Backward Class

摘要

Many people dread going backwards in a narrowboat. Indeed, when it doesn't go right things seem to go from bad to worse - and the harder you try the worse it gets...rnOther people will tell you that "ofrncourse, narrowboats don't steer at all in reverse". That's something of an exaggeration - although it's true that the tiller is a lot less effective in reverse, because you don't have the force of water from propeller against rudder which is what pushes the boat around in forward gear.rnBut reversing needn't be traumatic - and the first thing you need to get right is which way to look. When you're going forwards you watch the bow most of the time, just glancing at the stern occasionally: the same applies when reversing. Keep looking forwards, so you can see the whole of the boat and make sure it's in the right place, and just look over your shoulder occasionally to keep an eye on where you're heading.