Searching for information on the “three in a boat canal” often baffles aspiring water engineers looking for a specific hydraulic facility on the map. In fact, there is no such single artificial waterway with an official name, and confusion arises due to the famous novel by Jerome K. Jerome and the popular Moscow club of the same name.
In the context of water tourism and shipping, it is usually a picturesque section of the river. Klyazma. In the Moscow and Vladimir regions, which historically has been the main weekend route, this stretch, which is saturated with locks, ancient cities and natural attractions, has become a symbol of light river tourism.
In this article we will analyze the real navigation situation in this direction, consider the features of the passage. lock-holeWe will identify safe areas and give tips on how to prepare for the hike. If you plan to raft or get out on a motorboat, you will need a clear understanding of the terrain and rules that apply to the rivers of the Moscow Basin.
Geography of the route: from Shchelkovo to Vladimir
The conditional “channel” that the aqueous engines pass originates in the area of the city of Shchelkovo, where the Klyazma River becomes sufficiently full-flowing for the confident passage of small vessels. expedition.
The first kilometers of the route are characterized by moderate current and the presence of many suburban villages, which requires the skipper to be more attentive. On weekends, there is a high traffic of small vessels, so compliance with the speed regime and rules safety It's critical.
Moving further east, the landscape changes: the shores become more wild, there are more forests, convenient for the organization. sleepoverThe river here retains its depth even in the dry summer months, making the route attractive to boat owners with a draft of up to 0.8 meters.
It is important to note that the width of the channel varies at different sections, and in some places the fairway may shift to one of the banks. GPS trackers helps to avoid stranding, especially in the area of river turns, where sand deposits are formed annually.
System of locks and hydraulic structures
One of the main features of the route along Klyazma is the presence of a system of locks, which are often associated with the concept of "channel" among tourists, which allows you to overcome elevation differences and regulate the water level, ensuring navigation over long stretches.
Passing the locks requires the crew of the boat to have some training and knowledge of the signals. Before entering the chamber, you need to make sure that the gatekeepers are ready and there is no oncoming traffic.
☑️ Checklist before entering the lock
Modern locks on Klyazma are equipped with mechanical or electric gates, which are controlled remotely. However, in some older areas, more archaic structures may be found that require manual intervention or assistance from the crew for the purpose of transporting the air. mooring.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to attempt to pass the lock without signaling or at the time of its closure, and the pressure of water when the gate is closed can instantly press a small vessel against the concrete, causing serious damage to the hull and injuries to people.
For ease of navigation, below is a table of the main gateways on the route with their specifications:
| Lock name | Location (km from the mouth) | Type of management | Dimensions of the chamber (m) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Axero-Eductive | 145 km | Automatic. | 100x10 |
| Orekhovo-Zuevsky | 120 km km | Manual/Mechanical | 80x8 |
| Vladimir | 50 km | Automatic. | 120x12 |
| kovrovskiy | 20 km | Handheld. | 70x7 |
It is worth noting that the dimensions of the cameras can vary depending on the year of construction and the reconstructions carried out. catamaran Or a boat with a wide stern.
Navigation equipment and maps
The route is not successful without good navigational support. Paper maps, although considered classics, often do not contain up-to-date information about new shallows, fallen trees or changed fairways, so they need to be supplemented. digitally.
Modern water engines are using raster and vector maps in smartphone and tablet applications, and applications like Navionics and OsmAnd allow you to see depth in real time if you have a sonar connected to the sounder. GPS module.
Before you go on the route, download offline maps of the region. Cellular communication on Klyazma is not available in many places, and online map downloading will be impossible.
The echo sounder becomes a mandatory element of equipment, even on a familiar river, the bottom relief can change after floods, the presence of a sonar allows you to detect in advance driftwood, the remains of old piles or sharp changes in depths, which is especially important for the development of the water. motorboat with screws placed low.
In addition, do not forget about the traditional means of navigation: compass and binoculars. In fog or in poor visibility, electronics can bring, and visual control of coastal landmarks remains the most reliable way to determine the location of the water. location.
