An excerpt from a report from the Commodore on a trip up the Thames to take part in our Beale Park Stand in 2008:

We proceeded upriver through Shepperton, Chertsey, Penton Hook, Bell Weir, and Old Windsor. Entertained by the scenery, we were thoroughly soaked in our open cockpit, so once we had passed through Romney Lock we phoned ahead to Boveney Lock to request the use of their moorings.  The lock keeper informed us that he would be opening the weir shortly and his moorings would be very uncomfortable.  He advised us to tie up on the open field opposite the Windsor Race Course (there is no mooring allowed along the race course).  There was only one suitable spot about ½ mile from Boveney Lock on the outer bend.  We were wet and tired so we took our stakes ashore and tied up at 1550.  The rain stopped but we put up a cover over the cockpit just in case of further rain, ate a very welcome meal and retired fairly early.  At about 0400 we were awakened by the sound of debris hitting the side of the boat.  Going on deck we saw that we were being bombarded with all the surface muck that was of course sweeping down the outside curve of the bend, just where we were situated. 

 The river had risen about 2 feet and was flowing very fast.  Janet and I sat on the bows fending off all that we could, but the logs etc. were trying to force their way between the bank and us, the water had risen above the concrete edging and we were in danger of being forced onto it, possibly causing damage.  When daylight arrived it was obvious that we had to move, but the problem was we did not want to loose our metal stakes.  I went ashore and managed to cut a branch to serve us as a sacrificial stake and at that moment a lady walking her dog offered assistance and with her help we were able to slip the mooring rope.  It was only ½ mile to the lock, but at 6 knots through the water, it took us half an hour to arrive.  We found that some of the waiting moorings were under water.  Mooring up I approached the lock and the keeper informed me that the Red Boards were up and that he was advising us not to proceed on the river.  If we did he would hand us a (red) card, which would mean that we were not insured against damage etc. 

I could see the weir and the turbulent water that was flowing past his moorings, but of course in the lock entrance and exit it was like a millpond.  We were offered the use of the facilities, which included toilet, hot shower, water, toilet disposal and he promised to leave all these available during the night.  We were relieved to be in calm waters and spent a comfortable night.  I contacted Trevor Thompson and informed him of our predicament, the lock keeper had reckoned that we would be lucky if the red boards came down before the weekend.  It appeared that red boards had been up the previous week and only taken down the previous Saturday, allowing all the hire boats to be taken out, but I do not think those who started their holiday aboard that Saturday would have proceeded very far before they had to moor up. The radio informed us that there had been a month’s rainfall in 6 hours during Tuesday. 

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