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Paddle steamer handling is a particular art. The paddles are so far from the rudder that its effectiveness depends entirely on the speed of the hull through the water. Hence the fast approach to pier head/quay, the aim being to bring the paddle box as close as possible to the berth for easy transfer of mooring lines while timing exactly the right moment to go full astern . The stopping power of the paddles is however awsome (standing on deck you can actually feel the deceleration) Fine judgement brings the ship to a stop in exactly the right spot amid a jangle of telegraph bells. Lifting off a berth is straightforward, the lines fore or aft being used to pivot the hull about the paddle box so she can then steam straight out. When "Eagle Steamers " introduced their first twin screw motor ship "Queen of the Channel" in 1935 all their masters were experienced paddler hands. Old habits die hard and the story goes that when she first made a call alongside Brighton pier insufficient allowance was made and she very nearly ended up on the promenade.
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