Bilgewater
Senior Member
- Joined
- Jun 20, 2011
- Messages
- 276
- Location
- USA
- Vessel Name
- Sunset Lady
- Vessel Make
- 1975 Chris Craft 35 Aft Cabin
We were heading south from Oswego NY on the canal. Locks 8,7,and 6 are close together, and we were asked to wait up at lock 6 for another boat. Sure no problem. We heard them talking on the radio, saying they hadn't gone through a canal before, and asking questions. The boat was a 32 foot sailboat, with mast stowed, from Canada, with 2 40ish men aboard. As the lock filled I said hello and asked where they were going. The helmsman put down his beer (10:00) and said "The Islands!" I asked him his cruising speed, and he said 5 kts. I told him I cruised at 7, wished him well, and good luck. From lock 6 to lock 5 is 4 miles, and we quickly left them behind. We hailed lock 5 and got clearance to approach. Immediately the sailboat called and asked to come in as well, which was approved. We sat in the lock holding the ropes for 25 minutes waiting for these guys to finally get there. From lock 5 to lock 3 (no lock 4) is 6 miles, so when the gates opened, I pushed her up to 8kts to avoid any more delays. Sure enough, when we hailed lock 3, the Canadian boat called in as well. When we were in the lock, the lock tender asked us how far behind the sailboat was. I said at least 2 miles. He thanked me, and closed the gates to move us on. As we transited the lock, I heard the Canadians calling repeatedly for opening. Then calling and identifying their location by buoy number, then saying they were 500 feet behind the lock. As we got out of radio range, I did hear the dock master clear them in. I will assume he instructed them on the etiquette of lock transitions, namely, you should at least be in the same county as the lock before you call for opening. The adventure continues.