After the spectacular rain, thunder and lightning of the previous day we had used flood mooring ropes at Bray in case the river level rose. In fact it had gone down and we were later to find out that this was due to the variations between locks, when we found the higher water in the Windsor stretch - sluices had been opened to send the water downstream. Before leaving Bray marina we filled up the tanks with diesel taking on board over 700 litres. We opted for the slightly more expensive genuine diesel at Bray (33p/litre) over the gas oil available at Shepperton (30p/litre) as we were reliably advised that this was more efficient for boat engines. Gas oil is of a lower grade and used mainly for heating oil and generates more smoke with less efficiency.

We had a brisk breeze and plenty of clouds scudding across the sky but surprisingly we escaped the rain as clouds missed us fore and aft. However we were not to know this and repeating our practice of the previous day we cruised with the canopy partly up, which proved to be our undoing as we tried to pass under Windsor road bridge. Although we had safely passed under when going upstream with several inches of clearance the river levels in this stretch had risen and we scraped under the bridge, tearing our canopy on our forward canopy iron.

We made enquiries of the lock keepers as to the prospects of finding a boat trimmer in the area, but they were rather sceptical about us being able to find anyone to help us. Undaunted we telephoned ahead and established that there were boat trimmers on site at both Penton Hook and Walton Marina that would be able to help. We stopped at the first opportunity at Penton Hook marina where the boat trimmers not only expertly fixed the two small tears in our canopy but also provided free overnight moorings with water and electricity. They only wanted to charge a couple of pounds for this service but we insisted on paying more as we wanted to make it worth their while.

Cruising Statistics

Distance:12 nm

Total to date: 353 nm

Avg Speed: 6 knots

Duration: 4 hours

Wind: SW 4/5

Mooring: Free on Trim Shop mooring

Electricity: Free

Locks

Boveney

Romney

Old Windsor

Bell Weir

Penton Hook

Bridges

Elizabeth 20'6

Windsor Rail 17'9

Windsor Road 13'2

Black Potts 19'6

Victoria 20'3

Albert 18'8

Ham 14'3

Runnymede 23'

Staines Road 19'6

Staines Rail 21'