Voyage Facts and Figures

                                                                    Facts and Figures


Start date: 3rd May 2011
End date:  29th August 2011

Days on board:                     110
Days at sea:                            62  =  56%
Days in port:                          48  =  44%
Days in port - weather bound:         15

Nights spent on swinging mooring buoy:  7   At Dundee; Lamlash;
                                                                          Helford River x 2; Salcombe;
                                                                          Gravesend x 2.

Night hours at sea:  30

Total distance:         2010 nautical miles. 
                                 Average speed from berth to berth:  4.5 knots

Hours under way:         450
Hours motor sailing:    185  =   41%
Hours motoring:           150  =   33%
Hours sailing:               115  =   26%

Costs:-  Fuel consumption:   465 litres  =  £510
             Most expensive: Stonehaven - 153.9 pence per litre
             Cheapest: Ardglass - 76 pence per litre.    Average 110 pence per litre

             Butane gas:  £50.98p

             Caledonian Canal one way transit:   £135.88p
             Crinan Canal within two weeks of Caledonian Canal: £67.34p
             Total:  £203.22p

             Marina fees:  £1783.05p
             Most expensive:  St. Katharine's Dock, London - £40.15p per night
             Cheapest:  Padstow, Cornwall - £13.43 per night.
             Average: £20 per night.

             Charts:   £200.75p

Crew:- Days on board

             Alex Tweddle (skipper):            110
             Robin Rostron (RNYC):               6          Blyth to Stonehaven
             Skipper (single handed):                8          Stonehaven to Lossiemouth
             Lizz Richardson (tallships):         11          Lossiemouth to Oban
             Skipper (single handed):                3          Oban
             Craig Whitehouse (RNYC):          7          Oban to Inverkip
             Jack Evans (RNYC):                    13          Inverkip to Holyhead
             Skipper (single handed):                 1          Holyhead
             Bill Edwards (tallships):              18          Holyhead to Helford River
             Rob Hewett (tallships):                  4          Helford River to Dartmouth
             Skipper (single handed):                 8          Dartmouth to Hamble
             Bill Edwards (tallships):              16          Hamble to London
             Jack Evans (RNYC):                    15          London to Blyth

North Shields to Blyth - Days 109 ;110

North Shields to Blyth - Sunday 28th August/Monday 29th August 2011 - Days 109;110

On Sunday, sailing was cancelled with the weather forcast of west to north west winds of force 5 to 7 occasionally 8. 

With the winding easing on the Bank Holiday Monday to force 4 to 5 from the same direction we prepared for the final leg.

North Tyne Pier

We were in the Royal Quays marina lock at 14.30 and quickly into the River Tyne but before leaving the piers the mainsail was hoisted as a steadying sail at the Groyne, South Shields.  The waves breaking over the north pier, at near to high tide were spectacular.  The seas were big as we crossed the bar at 15.00 and headed north westerly for Blyth.
The sea was in a confused state with a 2 to 2.5 metre swell which appeared to be coming from two different directions and forming every now and again pyramid waves.  Selene as usual had little problems as she slid her way up and over the swell.

North Blyth Pier

At the top of the tide we entered our home port of Blyth.  The wind turbines on the pier are a welcoming sight and we turned into the South Harbour onto a pontoon at the Royal Northumberland Yacht Club at 17.30.  We had  completed the circumnavigation of the UK.  A remarkable journey with friends, without whom this would not of been possible.  I learnt a lot about friendship and the respect they should be given.
On such a journey, your number one friend is the tide and used correctly will ease the hours of passage making.

Back home

To personnel friends who gave the most precious thing they can give, their time, in helping making this journey, my sincere thanks and hope they enjoyed their time on Selene. To all those friends for their support, a big thank you.  Although the adventure is complete, others have asked about facts and figures which are not fully shown in the story.  These will follow later but in the meantime let me reflect on my adventure. For all those who are thinking or dreaming of such journeys, the answer is to go for it, if we can do it, why not you.
Every story has a title which I have left to the end.


