Copperas channel latest depth

[MagicalArmchair]

Planning on coming back from Ramsgate via Copperas channel tomorrow. I normally go via Princes channel, however with little wind, it’ll give the crew more to look at close in to shore.

It’ll be around 8:30am tomorrow we’ll be there, on the flood, with 2m over chart datum. Mirage draws 2m, swells will be maximum 0.6 metres, so I reckon we’ll be fine with a healthy safety margin (well, a huge safety margin for the East Coast ).

Anyone been through recently? Still as charted?

 

[Cantata]

Should be ok. Shallowest bit is E of the Reculver buoy.

 

[MagicalArmchair]

Thank you, I’ll stay north of the Reculver buoy then, something like this, taking care not to get swept too far West by the flood.

 

[tillergirl]

OUT OF DATE! Can I suggest you goto: Updates and download my latest update. You need to revise your height of tide calculation as a matter of urgency! It's a matter for you but I would suggest you go and buy the latest version of the UKHO SN Chart 1607. It was issued 20th March, 2025.

 

[Cantata]

Obviously take notice of Roger’s heads-up. I don’t think you’ll see any sort of ‘swell’ along there in little wind. Your approach routing is good in my view. Perhaps time your arrival 30 mins later to be on the safe side. And when you exit the Copperas, be wary of heading out NW too soon, I’ve often been surprised by the extent of the shsllows westwards.
Not been along there for 2 years myself, but fellow club members (from the Swale area) regularly use the route and I’ve heard no comments. Having said that, a 2m draught is a bit unusual amongst our club members!

 

[tillergirl]

PLA 'Predict-o-depth'. Note GMT times Note the Copperas is 15 minutes later on Neaps according to the UKHO co-tidal charts. e.g. 08:40 BST for 2.05m HoT or 09:50 BST at Copperas for 3.01m HoT

 

[MagicalArmchair]

Thank you both - again it shows the value of this forum and your expert local knowledge over slavishly following the technology (and it’s out of date charts ).

I stand a good chance of being there ahead of schedule so I will revert to Princes channel for peace of mind.

Thanks again!

 

[tillergirl]

I think it is going to be a good day's sailing

 

[bluerm166]

deleted

 

[MagicalArmchair]

It was a stunning day thank you. We went outside of Margate sands in the Queens channel and then tucked in to four fathoms channel.

The wind sadly died as we approached Medway approach channel, however, it was a perfect sailing breeze whilst it lasted!

 

[MikeBz]

It was a stunning day thank you. We went outside of Margate sands in the Queens channel and then tucked in to four fathoms channel.

I think I’ve just twigged that you were the Bavaria 40 berthed next to us in Ramsgate last night? Or rather we berthed next to you as we came in afterwards. I remember you saying you were heading back to the Medway today. Glad you had a good sail - we motorsailed all the way to Hamford Water - I’m beginning to wonder whether a mobo would be a better idea!

 

[xyachtdave]

We crossed from Medway to Ramsgate this afternoon at 16.40 so approximately 90 mins off LW.

The lowest depth of water at the Copperas end was 4.8m and at Reculver was 2.8m briefly but mostly well over 3m.

I’ve crossed numerous times and don’t bother to follow the route as above, just steer 090 from Copperas leaving Reculver 100m or so to port.

 

[MagicalArmchair]

I think I’ve just twigged that you were the Bavaria 40 berthed next to us in Ramsgate last night? Or rather we berthed next to you as we came in afterwards. I remember you saying you were heading back to the Medway today. Glad you had a good sail - we motorsailed all the way to Hamford Water - I’m beginning to wonder whether a mobo would be a better idea!

That was us! We had a cracking sail for about a third of the time I think (we even had to reef in order to eat “second breakfast” (a full fry up at 45 degrees). It felt like the howling wind in Ramsgate was never going to let up!

The sail back from Nieuwpoort on Tuesday had us arrive with a full tank of diesel as the stiff NElies blew us the whole way… however… some of the crew (Sophie, 10, predominantly) said they never wanted to sail again after the thrash though .

We crossed from Medway to Ramsgate this afternoon at 16.40 so approximately 90 mins off LW.

The lowest depth of water at the Copperas end was 4.8m and at Reculver was 2.8m briefly but mostly well over 3m.

I’ve crossed numerous times and don’t bother to follow the route as above, just steer 090 from Copperas leaving Reculver 100m or so to port.

Thank you, that is useful to know and next time we might be brave enough to give it a go. The inside route of the Swale has always had me chicken out also, however there is plenty of water as the tide floods to get around - I just need to pluck up the courage .