Margate Sands etc

[jecuk]

Just planning the route to Ramsgate from Limehouse. I have the East Coast Pilot book and it recommends the overland route rather than the main channel. Only tricky bit seems to be the East Last/Hook Spit narrow channel dogleg. Any other things to be cautious of from forum members' experience that may not be obvious in chart planning?

 

[byron]

I always use the 'overland' route. I wasn't so cocky before we had SatNav in case of bad visibility and because it was all dead reckoning. Ramsgate to London is easier that London to Ramsgate as it is a straight approach.
The Gap is well marked and it's no big deal I have done it literally thousands of times. You will save a great deal on fuel taking that route.

 

[AliM]

Read about the yacht that was wrecked there in the winter, in last months YM, if you want to frighten yourself! But you wouldn't attempt it in a F6+, at night, in winter, in a yacht with 2m draft, at low water, with inexperienced and exhausted crew, with no get-out plan when it all starts looking dodgy,.... would you?

It's fine, but pick good weather.

 

[apollo]

Like Byron we always go that way, not a problem unless bad visibility.

 

[jecuk]

Thanks for the comments - if the weather is bad we will go the main channel (or not go that day). And it the route seems fairly flexible on the Western side of the Gap across the flats south of the windfarm other than crossing the Medway entrance channel.

 

[Andrew_Fanner]

Done both, main channel is quite a bit further if time or fuel are an issue, in good weather I'd take the overland. But do get the narrow bit right

 

[pheran]

And me but do be aware that those buoys are famous for 'moving about a bit' so don't cut it too close on either side. But if you do end up on the sands, don't panic. Its all soft stuff - just get out your brush and try and convince passing boats you did it deliberately, to get a scrub-off!

 

[miket]

Dunkirk 2010 anniversary

Jecuk
Are you planning the route for the ADLS return over the Witsun Bank Holiday?
We are joining the Plastic Fantastics and cruising from London down on the Wednesday morning, leaving Hampton Court around 00.00hrs.
Probably too early for you?

 

[jecuk]

Hi Mike. Yes we are. But apparently we need to be there by Wednesday as Ramsgate is having a bit of a do (Dynamo Day) and there is a skippers briefing in the evening. Hence we are going down on the Tuesday from Limehouse.

Think I would only slow you down anyway!

 

[miket]

Ramsgate - no go.

Understand. Hope you have a good run. Understand she is looking lovely (boat!!) and with those new engines, all should be very relaxed.
We have 2 options;
1. (preferred) via Dover (fuel) and on to Dunkirk, if weather fantastic, or Dover overnight if we have had enough.
2. if weather horrible, via Chatham (fuel) overnight and then direct to Dunkirk.
There will be 3 boats all the way with another 3 joining us from Medway/ Ramsgate.

We have been warned not to expect overnight mooring in Ramsgate as the old fishing marina is out of action (H&S) and ADLS get 1st call on the rest.
Will come and say hello in Dunkirk.

 

[jecuk]

Please do call in to say hi.

The boat is looking a much better shape than her owner!