                                   SAILING WITH FRIENDS

Hartlepool to North Shields - Day 108

Hartlepool to North Shields - Saturday 27th August 2011 - Day 108

Lock out

We left early at 07.00 to catch the last lock before low water and headed into Tees Bay.  It was a grey morning with drizzle with a swell on the sea, the main was hoisted as a steadying sail and without much wind, we round The Heugh and headed north.  Further up the coast is Sunderland and we went into the marina for a lunch time break and were tied up for 11.30.  A walk round to the Sunderland yacht club. Here we had a most enjoyable bacon buttie and a cup of tea.  The club was holding its annual regatta and we watched from their wonderful advantage point in their well appointed club house, as ten yachts went out for the races.

Stadium of Light Football Stadium

We left the marina at 13.00 and motored up the river with the  mainsail set. Past the glass work exhibition centre and under the Monkwearmouth road and rail bridges. Further on until we arrived at the Stadium of Light, Sunderland's football ground which I had never before seen from the river.  It had been a half an hour run from the marina and we turned here and headed back for the sea, passing the yachts outside the piers enjoying their racing.

Souter Point Lighthouse

Between the river Wear and Tyne is the imposing lighthouse at Souter Point.  It is no longer in use but has a well appointed visitors centre.  Off  here there is a firing range which is marked at sea by two yellow buoys.  If they are firing red flags are flown on the shore and red lights at night and announcements given on the VHF.  Another guide, if there are cows in the field they are not firing, if no cows in the field, they are firing.

Leading Marks

We entered the Tyne piers at 15.45 and kept outside the shipping channel as a container ship made its way out to sea.  The leading marks into the river are very conspicuous though they are no longer lit and known as the high and low lights.
Past the fish quay and the new development at the old dry docks you come to and lock in at the Royal Quays marina, we were all tied up for 16.30.

  


Not being too far from home, Jack went home for his car and at night we went across the river through the new tunnel to South Shields.  The Trimmer's Arms had stopped serving meals, the Mill Dam restaurant would not serve us, so it was old faithful to the Woody Wouldhave for a Weatherspoon's scampi and chips.  Moving onto the Rose & Crown this was really packed, all enjoying themselves with very good live music.  Back on the boat we reflected on being nearly home.

Hartlepool - Day 107

Hartlepool - Friday 26th August 2011 - Day 107

Today it started raining at 09.00 and continued for a further twelve hours from drizzle to downpours called persistent.

Locks sculpture

This is a sculpture which sits outside the marina lock office depicting an event in Hartlepool's past.  For those who do not know the story.  Many years ago during a battle at sea we had with johnny foreigner. There invasion fleet was beaten in the english channel. For those ships who escaped, the prevailing wind took them up into the north sea and in an ensuing gale one ship was wrecked off Hartlepool.  The only survivor being a monkey, who was captured and no one having seen one before and could not understand what it was saying.  The monkey was put on trial, convicted of being a spy and hanged.  You have to be careful whom you accuse of being a monkey hanger in Hartlepool, as some get a little upset. 
The sequel to this story, when it came to elect a mayor for the town, the football team mascot stood up for the election dressed in his usual match day monkey suit and he won the election.  It is magic, the people of Hartlepool voted for the monkey to be their Lord Mayor and he has been voted in for a second time, great.

Hartlepool Maritime Experience

The biggest attraction is the maritime experience museum within the marina docks with the oldest British warship still afloat 'Trincomalee' built in 1817 being the main feature.  Alongside the quay if the paddle steamer Wingfield Castle which used to run on the Humber.

At night, a taxi took us to Weatherspoon's King John's tavern for what I hope is my last meal in this establishment of a steak and ale pie.  Next door at the Yates pub was not very good, so we walked back to the marina in the dry and visited Rosie O'Grady's which was in full swing.  This very lively pub was closed by midnight and the residents in the nearby flats must not be very pleased, if this is happening most weekends.  Thank you Hartlepool for my experience, because it is different from other marinas.

