BCN Challenge 2014 - 24 & 25th May

[wrigglefingers]

Team Cobbett laying down on the job again

Going lengthways is the only way to go. Mind you, I'm so wide these days it's difficult to say which way that might be ....

[RLWP]

Just been informed that for the first time since our inaugural foray in 2008, the Cat will have crew. Being joined by my Sis and Bro in law. That should help us get through the three locks we intend to do lickety-split.

 

What route from the Soho loop to Hawne Basin has three locks???

 

Richard

[Nine of Hearts]

 

What route from the Soho loop to Hawne Basin has three locks???

 

Richard

 

We could be doing a positioning run to Smethwick the night before. But that would be telling.

[junior]

 

We could be doing a positioning run to Smethwick the night before. But that would be telling.

I'm looking forward to the Friday night. The excitement of seeing who we'll be jostling with to get away first on Saturday morning.

[Kustomcut]

Morning all, I must say I need to unsubscribe to this thread, 80% of my work time is spent looking at the newest post made and rethinking strategy. Rather than actually working

 

We have well and truly got the bug for this, the Fund Raising is going ok to, I am holding out that we will reach the target but we shall see.

I wanted to try to head to city centre this weekend for a little cruise but the weather is looking pretty scatty so may give it a miss and spend the time painting go faster stripes down the sides of our little 20ft cruiser.

I think we have our journey planned but I am sure we may change slightly on the day.

If we don't see anyone between now and the finish good luck all and hopefully will see and meet many new faces on the weekend of the challenge, I am however going to get some bunting so I am visible to all (although i am the smallest boat taking part I think this year) so we have a class all of our own.

I am also going to try to make some small brass plaques to hand out on our cnc machine any design anyone can come up with let me know, I can then hand these out at the end to all who participate.

Drop me a line if you have any ideas for a design, I know we all get one for taking part anyhow but as I have the facilities I thought why not. Maybe a pair of crossed windlasses?

 

http://www.kustom-cut.co.uk

[RLWP]

The BCN society hand out plaques already - save your money

 

Richard

[Proper Job]

I'm looking forward to the Friday night. The excitement of seeing who we'll be jostling with to get away first on Saturday morning.

 

We don't do jostling

 

We do underwater stuff

[little duck!]

our envelope has arrived! It is addressed to Paul though so I haven't opened it, he will be engrossed in planning tonight, he has a vague plan but this is subject to change!!

[Proper Job]

A vague plan is the only way

 

.......... second only to going where you're told (which is the plan that I follow)

[RichardN]

Indigo Dream's crew will be Greygal and the Synth Prof from nb Henry H, Christine from nb Ketura (famous for her knees featuring in a PLA Safety Bulletin), Sue and myself. Dog crew still being contested, the Berhamsted Bells came on recently to help judge:

 

 

 

But can't say that training for bow hauling is going well

 

 

As in 2011 we are trying to raise money, after all people gets loads of sponsorship for running a few hours running a marathon so a whole 24 hours boating has to count for something!

 

Our sponsor card is below, I have only just worked out how to produce and read QR codes but they are quite smart - you need an app for your smart phone, there are several which are free and seem to work well. If you scan the left hand one it generates but does not send a text message, you can edit before choosing to send it (or cancel if you are just curious to see how it works), the right hand one opens your phone browser and takes you to our just giving page.

 

So if you can spare a few pounds please please please sponsor us! (plus anyone else doing the marathon).

 

Edited May 8, 2014 by RichardN

[Dave_P]

My crew:

 

Louise (approx 50 hours experience of boating - special skill: expert at unintentionally emptying pounds)

 

Blair (approx 4 hours experience of boating - special skill: is unnecessarily tall)

 

Lou (approx 0 hours experience of boating - special skill: making tea)

 

Should I be worried?

[Proper Job]

You'll be fine

 

You have a specialist tea maker

 

The only thing you're short of is a bacon buttie producer

[Kustomcut]

You'll be fine

 

You have a specialist tea maker

 

The only thing you're short of is a bacon buttie producer

And of course a beer/wine opener pourer.

Thinking aloud here if those who may be tight in Gosty tunnel, used huge amounts of canned/bottled drink preferably alcoholic as I think it weighs more than non alcoholic, as ballast.

Then the crew drank the mentioned cans/bottles, made sure any toilet breaks were on board, would the boat have the same amount of ballast if you drank say 50 % of the beverage ballast or maybe even 100% of the beverage ballast?

