Narrowboat across the Mersey
IWA members are planning a crossing of the Mersey in June of next year to coincide with the Chester Branch Rolt Centenary event.
Ian Fletcher and colleagues are organising the cruise, with the plan being to come down the Leeds & Liverpool Canal, using the new Liverpool Link, and then sailing across the Mersey to Ellesmere Port and then up to Chester. The picture shows a previous cruise on the Mersey.
We are told that anyone can take part, not being a specific IWA cruise, so it is effectively first come first served, though there may be a limit to the numbers, due to lock timings and so on. In the past there have been about 20 boats taking part.
Fair weather
It can of course only be a fair weather, daylight crossing, with the wind Force 4 or below.
There will be free mooring at the Salthouse pontoons, but there could be some delay if conditions are not favourable. No hire boats are allowed.
Entering and leaving Liverpool dock system will be via Brunswick Dock, (pictured) but this will accommodate ten full length narrowboats.
The crossing takes approximately 1½ hours, and all boats will be surveyed in advance as required by the Ship Canal, and must carry a valid BSC; Anchor and chain; Life Jackets; Red and green navigation lights (hand held torches are okay); Two 50ft warps; Fire extinguishers (same specification as the BSC); Chart of the Mersey (OS map will do); Tidal almanac (Lavers at £1.50 from Smiths).
The actual cost per boat is not yet known, but will be calculated on the various charges, with details of contacts also available later.
Latest
It seems that the crossing is now most likely to take place on Monday 21st June, Ian Fletcher tells us, remarking:
"Although being designed to get boaters to the Tom Rolt Centenary Celebrations in Chester over the weekend 26/27th June, it will not be badged as an IWA crossing—nor for that matter is it being organised by NABO, nor AWCC, nor any other 'body' (although no-doubt members of all organisations will participate). It is designed to bring together a group of individual boaters for the practical, financial, security and social benefits of crossing the Mersey and traversing the Ship Canal together in convoy."
The most important thing at the moment is for those interested to Ian contact (via e-mail as advised) as soon as possible:
Ian Fletcher <