Whitby to Hartlepool - Day 106

Whitby to Hartlepool - Thursday 25th August 2011 - Day 106

Whitby Harbour

It had rained heavily during the night but by 09.00 it was easing off while Jack went off to do the shopping in the nearby Co-op.  We waited for the bridge to open at noon with the holiday makers lined up on both sides of the river. They watched and sent off the little convoy of yachts passing through the bridge.  The wind was variable and light though the day was sunny.  The engine was not going to get a rest today.  This part of Yorkshire continues with its cliffs and their own rugged charm.  The fields and farms above seem to have a wonderful advantage with their views over the sea.

Staithes

Ten miles north of Whitby is the little fishing village of Staithes.  This has happy memoirs for me, for as a child with the school, we used to come here for our summer holidays. Staying at an old army camp at the top of the village.  I took Selene in as close as I could to the north breakwater, as it was here where I caught my first fish, all those years ago.  One of its attractions are there are no cars allowed in the village, one has to park at the top and for the exercise, it is a walk down and return up a steep hill.

Hartlepool Inshore Lifeboat

Crossing Tees Bay we counted twelve large ships at anchor waiting orders for entering this industrialised port with its large steel, oil and chemical plants.  While making our approach to Hartlepool the inshore lifeboat came up to us and requested with two trainees on board, if they could practice coming alongside.  Not a problem, we maintained our speed as she came up alongside in a following sea and kept nudging us off course.  Popeye (auto-helm) was not having any of this as he attempted to knock them back.  It was a privilege helping out and the lifeboat men left with a grateful wave.


Inside the piers at 18.30 and five minutes later we were in the lock and met by the cheerful lock master who directed us to our berth and we were all finished by 19.00.
Ashore to the Showroom where I watched the end of Newcastle's football game against Scunthorpe, then moved onto the King John's Tavern which brought the day to a successful end.

Scarborough to Whitby - Day 105

Scarborough to Whitby - Wednesday 24th August 2011 - Day 105

We left the pontoon in Scarborough old harbour at 09.45 and came out with the 707 boats to finish off their championship with the last two races.  Conditions were better for them with a clear sunny day, slight sea and a southerly breeze.  We quickly had our sails up and headed north.

Whitby coble

Nearing Whitby we came across lots of fishing pots and here is a photo of another type of fishing boat and this one was lying a net.  At least the net had floats on the top and you can see the little white balls bobbing up and down.  The coast line changes into the cliffs of where at the top of Whitby high stands the lighthouse.  Around here there are lots of wrecks and divers come to explore but have to be very careful for there are strong currents around the headland.

Whitby piers

At 14.00 called the marina for clearance and was informed the swing bridge would be opening at 14.20 and the next opening after that would be at 23.00.  Full speed through the piers and you enter this wonderful harbour which was packed with visitors walking along the quaysides.  This has always been a magnet for the holiday makers who are enthralled by the wonderful setting. The local fishing boats who are still at work and the many shops selling local produce.
We made it through the bridge and were safely tied up for 14.30 on the visitors pontoon.  The improvements made to the marina are excellent with the newly opened facilities block being the main feature.

Swing Bridge

Whitby was holding its annual folk music festival which was an added bonus.  First into the Ship where in both the front and back bars music was being played.  It was most enjoyable watching and listening as all kinds of different musicians. They wandered in and out, if they wanted to join in, out came their instrument and they would begin playing.  The main culinery attraction here is fish and chips and we went to the famous Magpie cafe and we were not disappointed.  Without a doubt the finest fish supper I had eaten during my trip round the UK.  A walk over the bridge brought us into the Shambles, as by its name, it was not the best.

