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One last post on this unfortunate thread. Clearly Homer's recollection is completely different to that of everyone else that was there. They weren't, by the way, asked to respond. Apart from the members of my companion boat - who I have only met on this cruise - I didn't meet any of the IWA/K&A Trust volunteers who were helping us through the locks until that very morning. None of the people that were there Homer were my friends; they were witnesses. Why Homer remembers it differently is besides the point. The point is that I only left our lock because there was a space besides his boat - why on earth would anyone leave one lock and enter another that had no space to enter? Also, if his boat didn't move over to fill the space that was there previously, then why would I decide to backout? Sorry Homer, your story just doesn't hold water (even after you edited it). I didn't see you hit your dog with your windlass; I did however see your windlass when you were gesticulating with it when you were berating me. It was quite intimidating I can tell you. Many witnesses commented on that. But, as many have observed in this thread, what mystifies me is why you are getting so worked up about an incident that really wasn't anything to get excited about. No damage was done, even when your boat hit my companion's. The way you are prolonging this thread one would think it was me that lost my temper, me that didn't apologise, my windlass that hit your dog, my boat hit yours, and I named and shamed you but refuse to identify myself and boat. I know the name of your boat and its license number but I respect your right not to identify your boat on a public forum so will not reveal it. However, I am not quite so sure about your right to defame me or anyone else on the internet (indeed, is it even something that a forum like this should permit?). By the way, I note from your posting history, that I am not your first name-and-shame victim and this is not the first time you have lost your temper in 20 years. There is such a thing as internet libel you know; shall we just leave it there and get on with our lives?

Meaning both of you had mored selfishly...

Been sarnied in like that many a time. Yes there's an element of bumper cars but it's all part of getting to know your neighbour, surely? Been there, done that, shared a beer

Get your house in order then, and ensure that you get rid of the reputation. Reserving half the mooring space in the basins, such that other boaters can't moor, but your mates who arrive later can isn't a couple of problem people, it is organised arrogance. So far as the erection of a Marquee is concerned, I am assured by BW that no formal application to hold an event has been received, and that as such no permission could have been given by them. If you think otherwise, perhaps the club would care to post a copy of the letter granting permission. I have it in writing, from BW, confirming that a small group of boaters erecting a gazebo that causes no obstruction does not constitute an event, and does not require permission, but that erecting a marquee and taking over a significant part of the basin does.

Nothing personal, but WHAT BUSINESS IS IT OF YOURS? If somebody wishes to travel at a speed that is not damaging the banks or other boats, and is below the speed limit, what is it that gives you the right to criticise them for wishing to do so? You choose to boat as you wish, and allow others to do the same. For reference, I don't like to travel permanently at tickover. It is harder work than it is at a slightly higher speed, it doesn't charge the batteries efficiently, and it limits the amount of the system that we can visit from our base. Presuming to tell people that they should adopt the same attitude to boating as yourself is just arrogant in the extreme.

Note to Chris..again - So how big does an inconvenience or a disregard for the rigts of other have to be? I did state that no one cried and no one died (not yet anyhow but the day is still young) .....after all I only parked in that disabled parking space for a few hours to do my shopping, I only parked on that double yellow on the high street to pop into the post office, I only moored my boat in the lock long enough to have my tea.......you tell me.

In answer, we are the winging pathetic licence payers of British waterways who choose to avail ourselves of the facilites available to us, freely when we choose to, I would not join this group of bullies if it was the last club on the waterways, their behaviour belies everything that boating stand for, freedom of movement, of occupation for a legal lengh of time, respect for others on thewaterways, and why the hell should I go somehwere else, i will not be pushed out of the only pleasant and relaxing space provided for us within a large radius. and now to add to our joy that it is well past the legal hour for noise control, the marquee, which was erected in defiance of BW explicit instructionn is now regurgitating a repeptitive durge that can only be likened to a conga line of flatulant orangutangs Thanks Chris for reminding me of all I hate about the arrogance of organistaions who throw their weight around and leave individuals voices unhheard, "who do I think I am.....I am you and every other unallied boater when you find yourself in a similar situation where your rights and privilages are flouted in the name of the herd mentality. #Edited to say: note to self: Don't post at midnight after a bottle of home made cherry vodka. I am quite fond of orangutangs, flatulant or not.

