Crossing The Wash On A Widebeam

[furlongphoto]

We crossed The Wash on our 57ft, 12ft beam, 26 ton widebeam two days ago, leaving Boston at 08.30 and arriving at Denver 19:30. It was an enjoyable experience and we would happily do it again. Here's a few notes for other widebeam owners. 

With 20 years as sailboat liveaboards under our belt, this was a simple trip on paper, but we employed local pilot, Daryl, to accompany us. Half way across Daryl asked us why we needed him. “Local knowledge” was our answer! That, and the fact our insurance company insisted on it. But while we've experience of the seven seas, Daryl knows this stretch like the back of his hand. He understands local tide anomalies, the effects of side currents in certain areas, which corners to take on the inside due to sandbanks, and, most importantly, how a flat-bottomed canal boat will behave in different circumstances. He talked me through the approach to Denver Lock and how to handle the sandbank without getting spun round by the current. I pulled it off like a pro, but there's no way I could have done it without him by my side. I'd have been half way down the New Bedford going backwards by now!

 

Being a widebeam, Daryl had warned us there could be a tendency to roll. Being sailors, we spent two days stowing in anticipation! While the stowing wasn't in vain, the roll wasn't half as bad as we were expecting (and nothing compared to our experiences on a yacht). This was due to the sensible weather window: spring tide with a F3 SW. There's not enough space for waves to build, so it was pretty flat with maybe max 0.5m wavelets, mainly 0.3m. No need to tape up the front doors either, there was only a little spray. We were introduced to prop cavitation, however, something we'd never experienced on a sail boat (air between the waves going under the flat hull and sucked through the prop, causing it to shudder and make a noise).

 

Daryl was happy to take the wheel when I wanted to take some photos/video, or when my back was playing up, but most helming was done by ourselves, of course. He filled the time with amusing stories. In Kings Lynn he showed us how to dock our boat in a strong current, which was really useful (we didn't stop there). We learned loads from him that day.

Good fun on the sandbank but the highlight was coming down the Ouse at 7.5kn. The boat handled it beautifully. And that entry into the lock will not be forgotten! 

 

We'll post it all up on our YouTube channel and blog in due course (we live streamed it but connection got sketchy out at sea of course). In the meantime, we're chilling at Denver in beautiful Norfolk countryside. This neck of the woods we know pretty well and look forward to exploring some more.

 

 

Oh, if you have a doggie, he's gonna love the sandbank, timed perfectly for a mid-afternoon poo. We've never seen a happier dog!

[cowpie]

Thanks for the pic. of the wide beam !

[furlongphoto]

1 hour ago, cowpie said:

Thanks for the pic. of the wide beam !

 

My wife struggling with the rope ladder. I'd gone to the back of the boat and was unaware it took her about ten minutes to get back on board 😅

[pearley]

We're moored at Littleport for a few days so say hello on your past, or if you stop.

Joanie M Too.

[furlongphoto]

37 minutes ago, pearley said:

We're moored at Littleport for a few days so say hello on your past, or if you stop.

Joanie M Too.

 

For sure! We'll keep an eye out for you.

[pearley]

10 hours ago, furlongphoto said:

 

For sure! We'll keep an eye out for you.

Do you have a permanent mooring booked over here?

[furlongphoto]

2 hours ago, pearley said:

Do you have a permanent mooring booked over here?

 

Yes, we're aiming for the Lazy Otter. They're kindly extending the pontoon as much as they can. I've already been down there to check it out. It's right up our street being in the countryside, but close enough to Ely for winter cruising. 

 

Btw, we did a u-turn and went up the relief channel. My brother is coming to visit on 8th so we're killing time before hitting Ely. Will you still be in the area?

[pearley]

16 minutes ago, furlongphoto said:

 

Yes, we're aiming for the Lazy Otter. They're kindly extending the pontoon as much as they can. I've already been down there to check it out. It's right up our street being in the countryside, but close enough to Ely for winter cruising. 

 

Btw, we did a u-turn and went up the relief channel. My brother is coming to visit on 8th so we're killing time before hitting Ely. Will you still be in the area?

Be in Cambridge on 8th then back to Ely via Reach Lode. 

We're moored at Hartford usually. One of our neighbours moved to Lazy Otter earlier in year, Mark on No Hurry. He works for a FloGas distributer so can arrange for cheaper gas for you.

Came off Relief Channel on Tuesday. A few days at the Heron all on our own and then down to Wilmington St Mary Magdelan again on our own. A nice wide and deep waterway.

Downham Market mooring you may have to negotiate all the rubbish sacks to exit.

Lots of swimmers and paddleboards at those moorings. They're no trouble.

 

Edited July 31 by pearley

[furlongphoto]

7 minutes ago, pearley said:

Be in Cambridge on 8th then back to Ely via Reach Lode. 

We're moored at Hartford usually. One of our neighbours moved to Lazy Otter earlier in year, Mark on No Hurry. He works for a FloGas distributer so can arrange for cheaper gas for you.

Came off Relief Channel on Tuesday. A few days at the Heron all on our own and then down to Wilmington St Mary Magdelan again on our own. A nice wide and deep waterway.

Downham Market mooring you may have to negotiate all the rubbish sacks to exit.

Lots of swimmers and paddleboards at those moorings. They're no trouble.

 

 

Just discovered the rubbish 😅 I'd been here two years ago, so vaguely knew what to expect. Richard at Lazy Otter had given us a heads up on Mark, so that's going to be really useful. Our gas consumption goes up during the winter. 

[Scholar Gypsy]

Hope to say hello at some point - I am moored in the marina at Ely.