Scheveningen-Thames Passage

[hoppy1848]

At the end of July I am making a passage from Scheveningen to St Katherine's Dock. I have the appropriate charts and pilot books but I'd be really grateful for anecdotal advice as to the best route into the Thames, tides etc. My boat is a Moody 31 Mk11 (fin keel) and a safe assumption for passage making is some 5 knts per annum.

Many thanks

 

[chief1]

oops!

Hope that was a mistake in translation/typing, and should be per hour! Otherwise it's going to take an awfully long time!!

Cheers

 

[ctelfer38]

Scheveningen to St Kats

At the end of July I am making a passage from Scheveningen to St Katherine's Dock. I have the appropriate charts and pilot books but I'd be really grateful for anecdotal advice as to the best route into the Thames, tides etc. My boat is a Moody 31 Mk11 (fin keel) and a safe assumption for passage making is some 5 knts per annum.

Many thanks

Strike West from Scheveningen to cross the NE/SW going shipping lanes early before heading SW towards the UK. That keeps the worst of the commercial shipping clear to your South all the way. If you need to make an early UK landfall, head for Ramsgate for a stop before entering the Thames. From there, your draft probably enables you to take the inshore route past Margate towards the Isle of Sheppey.
If you don't want to stop at Ramsgate, enter the Estuary via the Princes Channel - some shipping here but it is not too busy. Head for Queenborough for the first all tide mooring just inside the Medway. From there you can time your entrance to the Thames across the inner swashway from the Medway approaches to the Thames. You will need a full flood tide to make it all the way to St Kats. If you need to stop in the Thames, either Thurrock or Erith Yacht Clubs are your best option.
Keep to the starboard side otherwise VTS will be on the radio to you.
Book ahead at St Kats - they are often quite full at weekends.
Hope this is of some use.
CBT

 

[hoppy1848]

Thanks

Yes I guess a 'per annum' rate of 5kts would require one heck of a water tank on board.
CBT- many thanks for your response. Really very useful indeed.

 

[boatone]

double oops !

Hope that was a mistake in translation/typing, and should be per hour! Otherwise it's going to take an awfully long time!!

As 5 knots IS 5 nautical miles PER HOUR adding per hour or per annum is meaningless tortology ! (well, you get my drift - which should also be in knots )

 

[chief1]

Erm - yes!

As 5 knots IS 5 nautical miles PER HOUR adding per hour or per annum is meaningless tortology ! (well, you get my drift - which should also be in knots )

You are, of course, absolutely correct - strictly, but the concept of the OP inching across the water as he said at 5 knots per annum....... And needing, as he says, a lot of water for the trip!

Hope the reality is as you say - 5 knots! Still take a bit of a while won't it? Safe journey.

Cheers