I travel at the speed I want to travel at. I expect to be able to do that. I also expect others to do the same, hence if I'm in their way, I'd much rather slow down, pull over and let them past. They get to travel faster than we want to, I don't get stressed by having somebody else following closely behind, who I know I'm holding up, as they go past, they normally acknowledge my move in a friendly way, which is all very nice and pleasant. Everyone's a winner. Occasionally I've needed to press on a little myself, and now Pinmill has a more suitable prop, I'm able to do this again. Occasionally I have caught up with another boat and if they're dawdling, which is their absolute right, and I really do need to get a move on, I will wait until they notice me and politely request that I be allowed past. Invariably, as soon as there is a chance, I've been waved through, as I go past I always thank them, explain the reason for my hurry and carry on at my chosen speed. I've never had a major issue with it myself, but the most frustrating time is when I've been on hire boats which had a tickover speed faster than the boat I was following, which means a bit of neutral, drop back, back into forwards, idle up to the point where I feel uncomfortably close and repeat Yup, it's (mainly) a leisure activity for most and I think that the leisure part can be more pleasurable, for me at least, if I don't feel like I'm holding somebody up. Richard

First point, nearly everyone who isn't just biding time waiting to die of old age, have other commitments etc that mean they sometimes have to be somewhere at an appointed time. In our case we live in Aberdeen but have the boat at Tamworth, and fly down and back, sometimes just for a weekend. That means we have to arrive at the airport at the appointed time, or miss the flight and have to pay maybe £500 for 2 last minute tickets. Of course we leave some margin, but it's a tradeoff between leaving some margin and significantly cutting down the time we can spend cruising in our fantastic boat. So if we get stuck behind some selfish person who is basking in self-righteous glory about how they are going at tickover and anyone who wants to rush (aka go slightly faster) shouldn't be on the canals, I find frustrating, stressful and enjoyment-reducing and would quite like to hit them if only I could reach! Our boat is deep drafted but has good swims so is quite fast on deeper sections but can be slow when it's shallow. I always keep an eye out behind, and if someone is gaining on me I always encourage them to overtake. It would be nice if that was always reciprocated but alas not. It really is so trivially easy to let someone else overtake that I wonder why some find it such a big deal. Presumably it is people who struggle to control their boats just trundling along and anything over an above that is beyond them. I just wish they would learn to boat! Thinking about it, it's probably BECAUSE they are tickover, with limited rudder authority, that they are so scared! I can't abide selfishness.

We caught up a pair of very slow boats in Wast Hills tunnel a couple of days ago. As soon as we got out, the slow moving chap at the front pulled over and waved the boat in front of us, and then us past, (which in my view is a reasonable way to behave). The guy in front of us then clocked up a tidy few miles at a not particularly greater speed than the slowest boat had previously been going, but didn't then seem to think it was necessary to let us past, just constantly turning to look at as, (presumably to make sure I wasn't going to push past ?) He seemed to think it was useful to be able to overtake himself, but see no need to extend the same courtesy to others. It's all very well the "what's the hurry" set keep putting in their say....... So, tell me then - if you are not in a hurry what is the problem with letting someone else who may not have as much time as you have to simply slip past you ? The trunk of the North Circular aqueduct not being used by the slow boat ?

Quo Vadis, whilst you may consider that someone who wants to pass you as an inconvenience, you might also be considered an inconvenience to someone who wishes to travel faster than you. It is an incontrovertible truth that on our canals it is impossible for one boat to pass another without the co-operation of the boat being overtaken. It is also true that the overtaking boat should proceed at such a speed that the manoeuvre does not put you both on the mud. All it requires is a bit of thought (and tolerance) on the part of both skippers. Each could legitimately view the other as inconsiderate, but that should be tempered with thoughts to their own behaviour.

This statement really is going too far, has no basis in fact and basically a racist comment. I am genuinely concerned for the impact on the environment of the waterways and the effect it would take. You hardly are helping any environment with crass racist comments and bigoted views you are spouting. You are the major problem in any decent environment.

My ghast is flabbered. 'family' ? What is thing? I know what a family is but a 'family'? Many of them on benefits? Compared to what? Allowed? Allowed?

Well Homer your post certainly proves that there are two sides to every story. Here's mine. I was one of a pair proceeding up the Caen flight. I was single handed but my companion boat and I were supported by his crew and a number of experienced boating volunteers from the IWA and the K & A Trust (Thanks folks for a great job). Our pair was ready to leave our lock when your lock opened and we saw your boat waiting. Your boat was on your starboard side and after waiting a few minutes to see whether your boat was going to make the first move, I, being on the side opposite the empty space, moved forward. Midway, your boat floated to the centre of the lock so I was unable to enter. Noting that your helmsman didn't have a clear view past the magnificent plants on the roof, to avoid further confusion and a possible collision, I reversed out and manoeuvred into the layby. Having made some effort to assist your boat's safe passage I was rather surprised that the helmsman didn't respond with the usual cheery 'thanks' so I offered up 'A thank you wouldn't be out of place'. On reflection, that was a trifle sarcastic - for which I apologise - although I must say I don't think it deserved the stream of abuse which my companion boat suffered when your boat managed to hit them as it entered the lower lock. They were not askew by the way. You weren't he only one who lost their temper around that time. A husband and wife were heard arguing over the shortwave radio about not being properly secured in a lock by a rope. One of our helpers was yelled at by someone who inadvertantly stunned a dog with a windlass. As someone else said, the Caen Flight is a long one and needs care, patience and understanding from all boaters. We all have our moments, but rarely is anything worth threatening language. I sincerely hope you enjoy the rest of your cruise. Cheers Will Chapman