Many people return year after year to explore new channels in an environment they know. Most offer individual cabins, sometimes with a single supplement, sometimes without it. Individual narrow ships can carry 2 to 4 people and are usually manned by the ship's owners. If you want to feel like part of the family and enjoy a more genuine sailing experience with “boaters” and guests who pay less, this option is for you.
You can have your own boat and crew or share it with just one or two other people. River hotels, such as those on the Severn, are much larger and can accommodate between 20 and 50 passengers. When a one-handed navigator steps off the boat, the only way to control the boat is by using ropes. You must be able to slow down, hold your ground and move your boat with ropes.
That means having strings in good condition and using ropes, bollards, rings and knots effectively and safely. Tony Jones lives aboard his narrowboat “The Watchman” and regularly sails without the help of a crew. Tony is kind enough to gather some useful tips he has learned while exploring inland waterways on his own terms.
