Winter moorings
THE Canal & River Trust has today announcing its plans to offer a wide choice of winter moorings at a selection of visitor moorings and towpath sites across the country in 2015-16.
These moorings are intended to support the continuous cruising lifestyle and meet the needs of those boaters who want to keep their craft in one place during the harshest months.
A wide range
The Trust has picked a range of winter mooring sites across the country to offer boaters as wide a choice as possible. There will be a selection of sites near facilities, as well as quieter spots for boaters who want a bit more solitude. The Trust has also considered where boaters moored last year, and created sites in these locations. As winter moorings are intended to provide respite for continuous cruisers during the hardest months, the Trust will be offering the moorings from the start of November to the end of February.
All winter mooring permits will be charged at a ‘per metre, per month' rate this year, and boaters will be able to book moorings for one to four months. A draft list of the proposed winter mooring sites, which are distributed right across the country, can be found at:
www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/winter-moorings
Additional sites are being considered by the Trust where it is possible to provide them.
None in central London
The Trust has decided not to offer winter moorings in central London. The Trust has received feedback from some boaters in London that it will be fairer to maximise all boaters' opportunities to share the space available in such a busy city, where mooring space is at a premium. Winter moorings will still be available in greater London, within easy reach of the centre of town.
Ian Rogers, head of customer services at the Trust, explained:
"Winter moorings support the continuous cruising lifestyle. In winter, the more challenging weather conditions can make cruising a harder prospect and we appreciate that not every boater wants to face the icy winds, early dusk and rock-hard ground that the season can bring. We are offering a wide selection of dedicated winter moorings to give boaters across the country a chance to tie up for the season, while keeping enough space clear for those who want to continue cruising."
Both continuous cruisers and boaters with a home mooring will be able to take up a winter mooring. However boaters who are not meeting their licence requirements may not be eligible.
Bookings for the winter moorings will open on 1st October 2015, and will be made through the Trust's boat licensing site. Boaters should register on the site before 1st October.