Launch Day and move to Harleyford Marina
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Launch day finally arrives and proves to be relaxing, fulfilling and traumatic.
At last, we are finally there! Shensi was to be transported from Bluewater Boats to Caversham Marina in Reading today – this is the only local marina that could cope with its weight, which turned out to be 42 tonnes unladen!
Our day started in Southampton where we departed with two fully laden vehicles. We had intended to stay in convoy but the traffic was so busy that we got separated within 200 yards. Our plan was to drive to Harleyford Marina and leave one vehicle there with the non-essential kit and then move onto Caversham Marina. However, despite the heavy traffic we made good time, dropping one vehicle at Harleyford and then driving together on to Caversham where we set up shop in a cafe just before Caversham Bridge where the barge was scheduled to pass. We did not have too long before the transporter appeared, and although it moved much more quickly than we had anticipated, we did manage 
to get a couple of decent photos.
As soon as it had passed, we followed on to the boatyard to await the launch, and were joined by the Bluewater boys, David, Rob and Jules.
So in she went, sitting perfectly in the water – considering this is 42 tonnes with a custom configuration and a number of oversized tanks, it is stunning that just the right amount of ballast appears to have been placed in the correct locations to achieve this. Full marks to Bluewater Boats.
David, Rob and Jules then went to work to re-configure everything after the move, including erecting the wheel-house, and by just after two we were on our way to Caversham Marina where Jo had sorted us out with a berth and access to fuel. Unfortunately we were loading up so much fuel that the pump timed out on us but by that time it was getting quite late so we left it at that. David and the others went off for thenight and Nicki and I settled down for our very first night on board, although we were probably too exhausted to fully appreciate it. But a celebration meal of beans and cheese on toast along with (a bottle of) Baileys soon sorted us out.
Next day we woke to a beautiful day to await the Bluewater guys, and also for Peter from Bisham Abbey to arrive – bearing in mind that this was to be our very first journey, we had asked a professional to come along and help us move Shensi safely from Caversham to Harleyford Marina.
The weather was really good, not sunny but very little wind, and the river flow was quite slow which all helped with our passage. Peter was excellent and helped us negotiate the river and locks, with lots of tips as we cruised along, and I’d like to say that this gave us the confidence to tackle the steering etc ourselves. However, we are only talking about clearances of 18″ either side at most and that assumes you are spot on with your approach, so it became clear that things might be slightly more difficult at times. Luckily for me, Nicki got to do the more challenging locks which became a problem when left was translated to right and we (literally) encountered a piling on the lock approach. Bit of a bump to say the least but the lock keeper did not get upset with us so it was mostly our/her pride that was hurt.
As David was with us for the day, he and I were able to identify and sort out a few bugs. He also made an excellent deck hand which meant that Nicki and I could both work with Peter to maximise our exposure to the correct techniques for the trip.
Just a few pics from our journey down. All very tranquil.
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Finally we arrived at Harleyford Marina. We were absolutely exhausted but it is such a good feeling and a relief to get settled in here. There really was so much to be grateful for in this location – it is such a lovely spot in a new marina on a private estate, moored side on to a hard standing with a small car park by our bow; offloading everything is a doddle and the dogs can easily get on and off the barge, plus we have access to some excellent walks nearby. Mark, the Marina manager, was really welcoming and reassuring, and sorted out a couple of niggles for us. I cannot express in words how fantastic this location is.
Finally we are settled into the marina and all is good with the world … now there is an endless stream of chores and challenges to deal with. Plus the odd beverage or cheeky glass or two of wine.
just to keep ourselves on track.
Our first night in the marina proved interesting with a couple of cracking sounds at two in the morning and the sound of what appeared to be a bilge pump kicking in. In the end I decided that it was probably just a couple of geese on the roof and maybe the hot water system kicking in, but my imagination does go into overdrive sometimes. So here we are now, happy but still with a lot to do. Tomorrow we will scare all the ‘plastic boat’ owners by practising our manoeuvres in the marina. Meanwhile I think it is time for bed.
