A tight squeeze indeed
IT WAS a tight squeeze indeed for the Dutch barge wide beam through Sawley Flood Lock Bridge, but the owner need have no fear...
For the boat was in charge of none other that boat handling instructor Ray Cullis, ex navy, ex police launch skipper and boat handling instructor, and Ray knew exactly where the boat Louise would go, with it safely getting through the bridge and lock without touching, and later back again.
River instruction
We first met Ray back in 2002 when he was instructing an owner on the Trent below Holme Lock, and since then has taught many boaters how to handle their craft, though now admitting he is slowing down a little, just undertaking occasional river instruction.
Many boaters have difficulties on rivers, and for those who want to be competent, and especially newcomers, a little instruction by an expert can be very beneficial indeed, especially one who has served in the navy for over 10 years and has been in charge of a river police launch on the Trent for over 16 years.
Based at Sawley, Ray is ideally situated for giving instruction on boat handling on rivers, with both the Trent and Soar on his 'doorstep'—his website: