We returned from Norfolk on Monday evening and had a chance to catch up with Bob and look at his new boat, Costa Bob, which he is planning to take on the MBM cruise to Holland. Built in Reedham, Norfolk, Costa Bob is a Corvette, a model of boat which seem very popular on the Thames - a good combination of lots of accommodation without restrictively high bridge height.

For our next leg bridge heights were going to be tight and so we rigged up a height gauge on the bow pulpit using a boat hook and the extension tiller arm from the dinghy's outboard motor. This way we can check the height of a bridge as we approach and retreat if we think we won't be able to make it underneath.

We spent the day cruising along slowly in the hot sun and gentle breeze, enjoying the riverside views and scenery. The regular locks which punctuate the journey serve as a useful indicator of progress, and the only challenge is timing the kettle so it does not interfere with rope duties. Egham is a short walk from the moorings at Runnymede.

We will need our mast down regularly during the following days cruises as the bridge heights get lower still and we are already planning more rendezvous with local boating friends in the days to come.

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Cruising Statistics

Distance: 9 nm

Total to date: 301 nm

Avg Speed: 4.5 knots

Duration: 3 hours

Wind: W/NW 3-4

Mooring: Free

Electricity: N/A

Locks

Shepperton

Chertsey

Penton Hook

Bell Weir

Bridges

Watton 18'3

Chertsey 19'1

M3 21'4

Staines Rail 21'

Staines Road 19'6

M25 23'