Peter's Waterways Blog Afloat Without Buying A Cruising Licence This was first published in IWA West Riding's Milepost in February 2016 as follow-up of a series of descriptions of cruising options where the navigator does not have to buy themselves a cruising licence.

Click to read full issue

Egremont in Chichester Basin

The headline reminds boatowners who need a cruising licence, that it is possible to be afloat without one: a good plan is to lockwheel for someone else who has paid their licence, or hire a boat for an hour, or a day or a week or a month or for all summer. There are also lots of trips available to paying passengers, continuing the theme of being afloat on interesting boats on interesting waters, but without having a tiller or wheel in hand, this is an Eastwards expedition.

Chichester Basin

Egremont steering position from the cabin

For those venturing as far as the South Coast, try the new boat Kingfisher for a trip on the Chichester Ship Canal from Chichester Basin. That's £8 for a 75 minute return trip, running every day, four times per day Easter to early November. Booking is advised for those of us from oop north, travelling a long way. Phone 01243 771363 or see here Peter Scott @peterjohnscott

Egremont steering wheel

Chichester Cathedral from the canal

Chichester Canal Map from a leaflet

Rowing boats in Chichester Basin