felixstowe to dover

[icepatrol]

hi all and thanks for a interesting forum. just discovered it.
were planning the above trip and wondered if anyone has advice regarding crossing over the thames estuary bit.
1.5m draft. power.
or even to right and take in a trip down the thames for a couple of days.
thanks in advance.

 

[johnalison]

We do this trip fairly often. You need to time it so that the tide hasn't turned against you at Dover as it can run at over three knots. That usually means leaving Harwich against the last of the ebb. We usually follow a course which is almost a straight line from the Naze to the N Foreland, round the end of the Gunfleet and to Fulger's Gat across the Sunk half a mile west of the defunct Little Sunk beacon. You may prefer to stay in deep water by passing the sands a couple of miles to the east. Fulger's Gat is marked at each end but needs care as it isn't very wide. With luck you should reach the Foreland with enough tide to take you to Dover. In good visibility you can take the scenic route inshore south of Ramsgate, otherwise the Gull channel is straightforward.

On the whole it's usually an easy trip, and easier than coming from the Blackwater, and more so in the other direction.

 

[shmoo]

We go out round the top of Cork sands, really just to take the foul tide on the side, then clip the side of the TSS thingy and diagonally down the Black Deep and into Foulgers then like johnalison above. The Foulgers buoys are not very big. Watch out on the return trip: it is very easy to mistake one of the Black Deep lateral buoys, which are bigger and hence come into view first, for Foulgers Inner.

When you come to cross the estuary you will likely see a few big ships anchored off North Foreland. Once you are sure they really are anchored it makes life a bit easier. Our route seems to take us right through them. Pilot launches out of Ramsgate rendezvous with ships not far from here so be aware the the big ships can sometimes stop, or at least slow down, alter course abruptly to make a lee, and start again quite unpredictably.

We have always found that ships going in and out of the London river do the right thing and pass astern of us.

I can't remember a trip when the entrance to Dover hasn't been rough. What a place to build a harbour!

 

[Spuddy]

Yes, Dover Western entrance can be like a washing machine. Coming from the Foreland however, come in the Eastern. Close up to the yellow buoy by the wall, call up the harbour (very efficient and helpful) who will call you in between ferries. After that it's follow the breakwater on the inside so a sheltered finish.

 

[Cantata]

Yes, Dover Western entrance can be like a washing machine. Coming from the Foreland however, come in the Eastern. Close up to the yellow buoy by the wall, call up the harbour (very efficient and helpful) who will call you in between ferries. After that it's follow the breakwater on the inside so a sheltered finish.

Dover Port Control actually like you to give them a call when you are about 2 miles away so they know what your intentions are.
After that, follow their instructions to the letter, and you will remain friends!
As with many of these kinds of details, the info is on the internet, see here:
http://www.doverport.co.uk/?page=DoverMarinaBerthingNavigation

 

[D3B]

Last year I had intended to go into Dover.
Phoned them a few days before and told them I was coming in first time and I would be single handed.
they said they would send out their launch to guide me....very helpful.
the weather gods did there worst and I turned back half way down Black Deep.