Big Ships and little Ships

We took our Australian friends (the Bean family) up river for a little bit of show and tell.

On reaching Godstow lock, we were informed by the good lock keeper that a ‘large Dutch barge’ was on its way downstream and we might meet it on the dangerous bends below Kings Lock. We duly paid attention to this, and kept a sharp look out - after all - we wouldn’t want to get swamped by such a monster!

We tied up for tea in one of our favourite spots, and, lo and behold - around the bend came the said craft. This looked to me like the boat I had seen being worked on up at Oxford Cruisers, and indeed - there was Andy at the helm, skilfully, negotiating the sharp bends. A big group on board. Maybe they were heading for warmer weather in the south! As you can see from the photo, there seems little in the way of ‘bells and whistles’ on the boat - no mast and no name! Maybe, as yet, un-finished. Still, she looks grand and spacious.

These Dutch barges are very interesting, and I would like to know a bit more about this one.