Quayside

Normality was restored in the Board where more good music was to be heard.  We finished off in the Black Horse which proved and excellent choice with the same format of music in the front and back bars.  The back was full of musicians and even clog dancers, amazing to watch, while the front was singers. These were great and we all joined in the merriment.  On board, I have a banjo and it proved I should of been practicing more on the trip, as even I may have been allowed to join in, though my teacher would of said, no.
Returning to the marina we were held up by the now open swing bridge to let visiting yachts pass through.  We were not alone waiting and within the crowd the young ones began singing a little dittie and we all joined in.  What shall we do with the drunken sailor. What shall we with the drunken sailor. What shall we do with the drunken sailor.  Earlie in the morning.  Very apt.

Scarborough - Day 104

Scarborough - Tuesday 23rd August 2011 - Day 104

We moved the boat in the morning onto the visitors pontoon and the rain/drizzle came in the afternoon.

Scarborough

Scarborough is a very popular sea side resort with lots of day visitors keeping children occupied in these weather conditions must be very tasking as they cannot spend all the time in amusement arcades.  Jack went off shopping while I stay on board in the dry, blogging.
At night, the rain eased off and ashore to the quayside Newcastle Packet pub which is full of photographs of the old fishing boats and pictures of the characters who must of been regulars in the pub.
A walk up the hill brings you into the centre of the town where we found Lord Roseberry a Weatherspoons pub where we had an excellent Aberdeen angus steak. 

Castle Keep

On our way back we passed a very lively pub and went inside the Merchant.  The sailors inside were taking part in the 707 national sailing championship and holding their party after completing four races that day in the rain. It was all very friendly as we exchanged our sailing experiences but not to be outdone when it was time to leave, we were invited to a nightclub.  Off we went and the party continued, it was just like the old days for me and Jack.  The taxi back in the wee hours safely returned us to our boat after a memorable night ashore.

Grimsby to Scarborough - Day 103

Grimsby to Scarborough - Monday 22nd August 2011 - Day 103

After spending a night in Grimsby, the prospect of another two days there was not enthralling, so we decided to push on to our next port.

Spurn Point

We left the pontoon at 11.00 and went out into the Humber via the free flow lock. The tide was in our favour as we made our way down the river.  The full main was set at 11.45 and we crossed the shipping lane onto the north side of the bank.  At 12.45 we were passing Spurn Point which marks the entrance to the Humber.  Here is stationed the only professional crew of a RNLI all weather lifeboat and we could see them out practising with the inshore boat.  Once round the point we unfurled the genoa and set our course for Flamborough Head.  At this time a seal popped up and watched the proceedings from not too far away, he did not seem to impressed and disappeared.

Fishing Boat Hollie

Crossing Bridlington Bay we came across lots of lobster pots.  Luckily they were well marked with their large attached round coloured floats.  Here can be seen one of the boat's laying her bombs.  If ever you become entangled with one of these, it is more or less curtains and you will end up being towed into port.
It was a fine sail across the bay with a steady easterly breeze, a smooth sea and sunshine.

Flamborough Head Lighthouse

It was dusk as we passed this important landmark on the north east coast, the Flamborough Head lighthouse. The surrounding spectacular cliffs looked special in the fading light.  We doubled up the watches at 22.00 to be able to see the lurking lobster pots and on this starry clear night with a half moon rising at 23.30. We watched as these marks which now had a pole and flag marking them, slid by.   The nearer we got to Scarborough the town lights gave a reflection on the sea which helped with our sharp outlook and once again these pot markers kept missing us.  We were given clearance by the port watchkeeper and were tied up alongside a motor cruiser Celtic Prince in Scarborough old harbour at 01.00.  Another long thirteen hour day but we had another 63 miles under our belt.  The beer, cheese and biscuits went down well.

