Disponibel

My old Mukka Gary Browne died 3 years ago after fighting cancer. He was 45

We had first met in 1985 as young coppers in Woolwich SE London working those mean streets and enjoying all life had to offer. Together with our close friend Paul, we went hiking, camping, fell walking and boating.

Eventually as time passed, Gary stole my dream of living aboard a boat, however, he didnt go along my route of a Narrow Boat but went the whole hog and bought a 1908 Dutch barge which was for sale in Amsterdam.

The actual purchase took rather a long time due to Dutch Notaries (solicitors) and money transfers but eventually, following several trips to Holland we were finally ready to cruise 'Disponibel' from Amsterdam to Hoo on the River Medway in Kent.

The Dutch and Belgium Canals were like nothing we had ever experienced before, with huge commercial barge and ocean going traffic.....and we thought Disponibel was big.

In order to satisfy Insurance demands, Gary was obliged to ensure a qualified skipper for the Canal trip to Neiuport and another qualified skipper for the crossing to England. he also had to name an Engineer for the journey and confirm that various modifications had taken place for the crossing, ie, a dedicated engine fuel supply to engine, not using the existing tank, Wheel house strapped down (as it was collapsible) and all skylights to be 'Boarded over'

The Skipper for the canal part of the journey was very kindly filled by Mr Eddie Oostland, The vendor who had lived on board for the last 30 years, 10 of those years with his wife and children. Disponible had been in his family since she was first launched. This was his last trip in her and his emotions were running high.

We kept him plied with liquids to ease the pain :)

Yours truly was nominated Engineer, based on the fact that I once changed a split pin on the prop of my dad's outboard engine on one of our 'Lads' boat trips on the Peak Forest canal.

Gary's official title was 'owner' and our 4th crew member was Paul.

Moorings overnight on our run to Neuiport were varied and always near local bars that the commercial boatmen used.

At almost 90' she was just about long enough to fit between these two dolphins

The Barge behind was twice our width and had the customary car on the stern

It took us 4 days to get to Neiuport passing through wide tidal sections and small villages and towns, Brugge and Passchendale being being my favourites.

The lift bridges are operated by pressing a button on the approach, although some seem to open by magic

Once at Neiuport we were met by Carl, our skipper for the crossing and much activity took place preparing the old girl for the sea. The insurance only covered us for crossing in winds up to Force Four and Carl informed us we were good to go on the next tide at around 3 am. The hardest part of the preparations were finding an oil drum for the dedicated fuel tank as upon our arrival at the port everything seemed to be closed for the day but Eddie came good and using his native tongue on the Belgium community secured a drum suitable for the task which was then secured to the engine room roof and the nessessary pipes connected to the engine.

At around 3 am we left the harbour and headed for England.

All was well till I took over the helm as we approached the first Traffic Separation Scheme. Carl had gone to sleep behind me on the bench seat after giving me a course to steer and instructions to wake him if i wasnt happy with anything.

Well, I knew the basics that we had to cross the TSS at right angles and give way to traffic on our starboard, but this was a totally alien environment to me. I could see several large ships off our starboard bow and as we all inched closer I was convinced I heard the name 'Disponibel' being spoken over the VHF......I woke Carl and pointed out to him the rather large vessel approaching and he said..."mmmm yes does look rather interesting, I think we'll give way"

carl took the helm and didnt leave it till we had rounded North Foreland, in the meanwhile, the wind had picked up nicely and we were now ...I think bouncing about is the wrong phrase....we were being thrown around like the proverbial cork. I was scared to death.

Note the lashings for the fuel drum to the funnel

Eventually, Broadstairs on the Kent Coast came into view

I dont worry about admitting my fear at all, I was in a flat bottomed 90 year old boat, made of iron with a 1940's engine in sea's for which she was never intended......gulp

Thankfully, as we rounded North Foreland and headed up the inshore Gore channel things calmed down and Carl, Gary and Paul retired again to bed leaving me with a fantastic trip along the North kent Coast.

We entered the Swale at low tide and chugged through the very narrow channel towards Queenborough (isle of sheppy) to await the next incoming tide to take us onto Hoo. As we approached Kings Ferry Lift bridge, smoke started billowing out of the engine room, Carl took the helm and dropped revs to tickover, Upon inspection and with much trepidation I found that the problem was the oil filler cap had loosened itself and thrown oil over the engine and exhaust. soon sorted.

At Queenborough we tied up alongside an old lighter just behind the 'Ross Revenge' which some of you may remember as the old 'Radio Caroline' ship.

Queenborough is a lovely stop over if ever your brave enough to do the transit from Limehouse to the medway

Around about 2am saw us cast off and head up the Medway towards Hoo.
The crew very tired and worn out following their 23 hour trip.

Paul, trying to work out tide tables

We had to hold position outside Hoo to wait for enough water to get us into the moorings, but eventually, the tide did its job and we inched our way into our allotted slot.

Note the fine looking MFV in the background.......my old boat 'Emblem'

We enjoyed many trips on Disponibel after our epic journey and Gary tried various moorings, Tower Bridge, Cuxton and finally ending up at Poplar Dock BW Marina.

Eventually his illness and outrageous moorings and upkeep forced him to sell the old girl and he moved back to the land to a flat in High Wickham.

A year before his death we were searching the net one night and found an advert for Disponibel...she was up for sale again....by this time I was divorced and we hit on the Plan of buying her again and setting up home together as two sad bachelors.

Sadly, it wasnt to be.