Cardinal Boating Holidays: How to pilot a boat

 HOW  TO PILOT YOUR BOAT

1. Do I need a licence?

No. No driving licence is required*.
Initial instruction, both theoretical and practical, is given at the point of embarkation, enabling you to quickly master your boat and grasp the essential rules of navigation. You will then be given a licence that is valid for the duration of your stay. *other than in Germany where between Liebenwalde and Potsdam an International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft in Inland Waters (Sportboot-Fuhrerschein Binnen), or an equivalent from another country, is necessary.

2. Will we be able to handle the boat?

Our Penichette and Europa boats have been designed for easy handling. As soon as you arrive at the base and are installed in your boat, a technician will come on board to explain to you how it works. You will be given a course of instruction in piloting and shown how to manoeuvre, and will have an opportunity to ask any questions you wish. In no time at all, you will be feeling quite at home at the helm.

3. What if we meet another boat on the waterways?

If you are the only boat navigating a particular stretch of water, you may keep to the centre of the canal or river, but when you meet another boat, you must pull over to the right and stay close to the bank. Remember also to look behind you, in case there are faster boats following which are anxious to overtake.

4. What do we do if there are anglers on the bank?

When passing anglers you must reduce speed to avoid creating a backwash against the bank. Stay alert and watch out for fishing lines.

5. Are locks easy to negotiate?

Yes, and passing through a lock will be a highlight of your cruise! You can chat to the lock-keeper and sometimes buy produce that will be a speciality of the region, or you can simply take advantage of this pause on your cruise to absorb the local atmosphere and get to know your fellow boating enthusiasts.

6. Are there lock-keepers in attendance?

Yes, most of the time. There are five types of lock:
manually-operated with a keeper - the most common type. - electrically-operated with a keeper. - automated with a keeper - frequently found on major rivers. - manually operated without a keeper - found on little-used canals and rivers. You and your crew will have to negotiate these small locks. - automated locks without a keeper - often of medium size and sometimes found on canals with light commercial traffic. The technician will explain the control system for these at your point of embarkation.

7. When are locks 'open for business'?

Locks are 'open for business' every day as a rule, but on certain public holidays they may be shut. For full details of relevant days and times, consult the guide map relating to your waterway itinerary or visit the Locaboat or Cardinal websites.

8. Is there anything to pay?

Normally not, but in Ireland, a plastic card on sale at the base will cover you for all services at locks and harbours. In Holland, certain lifting bridges and locks are subject to a modest toll.

9. Is there any danger for children?

No! Our boats, whichever model you choose for your cruise, are all equipped with a number of safety features. There is ease of movement at all times on board, thanks to wide sidedecks which are protected by guardrails, and sun decks which are extensive and secure. In addition, life jackets are provided for children.

THINGS TO DO ON YOUR HOLIDAY

10. Can we go swimming?

It is often possible to go swimming at all stages of your itinerary. There are numerous lakes, rivers and canals where swimming is permitted. Ask for information about swimming at your point of embarkation.

11. What about fishing?

In Ireland and Germany, you will pass through some of the finest fishing reserves in the world. Here, in exceptional natural surroundings, you will find a wide variety of fish. You can pick up your dinghy at the base and will have no difficulty in selecting your bait, your lines and suitable places to fish. In France, there is no shortage of rivers well-stocked with fish, such as the Somme, the Charente, the Saune, the Seille.
N.B. In order to fish, you will have to obtain a licence and this can be bought on the spot.

12. How far can we cruise?

Normal cruising speed is 8/10 kph. Allow 20 minutes to go through a lock or lifting bridge (plus any waiting time). How many hours cruising you do is up to you, but a typical amount would be 4/5 hours per day. The suggested itineries have been based on these calculations.

C PRACTICAL ASPECTS OF LIFE ON BOARD

13. Where can we leave our car in safety for the duration of the cruise?

All our bases have car parks that are enclosed and/or covered. You will be asked to pay a parking fee for this facility at your point of embarkation.

14. If we are taking a one-way cruise, how do we recover our car?

The transfer can be done by taxi or for holidays being taken on the Canal du Midi you can have your car ferried. See prices in the Manual/Captain’s Handbook or in the infobases space on the Locaboat or Cardinal websites.

