Thames to Ramsgate

[nfluester]

looking for some help passage planning from the Thames (limehouse) out and round to Ramsgate, there appears to be in an inner, quicker more treacherous route and a main ships outer route! we are a 37' sports cruiser on outdrives so don't need a great deal of draught but would rather have the blue wet stuff underneath us rather than the brown hard stuff.

which route is recommended and also what's the best way to ride the tide out and around?

appreciate any help and advice, thanks

 

[steve62]

When we sail from the Thames to Ramsgate, we use the ebb tide and the Copperas Channel. The channel is well marked but keep an eye on your depth sounder. The only problem with using that route is the number of very poorly marked pots. If you want to break the journey down, stop at Queenborough for the night. I would imaging that a 37' sports cruiser isn't going to be as worried about tides as we would when sailing and only able to do about 5 knots

 

[alandalus11]

Personal choice but whenever we come out of the Thames to Ramsgate I tend to go down Princess Channel and then drop down to north foreland before the east margate red. That way I avoid the kentish flats wind farm and any poorly markes pots inland. Adds a possible 6 miles on the journey but in your boat that's nothing.

 

[Marmalade]

I'd stay outside Sheppy if you're unsure of the route or nervous about depth...

 

[Concerto]

Follow the Thames main channel and then take Princess Channel and then after Margate Sands follow the coast about ½ mile off the beach to Ramsgate. You will be in deep water all the way and can be at your normal cruising speed. I expect you will be travelling faster than any commercial ship, so enjoy the trip. Last time I was in Ramsgate I was chatting to a slightly smaller motor boat and he said he cruised at 35 knots and woukd be heading back to Brightlinsea. I started sailing to come back to the Medway and was off Margate when he wizzed past. He said it only took 1¾ hours to get home. I think my trip took about 7½ hours to Chatham. Then again I did not have his fuel bill.

 

[nfluester]

great thanks for everyones input i think i'll take the longer route round down the main channel, whats the marina like for visiting boats? nice showers? cheap fuel?

 

[ex-Gladys]

great thanks for everyones input i think i'll take the longer route round down the main channel, whats the marina like for visiting boats? nice showers? cheap fuel?

The "showers" were in a block a long walk away up the ramp and towards the inner basin... Not startlingly good or awful. There are loos in a portacabin on a pontoon

 

[oldgit]

In there at the moment.
personal preference
Good weather and neaps inshore..
Iffy weather and springs offshore.
Bogs clean and most eateries busy and open
Temple is closed.