from Duinkerke to London, first time

[DutchDan]

hi, next week I will cross the Channel for the first time. (a bit nervous).
what time is the best to cross over?
What time should I approach the Thames Estuary?I want to go to London (st Katherine's Dock).

please advice.

best.

Dan

 

[oldgit]

"What time should I approach the Thames Estuary?I want to go to London"


Hi,Dan my personal preference would be to be at No 1 bouy in the estuary sometime around low water.This will give you a rising tide and depending on the speed of your boat plenty of time to get up to St Kats.However no point in getting to the marina too early,as waiting outside can be worse than the crossing.
It all really depends on your boat speed.
Queen Elizabeth 11 Bridge....not far to go

Entrance to St Kats.

Tower Bridge and marina is just to starboard.

The lock.

 

[Vern]

More piccies please of London from the water, and especially the dock.
Ta!

 

[Victoria Sponge]

Make sure you book St Kats, as otherwise you won't get in. Also make sure you get there at the right time for the lock opening. The lock operates HW -2hrs to HW +1 ½hrs, during 0600 - 2030hrs.

 

[saltlife]

St Katherines dock

Probally the most tricky part of the trip is getting into the lock.
Be carefull of the tide as this can push you into the side of the lock.
Tides runs fast so stay down side of the tide flow and crab into the lock.
Don't just motor in as you will have problems.

 

[TrueBlue]

Go to Limehouse basin instead:-

• Cheaper
• Better access
• Friendlier
• Not much further away from the City

However, lacks the buzz (if any) and the noise of ST. Kats.

 

[DutchDan]

thanks

thanks (all) for your help

"What time should I approach the Thames Estuary?I want to go to London"


Hi,Dan my personal preference would be to be at No 1 bouy in the estuary sometime around low water.This will give you a rising tide and depending on the speed of your boat plenty of time to get up to St Kats.However no point in getting to the marina too early,as waiting outside can be worse than the crossing.
It all really depends on your boat speed.
Queen Elizabeth 11 Bridge....not far to go

Entrance to St Kats.

Tower Bridge and marina is just to starboard.

The lock.