Myth Busters time.......I would partake purely as a scientific experiment no other reason.

[Dave_P]

You'll be fine

 

You have a specialist tea maker

 

The only thing you're short of is a bacon buttie producer

Oh God! How have I over looked this?

And of course a beer/wine opener pourer.

 

Thinking aloud here if those who may be tight in Gosty tunnel, used huge amounts of canned/bottled drink preferably alcoholic as I think it weighs more than non alcoholic, as ballast.

Then the crew drank the mentioned cans/bottles, made sure any toilet breaks were on board, would the boat have the same amount of ballast if you drank say 50 % of the beverage ballast or maybe even 100% of the beverage ballast?

Myth Busters time.......I would partake purely as a scientific experiment no other reason.

Is swigging from the bottle against the rules?

[Peter X]

 

 

I'd have thought a crispy duck was quite an easy variety of duck to catch. Unless it's still stuck on the power line...

 

Years ago I did some work with some power line engineers, and one of them told me they'd had a discussion on a quiet day about why birds tend not to sit on the higher voltage lines. They'd all observed this, and some thought there would be a small voltage difference between the bird's head and feet, enough to make it uncomfortable on a line with higher voltage. His own theory was gloriously low-tech, that higher voltage lines are thicker cables, and the birds can't get their feet round them.

[nicknorman]

And of course a beer/wine opener pourer.Thinking aloud here if those who may be tight in Gosty tunnel, used huge amounts of canned/bottled drink preferably alcoholic as I think it weighs more than non alcoholic, as ballast.

 

No, alcohol is lighter than water. However since we have a low and heavy boat with proven gosty-clearance, I will be happy to take it off your hands in exchange for an equal volume of water. Edited May 9, 2014 by nicknorman

[Nine of Hearts]

No, alcohol is lighter than water. However since we have a low and heavy boat with proven gosty-clearance, I will be happy to take it off your hands in exchange for an equal volume of water.

 

Is that a veiled threat to drink his beer and pee in his boat? You villain!

[Proper Job]

Is swigging from the bottle against the rules?

 

I beleive that it's virtually madatory

 

............. or you're going to have to recruit a washer up'er

[Kustomcut]

No, alcohol is lighter than water. However since we have a low and heavy boat with proven gosty-clearance, I will be happy to take it off your hands in exchange for an equal volume of water.

Ok so if I drink the beer then fill the emptys with water I will be even heavier...... How many beers could I fit in for the 6 hour break me thinks, maybe alter my stopping point so I am at a good place.

Start at Salford Junction quick rush up Aston and Farmers bridge then have a much needed 6 hour break eh.......

[Oilybob]

Having just had a couple of weeks in a hired boat singlehanded and thourghly enjoying it, I had heard a couple of people mentioning this event during my travels, I reckon that it sounds a real good wheeze... have a good indepth poke around Brum..

Given that I dont have my own boat....

 

Anyone still looking for crew member to join them... I can swing a windlass(i need the excersise), make tea or at a push make bacon sarnies...

 

If anyone would like to take me on as crew then i would like to hear..

 

Rob

[wrigglefingers]

Did someone mention Gosty Tunnel? Bum! I'm going to have to wake up between Ocker Hill and Hawne Basin. I forgot about that ....

[RLWP]

Did someone mention Gosty Tunnel? Bum! I'm going to have to wake up between Ocker Hill and Hawne Basin. I forgot about that ....

Did I tell you that Hawne Basin are fielding an all female crew as well?

 

Richard

[Little Else]

But can they spin and knit?

[RLWP]

But can they spin and knit?

No, so no distractions. They must win!

 

Richard

[system 4-50]

Dear Mr Bizzard

Thank you for your offer of help. I shall do some more research to find out how many helium balloons I need you to supply to reduce the draft of my boat to about 12" for the challenge. Last time it was measured it was 1ft 4" at the bow and 1ft 7" at the stern, but that was a long time ago. 12" should just allow the prop to see the water without getting fouled. No, I don't think methane would do instead, though I do admit it would be considerably cheaper, given your novel source, and that Curry House would have welcomed the extra custom. Perhaps you could have them available at Wolverhampton Top Lock, which is my current start point?

P.

 

PS Perhaps NickNorman could comment on the propriety of releasing the large number of said balloons at the end of the the event? Would the nation's air defences need to be alerted?