Somewhere to go

[tonycooper]

This is the first time we've owned a bigger boat and we spent the latter part of last season boating up n down the river, which was trific. This year though, we are looking to go away for a couple of weekends. Can anyone recommend anywhere for us ?
We are based in Hoo and avge boat speed around 5 knts. (depends if wifey is pulling her weight ; o

Any asssistance or idea geatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[LeonF]

Presume this is a sailing boat....More info would be good. You could head across the estuary and anchor in Leigh Ray near Benfleet for a night. Difficult getting ashore though. Head up the Thames.... choose your weather...Holehaven near Canvey is good and in spite of the oil refinery is very peaceful, and a row ashore to the Lobster Smack is good for dinner. Further up river is Gravesend....again a row ashore or come along the sailing club, but it dries out. Presume you have anchored in all the creeks... Stangate etc ?

 

[LadyViolet]

Be very, very careful if you go to Holehaven. I was warned by the volunteer Coastwatch men there not to leave my rubber dinghy unattended for more than 10 minutes, so my crew and I actually carried it the 150 yards to the Lobster Smack. As we sat there in the garden having our pints, a boy tried to drag the dinghy away from under our eyes, all the while being encouraged on by his father! I actually had to jump up to stop him physically from stealing it.

 

[tonycooper]

Thanks for your respose. Yes we are a sailing boat, hunter duette 23. And no we have not been up any of the creeks strangate etc - but that sounds ideal. It would be nice to get ashore for some food and perhaps a beer or two if that was possible. If not whats the rules for anchoring and having a few beers? (Thats probably a highly controversial subject?!)
Once again thanks for your help

 

[Colvic Watson]

Go round the Swale to Conyer, Faversham and Whitstable bay. The trip through the Swale is easy and fun. Swale Marina is a nice place to stop over or anchor off Fowley Island.

 

[LeonF]

Shame about Holehaven. A few of us from Gravesend went down last year and left 3 tenders tied up at the slip with no problems. It's still a pleasant overnight stop and if you can bear not going ashore, then try it.
Simon is right about the Swale, it's great sheltered exploring, just check the bridge opening times, unless you feel like going the long way round, which makes a great sail. Rumoured to be a new slip at the pub at Harty Ferry. My boat has overwintered at Swale Marina and I agree it's a super spot, but unless you haev a lifting keel it's access nigh on HW.
We anchor and have more than a few beers in Stangate and Sharfleet which is just off to port as you enter Stangate creek. Just make sure your anchor is secure before you get stuck in!!