The afternoon tide was perfect on Saturday to head out of Ocean Lock, Goole bound for our second visit of the year to Barmby on the Marsh 9 miles upstream from Goole. We had been looking forward to this weekend, after work commitments had fouled the last couple of weekends. Upon arrival in Ocean Lock, the Dock Master requested we moor up within the lock as we were one of four pleasure craft. Usually when we use Ocean Lock we hold station using engines and bow thruster in the middle of the lock, however due to an incident in the lock during the last Spring Bank holiday week which involved pleasure craft from York, the Dock Master now requests pleasure craft moor up if there are several vessels in the same pen. A line man is also on the lock to assist in taking ropes if necessary (like the old days).
After departing Goole, care was taken leaving the lock entrance as the Alora was waiting to enter Ocean Lock.
We allowed the tide to run up for a few hours before departing Goole to ensure we would arrive at slack high tide.
After a nice steady run we arrived at Barmby at high water. However, there was still a bit of top run, so we rounded up to enter the lock against the flow.
Upon arriving in the lock we were told another cruiser was on the moorings. We were pleasantly surprised upon arrival to encounter another S.Y.B.C boat the M V Danforth.
The lock staff are very friendly and efficient, and at £12 for an annual licence is excellent value for money, considering overnight tariff charges for our size vessel are usually upwards of £25 per night in local marinas. We expect to get our monies worth , and the staff really appreciate boats visiting the River Derwent.
On Sunday afternoon we departed a very blustery Barmby after allowing the tide to run up for an hour. We had a very pleasant run back to Goole on a neap incoming tide which took us 50 minutes with a combination of traveling at displacement and planing speeds (where legal). Upon arrival back in Ocean Lock the Dock Master gave instructions on entering. Since on this occasion we were the only vessel in the lock, we requested permission to hold station near the lower gates which he was quite happy with, perhaps as we are regular users of the lock.
Think it is safe to say Barmby is our new favourite place to visit.
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