2012 - The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant

[NSS]

Was fortunate enough to watch from close to Chelsea Harbour. Spectacular sight and well done to all from the forum who helped make it possible or took part.

[MKII_CGT]

Good to see some young Australians join the festivities...

Australian surf lifesavers who will join The Queen on the Thames for the Diamond Jubilee Pageant. The youngest girls' crew from Brisbane: Caitlin McConnel, Leah Billing, Rachel Kilmartin and Sarah Handley.





Did anyone eat Heston's 'Diamond Jubilee Picnic by Waitrose' ?

[Richard B]

I've just watched the highlights on BBC1 and was very pleased when Tom Cunliffe was introduced as an "expert" secondary commentator. He made some sensible comments about wind and tide, but then I was extremely surprised to hear his comments about the Royal Barge / Spirit of Chartwell "defying gravity" and "wonder what sort of bow thrusters" the barge has, whilst docking alongside HMS President. It was simply a straightforward ferry glide! No bow rustlers required, rules of gravity unbroken, Isaac Newton can rest easily!

[Tim M]

Originally Posted by Richard B

I've just watched the highlights on BBC1 and was very pleased when Tom Cunliffe was introduced as an "expert" secondary commentator. He made some sensible comments about wind and tide, but then I was extremely surprised to hear his comments about the Royal Barge / Spirit of Chartwell "defying gravity" and "wonder what sort of bow thrusters" the barge has, whilst docking alongside HMS President. It was simply a straightforward ferry glide! No bow rustlers required, rules of gravity unbroken, Isaac Newton can rest easily!

Bearing in mind there was very little tide running (as they closed the barrier), the tight spot in which the skipper was manoeuvring and the length of the vessel, I think he was giving his bow thruster full power!!

[Tim M]

A few piccies

[Ian M]

Originally Posted by ssobol

http://www.rib.net/forum/attachment....1&d=1338644848

Seems like kind of a big boat to tow behind a smallish car. Don't know if I'd be comfortable with that set up.

Towing weight for the car with trailer with brakes on gradients up to 12% is 2100kg, boat weight loaded with fuel etc 1795kg. Despite the best efforts of the trailer gods mine had brakes on the day. Actually the car tows this load really well.
Launching from Putney embankment was testing Defenders were sliding down with wheels locking and getting them up the embankment following the show was 'interesting', but we had no troubles Shame the car is going on Wednesday

[Solent Seadog]

Had a great day yesterday. Camped by Sunbury Lock, trained into Waterloo from Hampton Court and herded ourselves with the other million(s) near to Blackfriars Bridge after a long reconnaissance of the embankment for the best position. Most of the bridges were closed. It was about 10-1100 hrs and already there were no frontal spaces. There were camping chairs and tents and it seemed that some people had been there for hours, if not all night.

I nearly managed to get a balcony view overlooking old father Thames from one of the residential apartment blocks after blagging my way in but was eventually discovered by the Building Manager. Apparently they had permission for 300 people in their forecourt area but had 600 tenants so they were not happy especially with the general public getting past their security desk!

Anyway, we waited patiently for 3 hrs in the showers before the flotilla arrived at Blackfriars. The picnic lunch came out and the champagne was uncorked with the cork floating away in the Thames. Not a flinch from the 4 police officers stood next to us as the cork popped sounding more like a gun shot. Security was very tight though but if the hired marshals had stood out of the way more people could have passed through.

The flotilla arrived and with the crowds 10 persons deep in places it was difficult to see. With one daughter on my shoulders and a small ledge we found we managed to see glimpses as the Queen passed by with the other Royals. Then the rain really came down sending everyone scurrying back to a blocked Waterloo station.

Anyway it was the BEST OF BRITISH spirit that came through persevering the weather and the crowds but I just hope I can see the highlights on iplayer when I get home!

Did anyone else make it there yesterday?

Steve

[Erin]

Originally Posted by HUMBER P4VWL

If his limit is 1800, I'd guess he's over the limit. The trailer itself, engine,Twin batteries, possibly full tanks, gear, anchor, chain, oil, etc etc it all adds up!

It'll pull it, just wouldn't be legal.

Beg to differ. I put my Osprey on the scales fully loaded and notched up 1610kg. An extra battery is the only real difference at say 40kg.

Edit: Just noticed Jianna has been weighed at 1795. That seems high compared to mine.

[HUMBER P4VWL]

Originally Posted by Erin

Beg to differ. I put my Osprey on the scales fully loaded and notched up 1610kg. An extra battery is the only real difference at say 40kg.

Fair enough. Only my thoughts.

[Richard B]

Originally Posted by Tim M

Bearing in mind there was very little tide running (as they closed the barrier), the tight spot in which the skipper was manoeuvring and the length of the vessel, I think he was giving his bow thruster full power!!

Remember - the Thames is a river, and barrier or no barrier you can't stop a river flowing. The skipper turned the barge upstream and positioned her at an an oblique angle to the flow, then was able to move sideways with no visible wash at the bow. A classic ferry glide manoeuvre, highly suitable for positioning a vessel into a tight spot. If using thrusters, wouldn't have needed to be at the oblique angle.

[Erin]

Ferry glide makes sense as it was a very slow and gentle process. Thrusters would have achieved it much quicker.

[Ian M]

Originally Posted by Erin

An extra battery is the only real difference at say 40kg.

Edit: Just noticed Jianna has been weighed at 1795. That seems high compared to mine.

Ah, yes you are right. Selective memory
I remember when going to the weigh bridge I decided that I wanted to know the maximum ever tow weight that I would likely encounter, so I threw two sets of diving gear in as well That and my tendency to over engineer most aspects of the boat installion will account for the difference.

[willk]

That Redbay 850 Jet RIB belonging to the LPA got a grandstand seat (lower left).

[CJL]

Originally Posted by SIBer

Was that you I saw on Sky News this morning?

YUP! 4 Minutes of fame!

Chris

[whisper]

Here are some pics from the day, I haven't even looked at the gopro stuff as yet but if you watch this you will probably get a good idea of what we saw.

A very big thanks to Ian M for inviting me, it was truly was a once in a lifetime opportunity!

Thanks Ian

Diamond Jubilee Pageant - The bits you didn't see on TV - YouTube

[thomas]

Great video, enjoyed that.

[CJL]

Some more pictures here

Chris

[actions]

Great video and pics. Thanks for sharing.

[Simon B]

I'm stunned no one has any shots of the only ribnet boat in the pageant as a particpant, I'll try and rectify this...

West India Dock; Lock out 2

My freind Katherine fending off a very badly moored Historic during lockout

The deranged fool who thought it might be good idea to be in pageant (not me!)

[Simon B]

More from Vixen

Toasting beverage courtesy of mother in law from Kingston

Approach to royal barge

Bit closer to Royal barge