Margate sand?

[stu9000]

Hi

I am newly based in the Medway and am sketching out some potential voyages. I quite fancied a trip to Margate. I understand it dries to sand which the kids would love. Exposed from the north east but could be a nice destination for a long weekend trip. I am sailing a jaguar 27 bilge keel drawing 3' 8.

Any thoughts?

 

[oldgit]

Go and have look by car before you even think about going in there. Not a location I would want to be staying at under any conditions.
My advice if you do want to do a trip of that nature would be to go to Ramsgate and catch the bus to Margate.
If want a bit of adventure try visit to Faversham
Beach at Margate

 

[byron]

Assuming you can dry out and there is very settled weather. Margate can be quite a place to stay for a tide or two. Same goes for Broadstairs.

I think Old Gits suggestion of Ramsgate and a bus is far superior indeed Ramsgate has its own splendid beach.

 

[oldgit]

A few fishing boats moor behind the groin . The wall itself has ladders and access will be limited.
The prospect will be of a climb up a steel ladder or a wait for the boat to dry before being able to get to get ashore.
A quick look on Google earth is worth look.

 

[stu9000]

Thanks for the information.
Apart from the obvious danger of changing weather conditions while aground why not Margate?
Faversham looks nice and Broadstairs. Ramsgate has a better bolt hole, but is slightly further.
Conditions would have to be right but drying out for a tide and enjoying the sand would be good family fun I think.
I sense some reservations. What am I missing?

 

[AndrewB]

When I was based on the north Kent coast during the '80s I took my 26' bilge keeler into Margate several times. You do have to very careful with the weather. There can be quite a swell if the wind is between NW and NE: the sand is rock-hard and your keels (and crew) are going to cry for mercy as they are pounded onto it while drying out. If you plan to tie alongside the wall check it's not in a fisherman's spot.

It's too exposed outside the harbour, and too flat, to think of anchoring off and dinghying ashore. This can be done no further east than Whitstable. (Though beware poor holding there. The best place for a settled overnight stop en route is at Harty Ferry).

Margate is not a practicable place to stay overnight. It's strictly for a day visit.

If you are prepared to consider Margate, you might also, as Byron suggests, take a look at Broadstairs. It's actually a lot easier, as the beach is steeper and anchoring close in near the pier, either drying out or dinghying ashore, is an option in settled weather. Don't stop too close to the pier-head as fishing boats round it regularly.

My kids' favourite was to anchor off the Goodwin Sands and go ashore to build sandcastles there at low tide. The sand is beautiful quality, much better than the shore beaches, and exposed for up to 6 hours each tide. Needs care of course but it is actually well sheltered in prevailing winds. There are places where, with careful sounding, you can get right inside what is in effect a virtually enclosed bay. (These days you might risk being mistaken for an illegal immigrant drop). Broadstairs and Goodwin have the advantage that Ramsgate is right at hand for an overnight stop afterwards before returning home the next day.

 

[oldgit]

sense some reservations. What am I missing?

If things do turn a bit lumpy while you are ashore it could be long uncomfortable journey either back into the Swale past the shoals or poss. even less appealing... round North Foreland to Ramsgate to find shelter .
Having done the trip a few times in interesting conditions and also lived at Warden Bay, can vouch that when things are nice its great but when the wind goes against tide.............
Why not drive down and ask advice from lifeboat station above bay. You could pop into the Tate next door while you are there.
Just keep a good eye on weather forecast.

 

[RupertW]

Well I've spent a week there in an old triple keeler and enjoyed the stay immensely. We anchored fore and aft and were dry about half the time I think. Sand is rock hard and we set rythmn around going ashore when we were dry - just walking up the slipway, except when the tide was in on a couple of pub nights where we left the dinghy hauled well up then walked to the boat on the way home.

At the time there were 5 or 6 other small sailing yachts doing similar but it's now much more rare although the harbour and conditions haven't changed at all. Basically if there is not North or East in the forecast then seems pretty safe to me overnight and longer, provided you have a robust East Coast style keel, or are completely confident in your fin bilge keels (which you probably should be).