Solving the problem of non-boating residents

THERE IS LITTLE doubt that the trend nowadays is for people to vastly reduce their living costs.

So they purchase a boat and then usually moor it in a marina.

Then comes the Spring, and also comes the urge to actually use the boat for what it was built—to cruise the waterways.

Very apprehensive undertaking

That can be a very apprehensive undertaking indeed for residents who have had no experience whatsoever.

But Mercia Marina, that has many residents, has solved the problem with its Mercia Cruising Club holding a special event for those residents.

It actually arranged for eight such residents to steer their own boats along the Trent & Mersey to Stenson, down the lock then through Swarkestone Lock then turning at the winding hole beyond and then the return trip, with a break for food.

Our colleague, and marina resident, Mary Collington, (seen steering her boat Incognito out of the marina) was one of these it being her first chance to actually take to the canal and steer—helped with each of the boats having experience boaters on board both giving advice and working the locks.

Kept hold of the tiller

Of her experience she tells she steered her boat out of the marina and was approaching the left turn onto the canal when someone told her she was heading wrong and attempted to grab the tiller, but this trip was all about her learning. so she kept hold and did the maneuver perfectly keeping hold of the tiller throughout, her being warned not to allow anyone else take over. Of her experience of the cruise, Mary told:

"It was brilliant, and though I was nervous the more it went on the more confidence I had, and even managed the winding hole at the end without any problems. All the eight of us learnt that day and had gained confidence, so now I intend to take the boat down to Willington and back on my own as a start."

Another who had not had any boating experience was Andy, who was the first out on Lady Dorothy, (pictured) with Mary telling that he was very chuffed at how he managed it without any problems.

On the picture from the left is Kate, Paul and Mary.

A more serious cruise

For the future the Mercia Cruising Club is to arrange a 'more serious cruise' for those residents who have had some experience.

This present cruise on Saturday 29th March started with a safety talk by Paul Harrington and a briefing by Stephen Wynne Jones.

Experienced volunteers accompanied the eight, giving instruction and of course answering questions, that all added to the experience of a great day out and enjoying the cruise.

What a marvellous idea and congratulations to Mercia Marina and its cruising club—Editor.