Medway anchoring suggestions

[kilkerr1]

I'm new to all this, but still feel like this is daft question: how does one decide where to anchor? I know there are certain places boats are fobidden to anchor for various reasons, and that's fine, but how do you figure out which is a good quiet spot? Er, other than looking at it and the charts...

We're on the Medway and had a great first weekend's sailing in our new saily boat last weekend (I had to be dragged screaming from the boat by HWMO when we had to leave, and only promises of quantities of cold beer could calm me...) and would appreciate any suggestions as to lovely sensible places around there to anchor.



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[vyv_cox]

Fundamental anchoring decisions

The basic requirement is that the boat should be in as still water as possible for peaceful occupation aboard. This often requires that the wind be blowing offshore in the anchorage, although it is not unknown, especially on the west coast, for a swell to be coming into the anchorage despite an adverse wind direction. It is a good idea to consider where the wind will go to next, so for example as a front crosses you it is likely that the wind will veer behind it. This can cause an anchorage that was comfortable when you went to bed to be untenable at 0200.

If the tide will turn during your occupation of the anchorage, or equally a severe change of wind direction, then you need to consider whether there is sufficient water all around you to enable the boat to float. This is over and above the effects of tidal height, of course. Ensure that the boat cannot dry on a rock or other object as the tide ebbs. It is better to be out of strong flows, hence bays are usually preferred.

Next, the bottom. Hard sand, weed, rocks, are not favoured anchoring surfaces, but then neither are very soft mud and similar stuff. Sandy mud and similar consistencies usually give the best holding. Keep away from places marked on the chart as 'foul' as they, and many other places where industrial activity has taken place, may have all sorts of items below that can snag your anchor.

I am not considering the anchoring gear itself. A look through these pages will give you an idea that there are almost as many opinions on this as there are posters.

No doubt there are plenty of other points, too. Initially, follow the advice of pilots and charts, many anchorages shown have been used for centuries. As you gain experience you will learn how to select them for yourself.

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[AndrewB]

Look on the chart for somewhere in the lee of the wind, out of the deepest channels not only because they are used by ships but because the tide runs strongest; but with enough water to float at low tide. Avoid anchoring near moorings as there is a risk of getting tangled in ground chain.

A bilge keeler can take the ground if caught out by the tide, so mostly that's not a problem in the Medway, but in a few places there are steep banks to beware of - I've seen yachts caught out in Sharfleet Creek and Hoo Creek. If you are anchored in a narrow creek, it's advisable to watch the yacht go round at the turn of the tide, specially if there is a strong wind.

Don't forget the whole area is a a sea of mud at low water - it can be impossible to get ashore unless there is a 'hard'.

Good places for anchoring in the Medway are the creeks on the south side. Stangate Creek is popular, specially where it divides a couple of miles up. This would be a good spot for a first attempt. Half Acre creek similarly. The Swale - anywhere out of the way of the ships that go up to Ridham Dock, favourites are just south of Kingsferry bridge, by Fowley Island, and best of all Harty Ferry, though the tide can be strong there. The minor creeks, Sharfleet, Bartlett etc are possible with a bit of confidence. All these creeks can be very romantic for an away-from-it-all overnight stopover.

Its also nice to plan a high-water stop-over in places that will dry out at low tide, and maybe explore some of the marshy little islands like Burntwick. A high-water favourite of mine is Lower Halstow - I forget the name of the pub but it is well worth visiting. Access about 3 hours either side - but a bilge keeler could comfortably dry out there.

Though you can't anchor there, we also like to pick up one of the moorings off Upnor castle and visit the quaint little village of Upper Upnor with two great pubs. Beware the current if you row ashore and the 'hard' is a bit muddy at low water.

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[oldgit]

Stangate creek is a popular destination on the weekends and right up the top is least busy.
However,as you go up Stangate look out for the two big commercial bouys to the right ,shortly after keep a watch for a titchy little wreck bouy.You will then see the entrance to a small creek(cannot remember name) a little further on.First attempt is best on low tide when deep water and mud bars are very obvious.Secluded anchorage for those in the know with around 30ft of water in deep bits at low tide and protection from horrid winds in most directions.Masts of yachts can be seen as you enter Stangate and it can appear to be bit of mystery as to how they got there.

<hr width=100% size=1>Two boats please one here n one in the Med

 

[TheBoatman]

Try Sharfleet Creek, to get to it enter Stangate Creek from the main channel (Go round Stangate Spit buoy to Stb) then go down until you come to the first creek entrance on your stb side slide in there and after a hundred yards it opens up into a lagoon, just ease over to the right and your in about 30 feet of water at low tide. Very secluded and safe. Loads of bird life and no commercial trafffic at all.

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