Does Highway Code need updating....

[Lozz360]

How'd you go "downstream" on a canal?

Even canals will have directional currents. However, I don't agree that "whoever is going down stream has right of way". As said before, power should give way to sail, otherwise you pass on the right of each other.

 

[classic33]

Even canals will have directional currents. However, I don't agree that "whoever is going down stream has right of way". As said before, power should give way to sail, otherwise you pass on the right of each other.

"But on most canals, unless there's another boat coming towards you, you'll steer down the middle as it's likely to be shallow near the edges. When you do meet an approaching boat, keep to the right and pass 'port-to- port' (the left side of your boat passes the left side of the approaching boat)."

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/media/library/141.pdf

 

[DaveReading]

Which is passing on the right of each other...

Or left, depending on your frame of reference.

A good illustration of why sailors and aviators tend to use port and starboard instead as they are unambiguous and independent of which way you're facing at the time.

 

[Profpointy]

Or left, depending on your frame of reference.

A good illustration of why sailors and aviators tend to use port and starboard instead as they are unambiguous and independent of which way you're facing at the time.

If only they used port and starboard for the roads. "Drive on the left" is so confusing.

There's the tale of the experienced and highly regarded ship's captain who had this little ritual each time he came into harbour. He took a little tim box out of his pocket, took a moment of quiet contemplation as he opened the lid and looked inside. He then closed the lid placing the box back in his pocket. No one had ever seen what was in the box and it seemed disrespectful to ask. After a long and distinguished career he retired, and as he left the bridge for the last time he took out the box and quietly placed the box down.

His colleagues' curiosity aroused, they gathered round to see what his little ritual signified all these years Inside the box was a handwritten note "port=left, starboard=right"

 

[DaveReading]

If only they used port and starboard for the roads. "Drive on the left" is so confusing.

Quite so. Not least when your passenger looks out the rear window and asks why you're on the right-hand side of the road.

 

[jefmcg]

2 quick and dirty mnemonics.

Port and left have the same number of letters.

Port (wine) is red, as are navigation lights on the port side.

 

[rugby bloke]

Or just remember that Starboard comes from Steerboard - the steering oars of boats were always on the right hand side.