Thames windfarms

[RJL]

Hi All

Does anyone know the protocols for navigating through/around the various windfarms in the Thames estuary ?

We are planning to cross from Ramsgate to Ipswich.
Are the windfarms prohibited or restricted or is it just a case of navigating with due caution ?

Cheers

Robin

 

[Seadee]

I don't think they'd be best chuffed if you collided with one. Other than that I've not heard of any restrictions. Quite often see people heading around Scroby Sands off G Yarmouth. Try Dougie 3 Bottles or Paul Carter (brigid mary) - they're both at Haven Marina and might know the sp.

 

[tillergirl]

If you come across a windfarm between Ramsgate and Ipswich - you're lost!

The Gunfleet Sand one isn't built yet as the sand has proved unstable and you wouldn't cross there anyway. The London Array isn't started yet and when it is there will be an 'alley' to permit you to go through Foulger's Gat or you could go round via Fisherman's Gat. Again you wouldn't want to go through it cos of the sand. But take heart "Other risks to recreational craft are minimized through the turbine design (air draught clearance of 22m), emergency shutdown system, navigational markings and individual numbers on each turbine, as well as having an access ladder and platform which could be used by a vessel (I am sure they mean crew!) in distress."

 

[RJL]

Thanx for the replies.

The status of the London Array wasn't clear in the pilot.
All I need to worry about is the sandbanks, tides, winds and shipping. No problem /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[tillergirl]

Yes, two basic choices of routes, one using the Knock Deep or one that goes up to the Long Sand - Foulgers Gat swatchway across the Long Sand - this is marked at each end, turn into the Black Deep and go along it to the end of the Sunk Sand, turn north-east heading from the Naze will keep you clear of the Cork Sand and then you can head for Harwich Harbour. Keep outside the main shipping channel (plenty of room) and head up the Orwell. You'll see a few ships as you cross North Foreland to the Long Sand but oddles of room, no ships in Foulger's Gat but the Black Deep is the big ship route into the London River but again enough room. Big stuff in the main channel into Felixstowe but you'll keep clear of that. The Orwell will be busy on a nice day - lots of us sailors, ones going one way with the channel and the ones going the other way taking across the channel. With the occasional ship passing through the lot. But worth it. Leave Ramsgate HW Sheerness and you'll have a good tidal lift up past North Foreland and down the Black Deep. What speed will you cruise at? It's 39nm from outside Ramsgit to the entrance to Harwich Harbour.

 

[RJL]

Many thanx for the info.
I like the look of the Knock Deep route, it looks reasonably simple and direct.
Cruising speed is 20 - 25 knots depending on sea state. I normally try to pick wind with tide conditions for comfortable passages.
Planning to do it early AM Tuesday but we have to get from Plymouth to Ramsgate first so timing is a bit variable at the moment.

 

[tillergirl]

Some of the Forecasts for Tuesday seem to be suggesting a southerly wind which will be good. Average 15kts although the TV did suggest 20(mph) last night HW Sheerness 0513 GMT. At 20 knots if you are confident about the weather you could almost have a lie-in. Have a good trip