Lowestoft to Grimsby - Days 101 and 102

Lowestoft to Grimsby - Saturday/Sunday 20th/21st August 2011 - Days 101 and 102

Lowestoft

This leg was going to be the longest as there is no safe port on the north Norfolk coast.  At the close by Tesco's, we stocked up for the trip and left the berth at 10.45.  The weather was set fair with southerly winds, the main and genoa were quickly set and spent a coupled of hours goose-winged.  By 13.00 we were 1 1/4 miles from and passing Great Yarmouth piers.  Just to the east of here is another wind farm and just south, sandbanks with their seals.

Power Express

This is one of the many supply boats based at Yarmouth, as seen passing within Yarmouth Roads.  The watch system adopted by us was two hour on and two hours off.  When coming around the top of Norfolk you come inside the Happisburgh sands where many a ship has been lost. The nearest lifeboat station is Cromer which has carried out many famous rescues.  The Happisburgh lighthouse we passed 2 3/4 miles offshore and little futher along the coast is Bacton.  This is where a lot of the gas pipelines come ashore from the North Sea.  By 20.30 the daylight had gone and the tricolour at the top of the mast was switched on, as we sailed on into the night.

While I was on watch at 21.20, Yarmouth Coast Guard reported a sighting of a red flare (someone in distress).  The nearest ship passing us informed the coast guard he was off Blakeney outfall buoy and was passing a yacht but had seen no flare.  The yacht he was passing was Selene.  I called the coast guard and informed, all was well on board and I had also not seen any red flare, he thanked us for the report and requested to keep a sharp look out.  There then followed two hours of other ships and boats informing of what they had seen and not seen.  Eventually, the pan-pan (very urgent message) was cancelled and the red lights in the sky could have been aircraft activity along the coast.  Gladly, no one was in danger and the time on watch listening passed quickly.

Dawn

 It was a very good night for the sail with a southerly force 2/3 wind and smooth to slight sea. The sky overcast most of the time eventually  cleared to give a starry night with a half-moon.  Therefore, the visibility was good with the buoys shown on the chart plotter  easily identified and the AIS gave us the course and speed of the passing ships.  By dawn, we were in the River Humber approaches and the shipping was running within the traffic separation zones.  It is another ten miles up to Grimsby and we made our way in the small craft lane.

Entrance to Grimsby

We went into Grimsby dock through the free flow lock and were tied up for 09.30.  We had sailed 105 miles in 23 hours and were in bed by 10.00.

The local boat owners told us how to walk into Cleethorpes and off we went.  Only to find ourselves lost in a very desolate industrial fish processing area.  Grimsby fish dock once the biggest in Europe is in a very poor state and the now run down side of it should be demolished.  Eventually, we found our way to a high street and a bus route.  We entered the nearest pub first where they were celebrating the management's anniversary and looked like they had been doing it all day.  The guy with his Rod Stewart karaoke was quite good, as his audience swayed and danced his music.  One pint was enough and on the bus to Cleethorpes.  This is another sea side town which has seen better days, the two pubs visited were not to our liking and the local bouncer told us they were the best two, so back on the bus and back to the boat.  We did not bother to eat ashore in the dodgy looking take-aways, so had our party grub on board.  We were not exactly in the best port but we were heading north.

Ipswich to Lowestoft - Day 100

Ipswich to Lowestoft - Friday 19th August 2011 - Day 100

Centaur

We left Woolverston marina at 10.15 and within ten minutes had the full genoa unfurled as we took advantage of the stern wind to help against the incoming tide.  With a lot of others boats going out we all passed this fine Thames barge Centaur doing her regular day trips out from Ipswich.
The heavy rain from yesterday had gone and it was a wonderful sunny day as we all enjoyed the sights of the river.  At the end of the river there is HMS Ganges where the young sailors are trained. In there is a squared mast which some are encouraged to climb without harnesses.  The button boy stands on the top and it is very high.

Felixstowe Container Port

This the busiest container port in the UK and from the picture, you can see why.  When I first came to this port many years ago. There was not a container ship to be seen but this is progress and the port authorities have to be congatulated on how they became number one.
We passed the main fairway at 12.45 and were heading on a northerly course along the beaches of the Suffolk coast.

