment. Next, a mobo, made the starboard side (where the pontoon is) reasonably neatly after some confusion amongst lock keepers concerning which side the boat should go. Next two mobos arrived (having danced with each other outside the lock - there seemed to be some doubt about who was going first) going too fast so lotsa reverse and at least one saved by some very quick crew work from 13 - 15 year old female crew. She was off the boat double quick and got a couple of turns on a bollard, just enough to stop the boat hitting the one in front.
Chaos and confusion - but great spectator sport. Now I know that summer is here.
And yes, I know, I've been there too and I'm being cruel (tho' I've left the boats unidentified - I could have been more specific). Doesn't stop me enjoying the spectacle .......