We are assuming that your Christmas decorations have now been taken down and the festive food has all been eaten. So before the January blues set in, try making some fun plans for the year ahead. The third Monday in January is known as Blue Monday; the most depressing day of the year. While there is no science to back up the claim that this day is the worst, it has become a day for promoting mental health awareness and self-care.

Read: Three Foxy Mood-Boosting Tips for This Winter

In February it can be difficult to avoid romance, as the shops offer Valentines cards, gifts, flowers and chocolates for your loved one. But those who enjoy canal boating will know that there is no better way to spend quality time with your partner than a peaceful cruise on the waterways. Find out why a narrowboat holiday is such an original and quirky idea to celebrate important relationship milestones.

Read: 5 Reasons Why Canal Boats are the Most Romantic Holiday

Credit: Fox Narrowboats

Spring

It’s difficult to estimate exactly how many UK canal boats are liveaboards. The diverse inland boating community includes middle-aged divorcees, retired couples, young professionals, people on low incomes, and canal heritage enthusiasts. Some people like the alternative lifestyle, others hope it may be a cheaper lifestyle. Weigh up the extra chores, boat maintenance and finances, against freedom, adventure, independence and living close to nature.

Read: The Pro’s and Cons of Living on a Canal Boat

Summer

If you have ever wondered…Where’s the nearest pub? Is there a shop near here? And where can I moor? Our new interactive waterways map was launched last summer, and it has all the answers. It shows where you are on the navigation and what useful things you might find nearby. It also includes images, icons and highlights so that you can always find what you want, when you want it.

Read: Fascinating New Interactive Waterways Map for Narrowboaters

Autumn

If you’re a parent you may be wondering how to prepare for a narrowboat journey, what to bring and whether the kids can steer the boat. A Fox Narrowboat trip is much more than a holiday; it’s an opportunity to create lifelong memories with your family.

Read: Four Things Every Parent Should Know About Narrowboat Holidays

Winter

At Christmas time special services are broadcast on TV from English cathedrals. So in December we took the opportunity to feature two impressive cathedrals which can be visited by narrowboat on a Foxboats holiday. More than just spectacular places of worship they offer a rich history, architecture, markets, talks, concerts, exhibitions, tours, dining and shopping.

Read: Two Stunning Cathedrals to Visit on a Canal Boat Holiday

If you enjoyed reading ‘The Six Best Things We Learned About Narrowboating Last Year’, look for ‘Follow Blog’ in the sidebar on the right and enter your email address. We’ll send you occasional stories, tips and advice about narrowboating around the Fens. (We never share or sell email addresses – your details are safe with us.)

If you want to beat the winter blues and book a canal holiday in 2024 check availability now.

You may also like: Why January is the Best Time to Book Your Hire Boat Holiday

The post The Six Best Things We Learned About Narrowboating Last Year appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

Whether you’re a leisure boater, hire boater or live-aboard boater, a lapse of concentration can spell disaster – even if you’re an experienced boater.

Here are three boating mistakes that you wouldn’t want to make.

1. You’ve Tied the Mid-Rope to a Bollard

If you’re travelling uphill through a lock and the rope runs out of slack then the boat may turn over as it rises. When travelling downhill through a lock a tied-up boat could be left hanging by a rope as the water level falls. Instead; pass the centre rope around a lock-side bollard and back to the steerer on board who can then lengthen or shorten the rope as necessary to steady the boat when the water rushes in. Next, open the paddles slowly so that the boat doesn’t surge about in the current.

2. You’re Not Watching Both Ends!

Most boaters are very conscious of the fact that you must be wary of the cill at the stern when travelling downhill through a lock. It will be marked in paint on the lock-side so you can be sure of its position. However, you must also pay attention to the rope fender at your bow which can become caught on the front lock gate when rising or falling – especially if your boat is 70ft. If your boat does begin to tip at an alarming angle and begin to take on water, instruct your crew to close the paddles as quickly as possible, and then refill the lock to float the boat once more.

3. Your Skipper and Crew Aren’t Paying Attention

While enjoying the relaxed feeling of a cruise on the waterways it’s easy to forget that a lock can be a dangerous place and that all those operating the boat and the lock should know how to do so safely. The steerer at the helm should remain fully attentive and crew at the lock-side should continue to check that the lock gates and paddles are being operated safely. It’s quite possible to become distracted if your crew consist of children, teenagers, hen parties or a stag do for example!

And one final thought; don’t rush! No one wins a prize for running beside a lock, or jumping heroically from a boat to the lock-side.

What tips would you add to this list? Have you ever had to drop the paddles in a hurry? Have you ever had any scary moments or near-misses in a lock? Let us know on Facebook.

Peggy ~The Narrowboat Wife

Disclaimer: This advice is for general guidance only. If you are unsure about any element of canal boat navigation and operation seek advice or training from an experienced skipper.

The post Do You Make These Three Boating Mistakes? appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.

Tracey

Fox Boats is run by Paula Syred and Tracey Baxter, who are the daughters of Charlie Fox, the man who founded Fox Boats in 1952. They have a team of 7 dedicated staff, who love to help people have amazing holidays and day trips on the waterways in Cambridgeshire. Before putting the staff in the spotlight, we decided it was only fair to turn the spotlight on Paula and Tracey, and to share more about them!

Favourite thing about running Fox Boats:

P: Meeting so many different people from around the world when they visit the UK for a canal holiday adventure.

T: Turning customers’ ideas into reality when they order a bespoke boat.

Funniest memory/experience of running Fox Boats:

Paula

P: Receiving a lecture from my father on professionalism and two minutes later he went to do a hire boat handover and promptly walked off the end of the landing stage, leaving only his trademark bush hat floating on top of the water.

T: Thinking about my father’s mantra for boat painting: “Awkward bits, corners and ends and edges first” whilst I’m varnishing what seems like miles of wooden matching.

Something interesting/unusual about you:

P: I was born in March, however my birthday is in August!

T: I have boated in many areas.  Kayaking around the Twenty Foot loop for charity was a challenge, as it is a 26 mile trip!

Best thing about living in Cambridgeshire:

P: The magnificent sunsets.

T: Cycling through open spaces.

Vision for the future of Fox Boats:

P: To continue providing quality holidays and day trips for many years to come.

T: To be running the company when the Bedford – Milton Keynes waterways link comes to fruition putting us on a navigable circular ring.

The post Directors in the Spotlight appeared first on Fox Narrowboats.