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Don't take the Thames for granted
The first time I raised the sails on my new boat was at the entrance to the Medway. We had arrived there after motoring down river from Tower Bridge. After several hours of engine noise the temptation to stop and get the sails up overtook common sense and we did not stop to think about water depth. We had made this entrance many times and should certainly have known better.
Just because you are surrounded by water, don't assume its deep
When you can see the Medway entrance while coming down the Thames into the mouth of the estuary, you need to continue much, much further on before turning to starboard. In our haste we made the change of course far too soon. Sure enough we hit the bottom, luckily on a rising tide. We learned a valuable lesson that day and have ever since been more concerned with depth than speed.
Going aground in the Thames is easy
The Thames Estuary is blessed with many hazards in the form of sandbanks and shipping. So the news that Admiralty Leisure, has expanded its Thames Estuary South Folio SC5606 from June with 3 additional charts, taking it from Ramsgate as far up the River Thames to London's Tower Bridge, is welcome indeed.
There is now much better coverage of the river
Adding 3 new charts has extended the coverage for leisure yachtsmen along the River Thames and it now includes St Katharine Haven, passing Limehouse Basin before reaching this popular central London marina, the final one before Tower Bridge. There is a large scale map of the Thames Tidal Barrier as well as full colour light sectors and Yeoman Reference Points for ease of navigation.
The expansive Kentish Flats Wind Farm is shown very clearly on Sheets 2 and 5 of the Folio, as well as focusing on Barking and Bow Creeks, both shown separately, as well as other ports along the River Thames.
This Folio now has 15 A-2 charts, retails at £37.50 and from June will be stocked by Admiralty agents and chandlers nationwide.
The Lower Thames is full of interest
Between Ramsgate and Sheerness you will be virtually at sea, too far away from land to be aware of details. But if you have time for a visit to Whitstable it is well worth the effort. The Medway provides a convenient landing at Queenborough or further up river Chatham and Gillingham offer Marina facilities. As the banks of the Thames start to close, the landscape becomes industrial and you realise the importance of the river to the fortunes of London. Keep a good lookout for the commercial vessels, they are restricted in their draught and move far more quickly than we do. As you progress further up river, be aware that landing places are few and far between. This where a good set of up-to-date charts becomes important.
For more information on this Folio and to find out how you can navigate safely along the River Thames all the way to Tower Bridge, and to discover the extensive range of Admiralty Leisure charts and publications, simply check out
www.admiraltyleisure.co.uk.
