David Cooper

Thank you to everone for all of the very useful information. For anyone concerned about cyclists on towpaths I would advise that I am a very considerate rider and appreciate that some arent similarly minded. I was hoping to raise the money towards a project wishing to purchase a community narrowboat

Hi I am considering doing a sponsored bike ride for charity from Northampton to London down the Grand Union Canal towpath. I dont know the route and would be grateful if anyone who knows the route can advise if there are any difficulties with the towpath that would make this impracticable. Thanks Dave

I am thinking of purchasing a life jacket and have been considering the specification that would suit me best. I am intending to do a bit of single handed sailing so something that doesnt obstruct me generally, is fairly light and I suppose one "that you dont know is there until you need it" seems to be ideal. I would welcome other boaters views, experiences and considerations as to what may be the best product to suit my needs. In case it affects your views I am currently just over 15 stone.

I havent managed to read all of the information in the replies to the original posting but my understanding of safety related law is that if the boat has safety related issues then the surveyor has a duty of care to inform the owners and the financial aspect of him not being paid is another issue. Dave

Hi All This is my first posting so firstly I hope you had a great Christmas and secondly, and more importantly, I wish you all a great New Year. It seems that it is going to be a tough one but I hope that everyone comes out of it without too many scrapes and scratches! I am fairly new to the cut with 2 years experience. I started out on a RYA course and it went from there! I am 44 years old and a Chartered Engineer by profession. Sadly I dont have my own boat yet but I am keen to get more experience on the canals firstly because I love it and secondly because I have never found anything else that relaxes me the way this hobby does! If anyone wants a "hanger on" on the odd occasion I am more than happy to exchange being a lock operator, making tea and being a general scivvy for good conversation and an enjoyable day out. I live on the south coast just outside Eastbourne but I am more than happy to travel. Dave