RIBBLE LINK - NEWS ON MAXIMUM DRAFT. Using a combination of technical information from our BWB survey team and anecdotal information from my staff and the many boaters who have travelled the link we will be setting the draft at 2'9”. The level was set using many criteria, however the main restricting factor has been the seasonal siltation that we remove at the start of each year. In theory it may well be possible to get a craft with a deeper draft through the link in April but I would have significant concerns about its ability to return by July; or even earlier if we have very heavy rainfall in spring.
Click above for more Info.
The Ribble Link will be celebrating its 10th birthday this year in spectacular fashion, A whole host of events, which are being organized by the IWA will take place over the bank holiday 25th -27th August 2012 in Haslam Park.
More details to follow.
Chairman Cliff Fazackerley has announced that the two festivals involving the Ribble Link next year are moving along at a pace.
The Guild Riversway festival will have several new attractions including a Royal Navy presence supported by Black cat helicopter
The Guild festival in Haslam Park which is also promoting the 10 th anniversary of the opening of the Ribble Link is also taking shape
The cost per boat to this event is £20. If you are interested in attending either event you will need to hurry as the Riversway festival is almost full.
Passage through the Ribble link will need to be book through BW ASAP.
The trust are supporting the boaters night in Haslam Park with a hog roast & entertainment in the marquee during Sunday night ( TBC)
The Ribble Link is soon to get a new statue at the 3 rise replacing the wooden man which became unsafe and had to be dismantled.
The new iconic landmark will feature a stainless steel narrow boat perched on top of a wave.
The replacement statue located at the top of the 3 rise has been agreed on and the artist ‘Denis O Connor' has been awarded the contract. The new piece of art work will be in place around March/April 2012.
In conjunction with the LCT, LCBC, IWA& Friends of Haslam Park there will be a Canal clean up on November 13th Meeting at the car park on Haslam Park at 9-30. It is intended to spruce up the Preston end of the Lancaster Canal and surrounding areas in preparation of the Guild festival held in the park and celebrating the 10th anniversary of the opening of the Ribble Link, which will now be held over a 3 day period from the 25th -27th August 2012.
More information to follow.
Please Sign the Petition against this Goverment closing Coastguard Stations down.
The government has decided that a number of major UK coastguard stations should be closed arguing that fewer stations can cope with the workload. This fails to take account of the vital local knowledge of coastguard station staff who can direct emergency services directly and quickly to incidents where lives are at stake. More remote stations (often hundreds of miles away from the scene of an emergency) do not have this knowledge. In order to prevent unnecessary and avoidable loss of life the government must keep all coastguard stations operational.
Please sign the Epetition below
Next VHF Radio course in Preston Marine
Preston Marina (New Date) Sat 31st April 2012
book early as places go fast.
Booking Details for Ribble Link All passages must be booked in advance and it is recommended that you book early to avoid disappointment. Operation of the link is dictated by the tide and weather during daylight hours. From Easter to mid-October, check current operating times in the British Waterways user guide leaflet. From November to Easter, passage is by request only. The link will be manned during operating hours. British Waterways staff operate the staircase flight locks 1-2 and sea lock 9; all other locks 4 - 8 to be operated by customers. The link will only operate one way each day. You will be notified of the directions at the time of your booking. It is recommended that you arrive at your departure point four hours before high tide. (Enquiries: 01942 405700)
The Millennium Ribble Link will be closed to passage through the winter.
For more details and to book a passage, call
British Waterways on 01942 405700 or email
Extreme caution must be taken when Cruising down the River Ribble from the Dock and the Ribble Link , on your left side (port side) approx 3.5 miles down River, the Perch has broken off and the Stump lies in waiting for a unexpected Boat. stay away from your lefthand side (portside) and you should be alright.
When sailing to the Dock and the
Ribble Link stay away from
your righthand side (starboard)
have a safe journey.
Blackpool rd Bridge before construction of the Ribble Link.
The Ribble Link-Rufford Branch route is tidal Boats should carry as a minimum; anchor/chain/warp/VHF radio or mobile
phone/lifejackets/fire fighting equipment/coastal flares. Check your boat insurance covers tidal waters.
For help whilst navigating the River Ribble, please contact Preston Riverway Control on
VHF Channel 16 or telephone 01772 726871.
A chargeable pilot service for the Ribble can be obtained
from 01772 632439.
Ribble Link Locks Length 72ft (21.9m). Beam 14ft.3 (4.27m).
Headroom 7ft 8in (2.3m). Draught 4ft (1.2m).
but a tight turn restricts passage to long narrowboats or short
broad-beam boats - long, broad-beam boats may not be able to pass.
Owners of broad-beam boats should contact the waterway office
for more details.
Anything up to 10ft is the recommended maximum beam, due
to restrictions at the Sewer Pipe crossing. All lengths can be lowered
if required, though this would be dependent on inspection by
the operational staff.
