Being towed to the Underfall for survey

This is an old barge that has been converted to a floating pub/restaurant. Because she has no engine the harbour masters have to resort to towing with a tug in front and a braking tug behind with a spare rib(!) to push from the side to keep her straight if necessary. The Underfall 'patent slipway' was constructed in place of an older one in 1890. A cradle sledge is let down the slipway into the harbour and the hull is centrally positioned over the cradle where guide bars enable wedges to be drawn up on either side against its hull. When they are in place and the hull is secure the cradle is winched up the slipway out of the water bringing the vessel with it. Her bottom will be cleaned of all the fresh water zebra mussels that infect the harbour (originally brought here on timber ships from inland Russia) and after survey she will proably have her bottom blacked again to prevent corrosion.

In the background you can see one of the yellow, round harbour ferries and the Cottage Pub. Wherever you are near the water here there is always something going on even if it is only a seagull flying by.