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.

Update on bank holiday festival

Chairman Cliff Fazackerley has released further information on the Preston Guild Canal Festival which is to be held on the bank holiday weekend 25th-27th August in Haslam Park, adjacent to the Lancaster Canal in Preston. The event is being organized by the IWA in conjunction with the Lancaster Canal Boat Club, Friends of Haslam Park, Ribble Link Trust and Preston City Council to celebrate the Preston Guild which takes place every twenty years. The event coincided with the 10th anniversary of the opening of the ‘Millennium Ribble Link ‘(who said it can’t be done)

There will be lots of attractions and activities for all the family for all three days - funfair, birds of prey, donkey rides, steam engines, boating related attractions and various trade stands together with canoeing and rugby football workshops - and of course catering for all tastes. Entrance to the park is free and should prove to be a great day out for all the family.

On the Saturday night there is to be a boaters party in the marquee with live entertainment and
a Hog roast and providing we can raise the required funds the evening will end
with a customer firework display.

Boater wishing to attend the cost is £20 per boat, includes customer goodie bag and entry into the Marquee on the Saturday night but passage through the Link must be book through BW - if you require an entry form please send an email to chairman@ribblelink.co.uk

The Guild Riversway festival will have several new attractions including a Royal Navy presence supported by Black cat helicopter

Black cat helicopters

Riversway Festival 2010 from on Vimeo.

Down Load Preston Guild Riversway Festival Booking Form.Pdf

Photos of before and during construction of the Ribble Link.

New statue for the 3 Rise.

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

enquiries.northwest@britishwaterways.co.uk

Booking and Travel Information 2012.

Preston Marina Guide.Pdf

Ribble Link Application Form.Pdf

Boaters Hand Book.Pdf.

Ribble Link Map.Pdf

Ribble Link Skippers Guide.Pdf

Ribble Link Passage Times.xls

Preston Tide tables
make sure you pick the right day.

Northern Reaches of The Lancaster Canal Questionnaire.Pdf

Ribble Link Charges. Pdf

	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.

Rufford Branch Locks
Length 62ft 18.90m
Beam 14ft 3in 4.34m
Headroom 8ft 2.44m

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.