Brilliant Lock-Out

Today was just amazing on the River Mersey.  First of all we thought we were going to be the only vessel in the whole lock (someone  said the yachties had gone off to do a 24 hour race up the coast to Southport?). But there was just one other smaller craft to share the lock-out with. 

This is the process at Liverpool Marina - they cannot leave the lock gates open all the time as they do in Fleetwood because all of the docks are linked together and it could cause chaos.  They operate a system of "locking out" as many boats in one go as possible then when you are out on the river you need to arrange a time to come back in - a "lock-in".  I have to say these have not been without their moments and as the yachties do not always get on with the power boats then fun and games sometimes happens :).

The lock is quite large - I have seen as many as 12 boats in one go but not if you have something this size!

Third down from the top shows us making a quick getaway and although it is Sunday you still have to keep a close watch on some of the really big ships coming and going on the river.  Remember the Karina C?  How could I ever forget...