Recently in Basel on the Rhine we came across two wonderful ferries powered 100% by the flow of the river. The two ferries are very well used as there is considerable pedestrian traffic at river level. The road and other crossings are at a much higher level. The ferries are very simple in principle. The boat is attached to a cable that traverses the river at a high level. The attaching cable can 'run' along the main river crossing cable. When the ferry operator wants to cross the river he positions the rudder to make the boat go into the current. The rudder only has two positions. The boat moves away from the shore and would naturally go in the direction of the rudder, ie. across the river, as it has no power it goes with the flow downstream.
Margaret waiting for the ferry after ringing the bell.
The fact that it is loosely attached to a rigid cable across the river and the flow is pushing the boat, this results in the boat moving sideways across the river. It has nowhere else to go. All very cunning.
The ferry making its way across attached to the wire river crossing.
Upon reaching the other side all the boatman has to do to return is flop the rudder the other way. All very clever, simple and energy free. The speed of the crossing will be determined by the flow of the river. When we were there it was more than sufficient with up to 30 passengers.
The second ferry being 'pulled across' by the flow.
We are leaving Soraya to her own devices for quite a while, the longest period to date, unless I get 'concerned' and pop back for a check. So it's off for other non péniche adventures, returning in March. So probably to everyone's relief no more blog posts until our return. You may have been wondering from a previous blog post about the fate of the 'red cabbage and prune choucroute'. Well let's just say it won't be going onto any future shopping list!
1 comment:
Great boat.
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