New to non-tidal Thames and not quite sure what to expect...

[bdh198]

I have a small 18 foot sailfish (a trailer-sailer with a small cabin) with a 5hp outboard, and I am keen to launch her in the Thames in the Teddington - Kingston stretch of the river for day sails. However, I have never sailed on the non-tidal stretch of the Thames before and I'm afraid I have some very basic questions.

The questions concern the flow rate of the Thames and what to expect. I know that flow rate will vary significantly depending on the amount of water coming down the river and exactly where on the river you happen to be, but as a general rule is it realistic to expect to make much progress against the average flow on the river in a boat of that size with a 5hp outboard? It would be nice to explore a bit further up the river, but I don't know if it is realistic to expect to be able to sail/motor against the flow to get there.

Also, is there any simple way of converting the flow rate from cubic meters per second into knots? I've read that the average flow rate in the Thames between Windsor and London is 60-65 cubic meters per second.

Any help or guidance very much appreciated.

 

[bumperdump]

you will get upstream with the 5 hp, present river flow.

 

[CJL]

Watch this video first and foremost -

https://vimeo.com/28904443

CJL

 

[bumperdump]

Watch this video first and foremost -

https://vimeo.com/28904443

CJL

good informative video, not sure it helps on the non tidal

 

[oldgit]

Under normal conditions you will have no problems with river flow with that set up.
Locals will be able to help you regards adverse conditions Red boards etc.
Many hire companies will hire a rowing boat to absolute beginners and many survive the experience
All you have to be careful of are the skippers of certain motorboats (normally soapdish sports tent boats)who for some unfathomable reason appear unable to control their boats in the vicinity of rowers.

 

[Cliveshep]

Under normal conditions you will have no problems with river flow with that set up.
Locals will be able to help you regards adverse conditions Red boards etc.
Many hire companies will hire a rowing boat to absolute beginners and many survive the experience
All you have to be careful of are the skippers of certain boats who for some unfathomable reason appear unable to control their boats in the vicinity of rowers.

Actually, most survive, non-survival is a rare event. As a spectator sport watching rowers come to grief is a waste of time, watching cars going under water on the other hand is a very common event. Well, it is below Teddington where it is tidal. You can take a camera and go for a sail up or down on the top of the springs and get a load of images of the poor unfortunates, you might even see some Sunday Strollers up a tree where the tow-path got inundated faster than they'd imagined.

 

[Richard Shead]

When you say sail do you actually mean sail bs motor ? Your biggest problem if sailing will be bridge heights !

 

[bdh198]

Thanks for the encouraging replies.

Yes, bridge heights are an issue, but I've got a system whereby I can bring the mast down quite quickly so it shouldn't cause too much inconvenience.

 

[CJL]

good informative video, not sure it helps on the non tidal

D'oh!

 

[Medskipper]

You will be fine between Teddington and Kingston with your boat but in my opinion go with the flow it will be hard work against it at full flow.
I would not consider London reaches with only a 5hp engine unless you are a very experienced sailor?

 

[Actionmat]

It will make a nice change to see a sailing boat on that part of the river doing lengths rather than widths!