Ribble Link and wind speeds

[homer2911]

Currently moored on the lower Rufford arm, ready for a Friday crossing of the link. We would have gone a little further, but the wind made it impossible to control our 62 ft narrowboat.

 

How windy does it have to be before crossing is deemed unsafe?

 

 

[cotswoldsman]

Very windy it is more to do with the flow of the water.

[The Pipe]

I was in St. Annes this afternoon and I would not have taken my boat out in it, some big waves comming in today.

The lock keepers are the best to advise but if your not happy don't go.

Make sure you have spare fuel filters if it is choppey they can clog up very quick.

[The Pipe]

More than a bit choppy off Blackpool and Fleetwood today and it does not seem to be dropping at the moment, so good luck for tommorrow.

[Dr Bradley]

I came south across the Ribble a few weeks ago and there was doubt about letting us go due to the wind so we were borderline. I would say today was similar, but the forecast doesn't improve until Saturday. The Hesketh arms at Rufford is worth camping out in if delayed.

[homer2911]

Cheers fellas - looking unlikely for tomorrow's reservation

[RichardH]

If it is anything more than a strong breeze then Harry won't let you out. We were booked across a couple of years ago and it took 2 days of waiting to wait for the right conditions. It is worth it though when you do finally make the crossing.

[Janet S]

Well worth waiting for, but I wouldn't have liked to do it with today's wind.

 

Janet

[Trento]

At 62ft. You will have fun in the brook..:-)

[homer2911]

Yes we had loads of fun in the brook! The crossing was an event to treasure, along with our Bristol Channel, pilot-led jaunt of two years ago. Don't be tempted to pass the Asland thingy to its right - it's a long swing around to the left, before turning right, (ok, to starboard), but that is the way to do it, to avoid grounding. Harry at Tarleton with his book of pictures illustrating what to expect on the crossing, is priceless.

[Doorman]

A great experience and not to be missed.

[cloggy]

We where booked for Friday but got delayed until saturday due to high winds, best thing that happened. had a lovely crossing on saturday with hardly any wind. there where 12 boats crossing on saturday and only one had to divert to Preston.

[homer2911]

Yes we had loads of fun in the brook! The crossing was an event to treasure, along with our Bristol Channel, pilot-led jaunt of two years ago. Don't be tempted to pass the Asland thingy to its right - it's a long swing around to the left, before turning right, (ok, to starboard), but that is the way to do it, to avoid grounding. Harry at Tarleton with his book of pictures illustrating what to expect on the crossing, is priceless.

On the return, we were the lead boat of five, and were desperately trying to spot the Asland light so as to round it on the right before starting back up the Douglas. The sign is smaller on that side, and we feared we were on our way out to sea by the time we saw it!

[woodjam]

Hi All we are newbies with a dream of crossing the ribble .

Finding the holly grail of the lock free Lancaster canal;

Can we ask a few questions.

1 Can a 56ft long 10 ft wide beam make the trip.

2 wE HAVE A 75 BETA IS THAT MAN ENOUGH FOR THE JOURNEY.

3 What safety equipement do we need.

4 Do we need a vhf radio.

5 Do the lock keepers help you up the locks.

 

Any advice greatly apreciated.

[Doorman]

Hi All we are newbies with a dream of crossing the ribble .

Finding the holly grail of the lock free Lancaster canal;

Can we ask a few questions.

1 Can a 56ft long 10 ft wide beam make the trip.

2 wE HAVE A 75 BETA IS THAT MAN ENOUGH FOR THE JOURNEY.

3 What safety equipement do we need.

4 Do we need a vhf radio.

5 Do the lock keepers help you up the locks.

 

Any advice greatly apreciated.

The only advice we can give is that your Beta 75 should find the crossing a doodle. Our friends had a 57 x 10 fat boat that was powered by a Beta 55 and they managed ok. We ventured up to Preston Dock and back in our 40 foot narrowboat with a 19hp Vetus.

 

It was unforgettable and well worth the effort!

Edited June 14, 2013 by Doorman

[woodjam]

Thank you doorman

Hi All we are newbies with a dream of crossing the ribble .

Finding the holly grail of the lock free Lancaster canal;

Can we ask a few questions.

1 Can a 56ft long 10 ft wide beam make the trip.

2 wE HAVE A 75 BETA IS THAT MAN ENOUGH FOR THE JOURNEY.

3 What safety equipement do we need.

4 Do we need a vhf radio.

5 Do the lock keepers help you up the locks.

 

Any advice greatly apreciated.

[Ange]

 

Thank you doorman

Hi All we are newbies with a dream of crossing the ribble .

Finding the holly grail of the lock free Lancaster canal;

Can we ask a few questions.

1 Can a 56ft long 10 ft wide beam make the trip.

2 wE HAVE A 75 BETA IS THAT MAN ENOUGH FOR THE JOURNEY.

3 What safety equipement do we need.

4 Do we need a vhf radio.

5 Do the lock keepers help you up the locks.

 

Any advice greatly apreciated.

 

1. Yes

2. Sorry don't know, but someone else will

3. Anchor and life jackets - don't bother with flares - there is advice out there to buy them but they're not necessary

4. No - a mobile phone is sufficient

5. They lock you out at Tarleton and there's a lockie at the locks that takes you onto the Lancaster (though he does appreciate a bit of help). The rest you have to do yourself (to the surprise and chagrin of one of our fellow boaters when we went over!)

 

ETA just remembered she was the one I mentioned recently with the shiny boat who spent all her time pushing our boat away from hers with a boat pole rather than doing anything with her windlass!

Edited June 18, 2013 by Ange