My Trip to The Thames

[Geoffs]

Well everything is all set for my voyage. Still a bit more chartwork to do, round N Foreland and into the estuary. Mind you, that's just about the most complex bit.

Can probably tell from my ramblings, I'm getting very excited, really looking forward to it. My boating mates, Tony & Anne in Aquae Sulis, and Bob in Hercules are planning to escort me on my first leg to Cowes. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

I'll aim to keep a daily record of my trip in this post, hopefully with some photos, so all can share some of the fun. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Just hope it all comes to fruition, at the moment it looks a bit better than 50/50. I'm certainly not going risk areas I don't know if weather looks dodgy. I'm sure no one would recommend that.

I shall get train to Bournemouth on Thursday, whatever happens, can wait until Sat or Sun if needs be, and probably still participate in at least one day of festivities at South Stoke. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[Sammo]

If the weather is anything like today you`re in for a great trip…

See you there..

 

[Captain Coochie]

Sounds great fun ! How far up the Thames do you intend to go ?

 

[Geoffs]

Will prob go up as far as Oxford, been up to Lechlade and beyond many, many times.

 

[Geoffs]

On My Way

Well I'm on my way. Left Cobbs Quay, Poole at 11:45am, getting ready for the off.

Out through Poole Harbour, harbour control informed me wind blowing 25 knots, SW. OOOer. Out into Poole Bay, pretty rough but following sea so do able, and I pressed on. Got to East Cowes, filled up with fuel, found a berth, after 2 1/2 hrs. A bit slow just a steady 18 knots so as not to be too uncomfortable. Didn't take any photos going accross as I couldn't find camera, and boat bouncing around too much to look for it.

Anyway safely tied up at East Cowes

Hopefully onto Brighton tomorrow, as long wind drops a bit.

 

[Chris_d]

Re: On My Way

Brilliant, are you single handed then?

 

[boatone]

Re: On My Way

Sent you a PM.

 

[Geoffs]

Re: On My Way

Yep, everyone else working, or chickened out /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[bradtarga34]

Re: On My Way

Hope all goes well with your trip, certainly a fairly lengthy trip for you by yerself, and thanks for the updates and keep them coming!

 

[beards]

Re: On My Way

Geoff PM sent

 

[Geoffs]

Brighton

Well made it to Brighton

Smashing run accross, smooth seas a nice steady 25 knots, against strong tide (no red boards /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif ).
Off Portsmouth.

Passedthis near Nab.

Then onto Brighton, approaching pier.

Very nice Marina, Premier always most helpful, as are MDL, of course.

Hopefully on to Ramsgate tomorrow. a long haul, so an early start, before seas build and to get tide. Will stop Dover if it all gets too much. Now off for a /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

 

[bradtarga34]

Re: Brighton

Weather and conditions look great, must have been a nice run for you! I am looking at doing Ramsgate-Portsmouth in July at the end of our trip to Holland to have a blast around the Solent for a few weeks before we head back up the Thames.

 

[Geoffs]

Ramsgate

Made it onto Ramsgate today, not a bad run, but blowing an F4 SE wind over tide on leaving Brighton. This put up a chop so pottered along at 17 knots to maintain comfort.
First landmark, Beachy Head, note a little choppy. Doesn't actually look much in the photo, but bounced me around a bit.

Pushed on to Dungeness, not the most inspiring of places, something to get past.

So I did get past, then things smoothed out nicely, don't know if wind dropped a bit or tide turned, or both. But was able to push engine up to 2300rpm and a nice steady 23 knots. So on to Dover.

On to Ramsgate, nice little harbour. Bit quiet after Brighton last night though. Had to wait for Trans Europa Ferries' vessel Primrose to leave before I could enter under instruction of port control. Never heard of them before. Successor to Sally Lines I guess.

So on to St Kats tomorrow, hopefully. 70 miles, another early start to ensure I can get into lock, which closes at 1520hr tomorrow.

All going very well, please may it last.

 

[double_ender]

Re: Ramsgate

A most enjoyable photo-log to read.Reminds me of when I used to sail the south coast. thanks for your efforts, keep it up.

cheers, malcolm

 

[boatone]

Re: Ramsgate

currently moored just above teddington lock. yellow boards were still out this afternoon but decreasing and should be pretty much normal by the time you get up here. you have my mobile number.

 

[Geoffs]

Re: Ramsgate

That's good news Tony, expect to be Teddington on Monday, promised to stop and see Forbsie (Gordon) at Eel Pie. I'll give you a call when on river. May stop Penton Hook, if timing appropriate, use one of my nights and get some 10% discount fuel. Paid 75ppl today. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif Burnt 200l so far, bit more than normal, not sure why. Been punching tide a lot of time and running below most economical speed.

 

[Doolittle]

Re: Ramsgate

Geoff, you are more than welcome to stop at mine and save your MDL allowance for another night, then nip round to Penton to top up. Moorings 50 yds downstream of PH. PM sent.

 

[Captain Coochie]

Re: Ramsgate

I rowed across in the tender today to get to Cuchilo ( mid river mooring in Sunbury wear stream ) So i think your safe to chug up river /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[Geoffs]

Re: Ramsgate

Thanks, ain't everyone great!!!

 

[byron]

Re: Ramsgate

OMG he's getting closer /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif