| Subject: |
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Re: Weir collapse on Kennet and Avon |
| Name: |
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Alan (Hawksmoor) |
| Date Posted: |
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Dec 18, 06 - 9:23 AM |
| Email (optional): |
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lorraine.sencicle@tesco.net |
| Boat Name: |
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Hawksmoor |
| Message: |
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Hi Andy.
I was wondering where I had read about the Bristol to Sharpness transit. I have Terry Darlington's book 'Narrow Dog To Carcassonne' where this description can be found commencing on page 53. Interestingly the narrow boat Phyllis May completed the trip on a very large September spring tide.
A leaflet that the writer picked up from the harbour office at Bristol warned "The Severn estuary has the largest tidal range in Europe,up to 14.8m at Avonmouth, with stream velocities up to 8 knots. Canal and river craft are strongly advised to avoid spring tides. If your engine fails you will be carried along by the tidal stream with little or no control of your boat. In severe cases craft can be literally rolled over and over on the sandbanks".
My biggest concern when navigating the London river, 30 years ago, both in the dark and in poor visibility was the risk of collision with the rafts of Thames lighters on mooring buoys. Due to the shape of the ends of these lighters small vessels had been known to be carried underneath by the strength of the tidal stream. Extreme vigilance was necessary to avoid collision when up to 8 or more of these lighters were moored abreast of each other.
Having read descriptions of navigational problems on the river Ouse at Selby, I think I would rather be on the tidal Thames or Severn on springs or neaps!
Alan |
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