Crane-In 2026

Published 10:02 on 12 Apr 2026

Our Crane-in took place on Saturday 4th April, 155 days after Crane-out, which should have been enough time for everyone's winter maintenance!

There was some concern about Storm Dave which was predicted to bring strong winds and rain during Saturday, but as the day drew nearer, the strongest gusts were forecast to hold off until Saturday evening, so we went ahead. We reckoned we had a 5 hour window to lift 20 boats before the storm arrived, and fortunately the day started dry but overcast.

The 50 tonne Bernard Hunter crane arrived on time, and the driver Declan was well known to us as an experienced and careful operator. We started with the smaller boats which could be lifted off their trailers into the river at low tide. Then everyone took a lunch break while we waited for the tide to come in to allow us to launch the bigger boats.

The rain started after lunch but we were able to continue. Things were complicated by two keelboats (one abandoned and one needing an engine replacement) which had to be lifted in to the dinghy park for the summer, instead of onto their moorings. This is not ideal as it reduces the available space for dinghies but Paul, our dinghy park convenor, managed to create a bit more space by cutting down a dead tree!

Many thanks to everyone who helped make the day go smoothly, especially our banksman Alastair who directed the whole operation so we managed to finish well before the first gusts from Storm Dave started billowing down the river.

Thanks to the workboat crews who worked all day getting keelboats onto their moorings and ferrying people on and off their boats.

Thanks also to Julie on the bar and to Jennie and her team of caterers, soup-makers and cake-bakers who kept everyone fed and watered throughout the day, even taking the lunchtime surge of soggy, hungry customers in their stride.

And thanks to the boat owners, friends, family and other club members who helped with securing slings, taking lines, shifting heavy wood supports and managing the public safety barriers throughout the day.

Now, we are all looking forward to the new sailing season!