Parking spaces and bivac organization
Selecting a place to stay is an art that comes with experience. There are many equipped and wild parking lots on Klyazma, but not all of them are suitable for a safe overnight stay. current.
The ideal parking area should be protected from wind and wave, have a gentle entrance to the water for disembarkation and a convenient approach to the water for water intake for household needs. privacy.
- 🌲 Forests: Often offer excellent protection from the wind, but require caution when breeding fires due to dry needles.
- 🏖️ Sandy braids: They are convenient for landing, but can be completely flooded when water levels rise or wind surge.
- ⚓ Old moorings: They provide a reliable mooring, but can be occupied by local fishermen or private boats.
When organizing a bivac, fire safety rules must be strictly observed; bonfires are allowed only in designated areas or on equipped fires, remote from dry grass and trees. gas-burner It is a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative.
What to do if all the seats are occupied?
If there is no room in popular parking lots, don’t despair. Walk another 3-5 kilometers downstream – usually there are quiet backwaters, where other tourists rarely get there.
Don't forget to dispose of garbage. All waste, including food residues and plastic, must be collected and taken with you or put into special containers if they are installed in a parking lot. culture boating.
GIMS Rules and Water Safety
Compliance with the rules of the State Inspectorate for Small Vessels (SIMS) is a prerequisite for legal and safe navigation. On the Klyazma River, there are general rules for navigation on the inland waterways of the Russian Federation, which regulate speed, overtaking and overtaking. counter-movement.
Each boat must be registered and the boatmaster must have the right to operate a small vessel of the appropriate category, and the absence of documents can result in fines and detention of the boat, which will spoil the entire boat. march.
⚠️ Attention: Driving at night without running lights is strictly forbidden, and if you are caught in the night on the way, you should immediately get to the shore and mark the parking lot with a white circular light visible from all sides.
Special attention should be paid to the presence of life jackets, they should be worn on all passengers, especially when passing locks, in fog or when water is turbulent. mandatory.
In case of an accident or emergency, use the radio channels received on the river or mobile communication (where it is available). 112Keep the contacts of the local GIMS unit in the phone book in advance.
Seasonal features and preparation for the hike
Like any river in central Russia, the Klyazma River has its own seasonal features, and the spring flood changes the river’s face significantly, flooding its usual banks and making navigation dangerous due to the large number of rivers. floater and garbage.
The summer is considered the most favorable for water tourism, the water level is stable, the days are long and the weather is usually warm, but it is in the summer that the river has the largest number of tourists, which requires increased travel. alertness.
In autumn, the river can shrivel, exposing the slops and driftwood that were hidden under water in the summer. When planning an autumn hike, you need to carefully study the depth map and be prepared for frequent trips. measurement fairway.
The best time for a quiet family rafting in Klyazma is the second half of June and July, when the water has already warmed up, and the main influx of tourists has not yet subsided.
Preparation for the hike should include checking the technical condition of the boat and the engine. motorMake sure the integrity of the cylinders (for PVC boats) and the presence of a remplekt.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register a boat to pass the locks on Klyazma?
Yes, to pass locks, a vessel must be registered with the GIMS, have side numbers and the boatmaster must have the appropriate rights with him.
Can I walk the Three in a Boat route by kayak?
This route is certainly popular among kayakers, but they should be careful when passing locks, as large boats create a powerful wave that can turn a light kayak, and it is recommended to pass the locks as part of a group or wait for the right moment.
Where can I replenish my water and food supplies along the route?
The route runs near settlements (Shchelkovo, Orekhovo-Zuyevo, Vladimir, Kovrov), where there are shops, but there can be long distances between cities without infrastructure, so it is better to take the main supplies with you or plan parking near villages.
What is the average speed of the squatter?
The average speed of the motor boat, taking into account the current, locks and calm is about 10-15 km / h On a kayak, the speed rarely exceeds 4-5 km / h. Plan daytime transitions based on these indicators, so as not to go at night.