Summer cruise

rubberduck

rubberduck

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essex
www.atlas-courier-express.co.uk
Looking to go up the Thames again this summer, but further than St Kats this time,hopefully up to Windsor so long as SWMBO doesn't do her leg in again as she did last year. Also planning to stop off at Chatham on the way, boat draft is 1.1m & air draft is about 4.5m. Any tips greatly appreciated.:) Also interested as to the best diesel stops as this boat is a little thirstier than the last.
 
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Just be wary of traffic ahead of you into Romney Lock as you approach Windsor. The channel is narrow at your draft (as I know from experience) and this will become an issue if you cannot get onto a waiting area.... which you cannot see as you enter the channel. I tend to judge where the lock is in terms of open/closed by traffic coming down, then read what is ahead. It can be easier to hold station and be the first of the next entry than to worry about depth. The good thing about this lock is that they do cram them in!
 
Two websites will give you all the info:

1. http://www.the-river-thames.co.uk/riverthames.htm

2. www.visitthames.co.uk

Diesel upstream from Teddington at Thames Ditton, Shepperton, Chertsey Meads, Laleham, Penton Hook, Datchet, Windsor, Bray.

Air Draft - 4.5 metres will stop you getting under Windsor Bridge (4 metres) and Old Windsor upper lock cut (4.3metres) if you cant drop it - actually, I reckon they are both a bit less than that !

Draft 1.1 metres not likely to be a problem in the fairway but take care in lock cuts not to drift off from centre and will stop you getting bankside in quite a few places - nose in and suss it out before committing the propulsion gear !
 
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