First time up the Thames

[noss41]

I plan to sail from the Solent eastwards to the Thames Estuary and then up river to St Katherine's Dock. Any advice would be welcome

 

[MinorSwing]

I plan to sail from the Solent eastwards to the Thames Estuary and then up river to St Katherine's Dock. Any advice would be welcome

Pilot carefully around the Kent coast to avoid all the hazards and sandbanks; the cross tides and currents can take you off course rapidly if you are sailing. Wait for the tide at somewhere like Queensborough and then go up to St Katherines in one go with the flood to arrive at slack water.
It's an interesting trip and it's amazing how quickly you get lifted up the river in one tide. Important to do your homework, and make sure you have VHF ready for the Thames Barrier.

 

[boatone]

Contact the PLA and join the Thames Tidal Navigators club - its free!
http://www.boatingonthethames.co.uk/Benefits-of-joining-the-club

They will send you a very useful planning map of the river which includes guidance on tracks etc.

 

[sailorman]

I plan to sail from the Solent eastwards to the Thames Estuary and then up river to St Katherine's Dock. Any advice would be welcome

@ HW it gets surprisingly lumpy toward`s Tr Br caused by river traffic & waste barges

 

[Wavey]

If you're planning to take the inshore channel off the North Kent coast (Horse Channel) make sure your charts are up to date. The sandbanks have moved and a couple of the buoys re-positioned last year IIRC. Personally I'd stay a bit further offshore and use the Queens Channel.

 

[noss41]

Thanks I'll look into that