The River Thames, London

Approaching Thames Barrier Gates

After a couple of days at anchor it was time to move again this time motoring up the River Thames. While we wanted to sail, time was running out to wait for the right wind direction so we departed Sun at 0730hrs.  The River Thames has 18,000 vessel arrivals & departures each year – an average of 50 per day.  These figures do not include the Thames tourist and commuter boat services, and tugs/barges operating between the many wharves on the Thames.  In addition to the traffic on the Thames there is a tidal range of over 7 metres and flow at over 4 knots and the wash of passing vessels to contend with – hence why the pilot passage planning books advice ‘this is not recommended for novice sailors’.  

While we had prepared for the heavy commercial shipping we were surprised at how few ships we actually saw going up the Thames. The River only really became busy the closer we were to London with fast ferries and tourist boats continually crossing the river.  We never thought we would visit London on a boat, go through the Thames Barrier Gates, motor to the Tower Bridge before returning to Limehouse Marina a mile down river.

Another tick on the 'bucket list'

Limehouse Lock - rather narrow

Built in 1820 Limehouse Marina was the main access route from the Thames to London canals with access through a swinging bridge and lock.  We had a few anxious minutes at the narrow canal entrance with waves funneling and the tide to be crossed we entered our first lock, when the lock gates closed all was calm again.  Limehouse Marina was a great location with easy access to public transport and surprisingly very quiet.  Over half the boats (about 50) are permanent live aboards which would be a cost effective way to live in the city.  After a quick boat wash Sabbaticus was again ship shape and ready for a visit from Nicko, Suse and the girls which was the perfect way to end the day catching up with friends.

Squeezed into the lock departing with a house boat

We enjoyed the vibrancy of London with the highlight being visits to the Greenwich National Maritime Museum, Royal Observatory, a couple of exhibitions and a tunnel walk back under the Thames.  We were spoilt with a BBQ at Nicko and Suse’s with the Barne’s whanua which was another enjoyable night out. 

Prime Meridian

Poppy commemoration to WW1 in the Tower of London

Although we had planned to depart on Wed we stayed an extra day to use the wifi access and reload the laptop the extra time also allowed for another online grocery shop – with delivery at one pound there is no point walking and lugging heavy shopping bags. We are now provisioned again until our next marina stop planned for 15 Sep in Southampton. 
 

Captain Cook's uniform worn on HM Endeavour

Departing the Thames we came across several of the tall ships arriving for the festival next week – they were just beautiful to see in full sail. We are now at anchor in Stangate Creek, River Medway waiting for some wind to go down the coast to Southampton.  

  

Domestic's still need to be completed on the boat.  With no washing machine it is usually a bucket wash each day until the next marina.  On leaving Limehouse we did a final sheet wash knowing it would dry on the rails - provided it stayed attached!