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Monday, 08 March 2010 06:36 |
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Ralph's recent article on the arrival of Spring [!] mentions the problems that can happen at Branston Lock due to crosswind and current.
A few years ago I was in Banbury and watched an ex working boatman use a technique that might help in such cases. If wind or just tight positioning, such as the approach to Banbury Lock from the left towpath, he pushed out the stern and gently bumped the stem gently along the coping stones until it was in line with the lock head and steered in.
It works
I have tried it on several occasions around the system and found it works—as long as there are no snagging points and the water is deep enough. The rubbing strake usually makes contact and can simply be touched up if the paint comes off!
The wind or water flow holds the bow against the towpath. Putting the stern out into the cut gives control. I agree it seems strange but it works! You are effectively using the edge as a pivot for the boat and so 'crab' towards your goal!
Two local locks where it helps considerably are Allens and Heyford Common on the South Oxford when the wiers are running hard.
Kevin McNiff |
