Cruising the Waterways – Friendships

Boats and waterways are the most amazing places for meeting people and making friends. If you imagine that, like being in a car or coach, you’d be isolated, lonely and cut off from the outside world, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

The first thing is that people seem to be more relaxed, have more time, floating along than they would otherwise. They want to give you a cheery wave, or give you a hand with your ropes, or tell you where the nearest boulangerie is. They’re friendlier.

The second thing is that you actually meet people, all the time. You don’t have to make much of an effort, or concoct excuses – it just happens. You happen to be sitting in your cockpit and someone goes by, walking their dog. A bright ‘good morning’ is followed by a little chat about the weather and before long it turns out their son is studying dentistry in England, and they’ve visited him there, and that’s not far from your own home town . . . In France it is expected that one politely says Bonjour to whoever one happens to walk past (not in crowded towns, obviously) and they respond. It even happens in shops and post offices. Open the door, walk in and say Bonjour to everyone else.

The third thing is that everyone you meet actually boating has a boat. It might be a small one or a large one; basic or expensive; motor boat or barge – but the thing is, everyone’s in the ‘same boat’. Everyone knows well what it’s like, how good it is. So there’s an inherent understanding, empathy, fellow-feeling. People will help, unasked.

Instant ‘communities’ happen at the points where boaters tie up for the night, the week or for a few months (click here to find out what life afloat is really like!) . Yes, the members eventually sail off somewhere else, but strong friendships are forged fast and it’s now so easy to keep in touch with people. And to want to.

The people that one meets boating are usually so very interesting. They’re from a wide range of backgrounds, professions, etc., which is interesting in its own right. They’re from a surprisingly wide range of nationalities, too. In the first three months of leaving the UK in 2003 we met Finns, Danes, Americans, New Zealanders, Australians, Norwegians, Belgians, Dutch – and English – and French people – on the French waterways. Met, talked-to, had a glass of wine with, were invited onto their boat, had a beer at the local bar with, helped them with something on their boat . . .

People one meets have different reasons for taking to the water but what is often consistent is that they have decided to make the most of life, explore some new rich different things, and value the experience. Perhaps to escape the humdrum, or leave behind unnecessary ‘clutter’ – for a while.

It’s like traditional small-town life from fifty or more years ago, but without the insularity – and with the opportunity to tie up right next to the Eiffel Tower or a world-renowned champagne house!