Learn about the narrowboat syndicate
Come aboard
The Syndicate
The syndicate is entirely private and non profit making. It has run since 1993 when Mandarin was built. Each member owns a share in the boat until such time as they choose to sell. Skippers must be over 18 and have experience over 2 years on similar craft. A comprehensive agreement is signed on joining the syndicate when a share is purchased.
There are two- or three-week p.a. shares and members pay monthly contributions of £72 or £108 respectively towards licensing, mooring, maintenance, insurance, gas and electricity costs. We aim to fully fund even large expenditure such as periodic repaints and engine replacement from these monthly payments. This works out at a very reasonable £432 per week holiday with only diesel, pump out and solid fuel costs to be paid on top.
Annual meeting
An Annual General Meeting is held at a hotel over a weekend out of season. A Chairman, Secretary, Engineer, Treasurer and Bookings Secretary are elected. This is also a great social event when we can meet with fellow owners who we might otherwise meet only briefly at handovers.
Cruising allocations are flexible, requested in advance of and finally agreed at the AGM. Additional use of Mandarin is generally available outside the season for a nominal sum. Each member is entitled to nominate up to two Associate Members who may use the member's allocation but with some restrictions.
The mooring location is continually reviewed and agreed at each AGM. For 2024 we are based near Napton.