15. Where can we do our shopping?

You can stock up with fresh supplies in practically any village along the banks of the canal or river. Consult your guide map. It will tell you exactly where you will find a butcher, a baker, a fishmonger or a grocer. Some lock-keepers will occasionally sell eggs and poultry, vegetables and wine at very reasonable prices. On the day of departure for your cruise, take advantage of your car when making bulky purchases. We can also organise, on your behalf, the initial provision of fresh supplies.

16. Can bicycles be hired?

You will have the opportunity to hire bicycles and bring them on board with you. This will add considerably to the enjoyment of your cruise. We have a fleet of over 1,000 bicycles to suit all requirements, and recommend at least two bikes per boat. It is advisable to reserve them in advance direct from your point of embarkation. Use our Internet website for this. We have bicycles suitable for children, and standard adult bikes fitted with baby-carriers and shopping baskets.

17. Can we use our own bikes?

Yes of course. You are not obliged to hire ours.

18. Is it easy to stop off and go cycling?

Absolutely. The waterways are often flanked by towpaths that are very suitable for cycle rides. It's an ideal way to explore and discover the natural heritage of the surrounding area - not to mention the pleasure of shopping expeditions to towns and villages that are never far from the waterways!

19. Can bicycles be parked on board?

There is always a place provided on your boat for parking your bicycles on the deck.

C WATERWAY TOURISM AND DISCOVERING A REGION

20. Can we stop anywhere we like?

Certainly you can! Exploring a region in your boat means setting off on your holiday and having complete  freedom to call a halt at any time. In addition to the numerous marinas and boat clubs with amenities that are dotted along the waterways, you can moor your boat virtually anywhere – except where there are ‘No Mooring’ signs, or if you are on a bend or in a narrow passage, under a bridge, in a lock or near a stretch of reeds, and in Germany it is not allowed to moor on the river or canal bank. But you are perfectly at liberty to tarry where you will in the very midst of nature, using the two mooring poles and mallet with which your boat is equipped, or even to drop anchor on one of the many lakes in Germany.

21. Are harbour fees payable?

Harbours with amenities can be found just about everywhere along the waterways. Some of them make no charge but others, which often provide water and electricity, will ask for payment of a mooring fee for an overnight stay in return for these facilities.

22. Will there be hostels in the vicinity?

You will often find you not very far away from a beauty spot, complete with tourist facilities such as a hostel, a restaurant or even a hotel. Your guide map will tell you all you need to know about the interesting and unusual sights of the area you intend visiting, and your conversations with lock-keepers or locals will also serve to point you in the right direction for hostels and restaurants. The great advantage of a boating holiday is you can view the countryside from a different perspective as the water carries you along and you can stop anywhere you like to prepare the midday or evening meal.

23. Will there be towns and villages to visit?

Cruising doesn't mean that you have to limit your horizon to the canal or river bank! Frequently, you will only have to travel a few hundred yards on foot or by bicycle, or perhaps take a taxi, to discover a well-known beauty spot, a medieval village, an old Roman church or a fine cellar that it would be a shame to miss. Your guide map will tell you all you need to know about the interesting and unusual features of the area that you intend visiting.

24. Will there be opportunities to meet other people?

A boating holiday frequently provides opportunities to meet other people and make new acquaintances. When negotiating a lock, for instance, you will usually find yourself in the company of other boating enthusiasts and will also be drawn into contact with people from the area you are passing through.

D WHERE AND WHEN TO GO?

25. When is the best time of year for a boating holiday?

Strictly speaking, there is no ‘best time of year’ for an inland waterway cruise. Each season has its own particular attractions, and the countryside adjoining rivers and canals can always be seen to best advantage.

26. What about the weather?

The region and the time of year you have selected for your holiday will determine the kind of weather you can expect. But, whatever the weather, you should always bear in mind that humidity is a constant factor in life afloat. You will be well-advised to bring some woollen garments with you - irrespective of the region and the season you have chosen for your cruise.

27. How long should we go for?

No matter how long or short a holiday you plan, there is a cruise to meet your needs. Some itineraries are designed for a weekend, others for a short week or longer. Depending on the itinerary that you select, you can set off on a cruise lasting one week or ten to eleven days or two weeks while, for the more adventurous, there are cruises lasting three weeks!

