RCR boat story winner!

A story about two boaters who sold their home for a life afloat and the mishaps they encountered during their first summer adventure has won River Canal Rescue’s national story-telling competition.

Clair Peache (pictured with Chris) won £700 towards a CRT licence after sharing her tale of engine issues, loose wires and fan belts, over-zealous rope untying and a broken shower pump on a four-week journey on nb The Plot. With partner Chris, they’re currently cruising the Kennet and Avon canal, near Reading, and will spend winter at the Saltisford canal arm, Warwick.

“This light-hearted story ‘It comes in threes’ will resonate with many; it captured the very essence of life on the cut for new boat owners and relayed the frustration when parts break down and how a single, well-meaning action can easily lead to a loss of control,” comments RCR managing director, Stephanie Horton.

“It also made me laugh – Clair’s words conjured up some great images of their time on the River Trent and showed how there can be highs and lows in a single day.”

“I’m absolutely delighted and shocked to win first prize,” says Clair. “I’m currently in Jersey celebrating the launch of my mystery novel, One Step Ahead, and my 50th birthday, so this news could not have come at a better time. Thank you so much for choosing my story.” 

The tale also reminded Stephanie of adventures with partner and RCR ceo, Trevor Forman, and their boat Boxer on the River Trent. It was after they bought her, Trevor dreamt about launching RCR.

Runner-up and winner of £300 in chandlery vouchers is Paul Heath from London on nb Tralfamadore, who explained how after befriending and trusting a fellow boater, he lost out financially, only to be repaid by wealthy people from ‘another world’. The story touched upon the vulnerability of life on the cut and how boaters continue to help each other, something Paul was grateful for after being mugged at knifepoint.

“This was a raw, yet heart-warming tale, reflecting on the kindness of strangers, from two different worlds,” says Stephanie.

“I’m beyond thrilled my story was chosen,” says Paul. “My belief in the community spirit on the waterways is deeply felt and it was great to have an opportunity to put it into words. I plan to use the vouchers for some new fire extinguishers, and some gifts for other boaters who have helped me.”

Third place was hotly contested between Lydia Longman and her recounting of having a baby onboard, Kathy Lee’s entertaining tale of a gentleman being rescued from the cut after his invalid scooter ended up in the water, and Mandy McDermott relaying her attempts to moor on an unsafe pontoon.

After much debate, liveaboards Mandy and Chris (pictured left), moored at South Oxford canal, Claydon, on nb Lucy was awarded third prize of £200 in chandlery vouchers. “Her story of a dodgy pontoon, losing the rope and battling to save the boat while stuck in hawthorn trees warns against complacency and underestimating the power of rivers,” explains Stephanie.

“I’m delighted and humbled to have won third prize,” says Mandy. “We look forward to a shopping spree in the chandlery and just hope our ‘story’ doesn’t become someone else’s reality.” 

Stephanie concludes: “We received over 50 entries; all were of a high standard and it was very difficult to choose a top three. Each story met our ‘real life experience’ perfectly and they were great examples of why life on the cut can be so challenging and yet rewarding – you never know what you’re going to come across and there’s never a dull moment. We thank everyone who entered and are sorry there can’t be more winners. We will however send a gift to everyone who entered.”