Traveller

It is about going to your main address each night as per the land based folk. A fixed mooring is considered a main address so that is where the boat must end up each night. My fixed address is my house so I have to end up there, although I must also return my boat to its mooring. This is all about applying the land based rules to the waterways. I think crt have done a reasonable job personally. I have sought further clarification, perhaps others might like to do the same?

Well I have heard this twice now and it makes sense to me but I'll ask gain. Why would leisure boaters be treated differently to residential boats? Residential boats with a home mooring have to return to that mooring each night so it is only continuous cruisers who have the freedom.

The question would be I guess why is it 50 odd hours away? Maybe there is an exception there somewhere.

A couple of days ago.

You may say that but crt disagree. I prefer to work with their interpretation as does my marina, thankfully. I sought clarification a little while ago and here is their response "thanks for getting in touch. If you have a home mooring you must return to the mooring every night. Only customers without a mooring can continue cruising/use the temporary moorings. I hope this helps, please do let us know if you have any further questions".

Why does it sound like a prison camp? What are they doing that is not in line with Govt and CRT advice?

I am quite happy with the way my marina had performed throughout.

Because the marina is expecting to see all boats back at their berth each night. Anything else and they see it as putting the staff and other moorers at risk. The rules do say one must return to their home mooring each night.

No but they likely cancel my mooring contract when I get back. Rightly so.

Do you think so? Valid point but there was evidence that lockdown was beginning to falter even before that. Here is sleepy Suffolk support for the rules has been quite good throughout and continues to be so.

Don't understand that. It has been ok to visit the boat and indeed do a day trip for a short while now. Our marina likes to be pre-advised that a visit is to be made but that is all.

MY marina will. No way will they let me stay overnight.

Well I guess they either have the authority to make a charge or they do not. Likewise I do not mind such a charge if a) it is legal and b) it improves the boating infrastructure. If it falls down at a) then presumably there is a questions as to wether one should pay. Either way I am hopeful I will be off the Middle Level this summer so with a bit of luck I will miss the Sept start date anyway.

They nevertheless seem intent on charging. Maybe we should question it?

Fish & Duck on the Great Ouse navigation still seem to do resi.

That will be a huge shift. They have had resi boats there for what seems like ever.

Is Masons still around?

Seeing the number of people clambering over bridges and locks of late you might well be at risk when negotiating those structures - sneezing, coughing, spluttering gongoozlers are not good news, especially when they lean over the bridge/locks and splutter all over the steerer.

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I agree, strange wording in the Crt announcement. Seems that things are very fluid at the moment - saw a release from the fishing gang and overnight fishing is allowed. Apparently Govt guidelines have been changed to reflect this - you can go out and come back when you like (but no staying in second homes, hotels etc). Presumably tents therefore are ok?

Interesting announcement from the fishing peeps. Presumably I can now go out and have an all night picnic or play night golf!

Just read through the EA rules quickly - no cruising of any sort until June! Not seen anything from Middle Level Commissioners.

Regarding the CRT announcement. I sought some clarification on their "avoid using locks and manned structures if possible". Here is their helpful response: Staffed structures will take longer to re-open so we advise to check online before you travel for specific details as they may not be open. In relation to the use of locks, it’s about keeping your journey short and recognising that while they have mostly been out of use for 7 weeks there may be faults that we haven’t identified or had time to check yet – we’re doing that over the next few weeks, so avoid if possible relates to this. We hope this helps to clarify your concern. Thank you. Chat conversation end Type a message...

I understand that, you understand that, but there are shed loads who believe a Minister should always talk the party line. To be honest most Ministers do try to do just that but some of us (and I include myself) find it difficult to accept the delivery of personal opinions at variance with policy. Accidents happen, of course, but politics is an unforgiving occupation.

Ah see - it gets wooly again ? But true nonetheless.