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Riverdance is a "Butter Boat" barge built in the Netherlands in 1909 for transporting farm produce and goods. She is constructed with riveted iron plates and was fitted with one of the very first diesel engines. We are told that iron boats launched before WW1 are of superior quality. Riverdance is 18.5 metres long by 3.97 metres wide with 1.1 metres of draft. Air draft is 3.1 metres. She weighs 27 metric tonnes. Top speed is 10 knots (18 km per hour) on the rivers and maximum allowable speed on the canals is 6 km/hour or about 3.7 miles per hour. This allows Riverdance to cruise all the functioning canals of Europe.
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Riverdance cruises are tailored as exclusive get-aways for two so that the adventure can be as personal and bucolic as you wish. We will plan the cruising day together to determine what sights you would like to visit - perhaps a 13th Century Chateau or an 11th Century Cathedral or a small town for a pastis at the local café.
Generally, we will travel for about 3 to 6 hours a day, stopping before four p.m. This usually adds up to about 10 to 30 Kilometres a day, depending on how much you are enjoying doing what is really important for you at that immediate special moment.
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A Riverdance cruise is planned as an interactive experience with both guests and hosts sharing the duties of tying and untying the barge and helping lockkeepers open and close the lock gates. |
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We have bicycles on board which you can use to travel canal-side between locks or visit local towns and villages along the way to pick up the daily baguettes at the boulangerie. The boat travels at walking speed - so hiking alongside on the towpath is a favourite occupation for that little bit of exercise needed to put an edge on your appetite.
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Visit canal-side towns and villages to scout out your eating place for the night or buy a picnic for yourself at the marketplaces. We will endeavour to stop at towns that have restaurants, cafés, pizzerias, crèperies or brasseries for your evening meal. Practice your French with friendly shopkeepers and lockkeepers. |
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Each morning sees fresh - baked baguettes, croissants and brioches with local preserves and butters for that inimitable French breakfast accompanied by steaming coffee, tea or hot chocolate. Lunches are smorgasbord style with terrines, patés, cheeses and of course, baguettes. After tie-up for the evening relax on the quarter deck for local beers, aperitifs, wines or sodas.
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Worried about your French? Pamela is a language Professor, fluent in French. She has lived and studied in France so her knowledge of French culture, customs and history will be a big help to you. Have a real French experience!
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Like boats? Bruce has spent a lifetime travelling. Navigator, commercial pilot, sailor and general bon vivant; he brings that special mechanical and nautical knowledge to the table - as well as a library on wines and cheeses. |
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Both Pamela and Bruce have certificates as Coastal Skippers and Coastal Navigators from the Canadian and United States' Coast Guard and the Royal Yacht Association approved International Sail and Power Association. They have 23 years experience sailing the tidal, coastal, canal and river waters of Canada and Europe.
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Riverdance is a comfortable craft. Her accommodations are simple, with a guest cabin mid-ship complete with washbasin and lockers. Forward of that is a shared bathroom with shower, sink and toilet. Amidships is a full kitchen and lounge with breakfast nook, dining table, and entertainment centre. Up top is great seating in the pilothouse with picture windows for viewing the scenery on inclement days. Otherwise relax outside on the quarter deck on comfy lounge chairs.
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Riverdance stores 1200 litres of fresh water and has dual pressure systems supplying water individually to the toilet and to the domestic supply. A Paloma direct gas-fired water heater supplies hot water for showers.
Amenities include satellite dish, telephone, TV and DVD/VCR, CD and tape players, hair dryer, full kitchen including combination microwave. There is also an iron and a sewing machine for touch up and repair.
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