| Tuition |
Undoubtedly this is
the most worrying aspect for all beginners, until they
discover how easy Viking Afloat make things for them.
We will spend as long as you like showing you round
the boat, teaching you to drive and helping you through
your first locks. |
| Take
Over and Return |
Under normal circumstances
your boat will be available at 3.00pm on the
day of departure. The boat must be returned to
the same base on the day of return by 9.00am and vacated
by 9.30am. We are sure that you will understand
that each boat must be thoroughly cleaned and serviced
before it is available for hire again. If you were to
return the boat late, it is more than probable that
you will cause a delay in the start of someone else's
holiday. We will therefore levy an additional
charge for the late return of your boat. |
| Late
Arrival |
If you are unable to
arrive at our base until after 3.00pm to collect your
boat, please telephone the base well in advance of your
holiday in order that special arrangements can be made.
Worcester Hire Base
(0)1905 612707 |
Gailey Hire Base
(0)1902 790612 |
Rugby Hire Base
(0)1788 562183 |
Whitchurch Hire Base
(0)1948 662012 |
|
| Bedding
|
On all of our boats we provide freshly
laundered duvets, duvet covers, bottom sheets, pillows
(two per person) and pillow cases. Mattress' are made
of high density foam, except the double beds which mostly
either have a single interior sprung mattress, or two
single interior sprung mattress'. Freshly laundered
sleeping bags, cotton liners and blankets are also available
on request at no extra charge. We do not provide table
linen or towels.
|
| Pets
|
There is no extra charge if you want to bring one pet with you, so this
really is a holiday the whole family can enjoy together.
The first pet per
boat is free, but we charge for each additional pet.We obviously
request that the boat is returned in a clean and tidy condition and
reserve the right to refuse pets or charge for any additional cleaning or
repairs required as a result of pets being on board during your holiday. |
| Car
Parking |
There is ample open
air car parking within the confines of the bases - which
is provided free of charge. We regret that
we cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to
hirers' vehicles. |
| Groceries
and Provisions |
A grocery
list will be sent with your pre-holiday information
pack. If you require any of these items,
please complete the order form and post it direct to
the base from which you depart at least 14 days before
your holiday starts. The groceries will
be ready for you on your arrival and you will be required
to pay for them in cash before the boat departs from
the base. |
| Life
Jackets |
Life jackets
are available free of charge. They come
in five sizes from small child to large adult, and will
be individually fitted before you set out.
Please request these on your arrival at the base. |
| Bicycles
|
Since bicycles can really only be stored on the roof of the boat where they are very liable to damage from bridges and trees, we only allow a maximum of one bicycle per boat. If you are determined to bring a bicycle, we suggest that you also bring a piece of old carpet or similar,
to protect the paintwork of the boat. We reserve the right to charge for any such accidental damage done.
|
| Licences
|
All our boats are licensed with British
Waterways at no extra cost to you. However,
for those wishing to navigate the River Avon (Avon Ring)
an additional licence will be required as this waterway
is administered by independent authorities.
(In 2004 a fourteen day River Avon licence was £44.)
|
| Fishing
|
Fishing
is allowed provided that you have a current EA rod licence.
Most clubs will not object to you fishing from the boat,
but some may require you to purchase a day ticket.
This varies from area to area. Please check
with the boatyard on arrival. |
| Televisions
|
Our boats
are all fitted with 12 volt colour televisions.
It should be remembered that although our TV's are modern
sets, reception at canal and river level is often very
poor. |
| Boating
Video
(UK format only)
or DVD. |
This excellent and informative film (available in Video or DVD format) follows the adventures of two real-life families as they explore the inland waterways of England. As genuine first-time boaters both families quickly learn how to navigate safely through locks, bridges and tunnels while enjoying life in the ‘slow lane’.
Using all types of locks safely, tackling tunnels, casting off and mooring up are just some of the many techniques covered, along with how to handle a narrowboat.
Watching this film before you go boating will help you understand how to enjoy the waterways safely. It is especially suitable for first time boaters and new crew but it equally carries useful reminders for those more experienced at boating.
To borrow a copy of the film, please tick the relevant box in section 7 of the booking form. It will then be sent to you along with your pre-holiday information pack as soon as you have made your final payment (approx. 8 weeks before the holiday starts).
All we ask is that you bring the film back with you when you come to collect your boat in order that it can be used by another customer and so help us to reduce waste.
|
| Mobile
Phones / Camcorders |
All our
boats have a cigar lighter socket similar to a car.
This is 12 volts and if your camcorder or mobile phone
adaptor will work from your car, it will work on any
of our boats. |
| Overseas
Visitors |
Please remember
to check
availability before sending your booking form. You
may telephone, fax or e-mail us on the numbers below.
We recommend that all your payments are made by either,
Mastercard, Visa, American Express or by sending a Sterling
bank draft. Foreign currency payments and Eurocheques
are unfortunately unacceptable.
Towels are available free of charge
to overseas visitors upon request.
Phone: +44 (0) 1905
610660
Fax: +44
(0) 1905 616715 |
