On 3/8/07, Adrian Stott <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > As ever, there is an exception. Coming downstream into Gloucester > lock you *have* to tie to the lock landing with the stern facing > upstream. But make sure you have your stern line ready as you > approach, as you are unlikely to get more than one try at catching the > landing bollard!
If anyone ever tries this, ensure that you are virtually stopped with respect to the bank (even better to be going backwards a little) before getting the rope on, nasty things can happen trying to stop a moving boat in such instances. I doesn't matter about the bow, as the water flow will either bring it back in, or it will stay a little stuck out due to forces on the back rope. Another thing that always worries me is the ability of static objects in a fast running stream to pull the boat towards them! If you are heading for something, really try (and I mean almost go sidewards) to avoid it. If you are the wrong side of something, it may be better to pass the wrong side of the object (so long as it is safe to do so). I've managed to go the wrong side of many Humber lightships thanks to the 4-6 mph flow on the river. I realise I wasn't going to get the right side once I'd got close enough, and I know I can go the other side (with a narrowboat) without problems. I was very surprised at the flow rate through Uxbridge the other day when I went up to fill with desiel. It was really ripping through the bridge below Uxbridge Lock. I had to put my stern into the winding hole and let the flow pull my bow around - I discovered an interesting smell that day! (in the canal mud that is... it's not very deep that winding hole!). I did wonder how many canal boaters would try and do it the "normal" way. Cheers, Mike -- Michael Askin http://shoestring_DOT_zapto_DOT_org/