28. Where should we go?

With our fleet of Europas and many points of departure in France, Holland, Germany and Italy, we can offer you a wide range of routes and regions from which to choose. Those who enthuse about lush green scenery and fishing will be in their element in Ireland and Germany; those who are keen on culture will revel in our French, Dutch and Italian itineraries; while those for whom no holiday is a holiday without the sun will be overjoyed at the abundant choice of routes on offer in the Canal du Midi. Have a browse through our brochure or take a look at the detailed itineraries on our Internet website and you will soon get some ideas about where you would like to go.

29. Which cruise should we take?

You certainly have a wide choice! We can offer you 150 itineraries – it's up to you to decide on the one best suited to your requirements and preferences as regards region, length of holiday, day of departure, type of cruise.

30. May we take or leave the boat wherever we like?

During your cruise, you are free to moor your boat wherever you like, provided of course that mooring is permitted in the place that you have chosen. However, you will be expected to honour the terms of your hiring agreement and must therefore return your boat to the place, and at the time, originally stipulated.

31. Can Cardinal Boating inform me about what to do and what to see?

Our staff are there to help you. Any special points about your cruise, and exact details of how to go through locks will be explained in full. If you haven't previously got a ‘carte guide’ waterways guide, you can buy one. You'll be given the on-board information file which is both instruction manual and local reference folder.

E GETTING TOGETHER

32. What is the right number for a cruise?

A boating holiday is always an unforgettable experience, whether shared with a partner, as a family or with friends. Children will quickly find their feet, happily take their place at the helm and retain unique and lasting memories of their time on board. For those holidaying as a couple, the Pénichettes and Europas are so easy to handle, there will be no problem piloting and manoeuvring them.

33. Are dogs allowed on board?

Owners of dogs and other domestic pets are welcome to bring them on board (2 maximum), but you should also bring items such as a blanket or basket as these will not be provided. For safety reasons, please ensure pets are kept under control, particularly when the boat is passing through a lock. You are also requested to keep your dog with you on a lead while at the base prior to embarkation, but once on board it may be given its freedom. Please note you will be asked to pay a standard fee of 26 € for your pet at your point of embarkation, irrespective of the duration of your cruise.

F LIFE ON BOARD

34. How comfortable is life on board?

With our boats, no matter what model you select, everything has been done to maximize your comfort on board. Europas offer class-leading space and specification with electronic entertainment centre, teak clad sun deck with wet bar, and a bathing platform with shower.
The Penichette’s special features include a spacious saloon, comfortable bunks, hot water and the pleasure of a good shower. On some of the smaller models space is necessarily limited, but the saloon is always given priority. You will usually find a washbasin in each cabin, and most of the beds on board are generously proportioned. And all our boats come equipped with full bedding, including sheets, pillows and duvets.

35. Is there heating on board?

All boats are fitted with heating systems. Some work on gas for warm-air heating and others on diesel oil for central heating.

36. Are linen and crockery provided?

You will find on board all the appropriate crockery and culinary equipment required for the preparation of anything from an intimate dinner to meals on deck. Standard facilities include worktop, cooker, fridge and sink, as well as pots and pans and a sufficient quantity of crockery to cater for the maximum number of passengers accommodated on board. Similarly, the bedding supplied with each boat, including sheets, pillows and duvets, is appropriate to the number of passengers carried.

37. What if the boat breaks down?

Just call the base on the number given in the Manual/Captain’s Handbook and displayed in the boat. We are at your service seven days a week.

G HOW TO BOOK YOUR CRUISE

38. Is a boating holiday expensive?

A boating holiday offers you the never-to-be-forgotten pleasurable experience of a journey afloat at a price you would pay for a week's skiing holiday – or less. If you take into consideration the length of your cruise, the type of boat you select and the number of passengers you have on board, you will find that an inland waterways cruise is, in fact, very reasonably priced.

39. How early should we book?

Don't delay...our Europas are much in demand and it is best to book early. You should contact our Central Booking Office or your Travel Agent without delay to make enquiries and find out what if your preference is available. Whatever cruise and region you choose, we will endeavour to satisfy your requirements with a friendly and efficient service.