Orford Ness Lighthouse

A prominent landfall on the east coast is this corner at Orford Ness and we passed 1/4 mile from the beach.  To the south, this may still be a restricted area, as on the beaches there was no one to be seen. There are still a lot of buildings which look to be part of the defences from the last world war. To the north of the lighthouse is the imposing buildings of the Sizewell nuclear power station.
At 19.45 we called Lowestoft Harbour Control for clearance and negiotated a strong cross tide at the entrance.  We were alongside the pontoon in Hamilton Dock at 20.15.
Off ashore found us in the Harbour Inn, here once again they had just stopped taking orders for meals.  The usual beer and crisps safe arrival party until we got back on board and raided the provisions store.  Happy days.

Ipswich - Day 99

Ipswich - Thursday 18th August 2011 - Day 99

We shifted the boat in the morning to a more comfortable berth. With a lot of wind blowing onto the hammer head. We did a demonstration in the use of a back spring, to bring her into the wind and off the quay.

While I carried on blogging, Jack went for  a walk along the river to Pin Mill which has a lot of boats  from the old to the young and took advantage of a visit to the Butt and Oyster pub.  When the tide came in, he informed the water was lapping near the entrance door step, so there is probably water in the beer cellar.

At night, we went back to the Buttermans marina bar and this time we got served with a meal done in the modern style.  Piled high in the middle of a large plate with no drizzle.  The pork loin meal though was excellent.  From there went next door to the Royal Harwich yacht club which was in full swing with a teenagers disco.  It was all very friendly and everyone appeared to have a great time.  This quiet, relaxing day ended on a very happy note.

Burnham on Crouch to Ipswich - Day 98

Burnham on Crouch to Ipswich - Wednesday 17th August 2011 - Day 98

We left Burnham at mid-day and our progress was slowed by the incoming tide.  On leaving the river we hoisted shortend sail as we were beating into a stiff breeze.  Passing the full length of the wind farm, it is the same as all of the others I have passed, not all of them are going round in very favourable conditions.

Stena Hollandia

We had a very good run  up the coast to the very busy ports of Harwich and Felixstowe.  This rather large ferry passed us in the entrance on her regular run between the Hook of Holland and Harwich.
Once more, you stay in the dedicated small craft channel while listening closely to the port traffic control inter-ship conversations, to give a picture of what movements are happening in the port.

Ultra large vessel 'A P Moller'

One such announcement on the VHF, informed the ultra large vessel A P Moller was leaving Berth No.7 at Felixstowe. With a long blast on her deep throated whistle she slowly moved from the quay and passed on her way to sea.   How she managed without any tug boats was amazing to see.
After passing the quays at Felixstowe you enter the River Orwell for the run up to Ipswich.
This is a very pretty river, with the just outside the main channel there are lots of yachts lying at their moorings.

Sunset on the Orwell

We were unable to raise the staff at the marina, so we found an empty berth on one the hammer heads and tied up there at 20.45.  Half an hour later we were in the marina bar/restuarant Buttermans but they had stopped servicing meals. For our safe arrival party we had Speckled Hen and crisps.  Still starving, back on board into the provisions with a feast of fruity malt, ham, cheese and tomatoes washed down with rum and coffee.  That's living.

Gravesend to Burnham on Crouch - Day 97

Gravesend to Burnham on Crouch - Tuesday 16th August 2011 - Day 97

At 04.00 we slipped the visitor's mooring buoy at Gravesend sailing club to carry the ebb tide down the Thames.  You stay just outside the main shipping channel in the dedicated small craft route and eerily watch the buoys flashing lights go by, or the large ships with their engines rumbling, loom above as they pass.  Dawn was at 05.30 and at 06.00 we crossed the main channel from south to north at sea reach No.6 buoy.  Down past Southend and at 07.00 we hoisted full main and genoa, passing through the ships lying at anchor waiting for orders to their dedicated berths.  An hour later and we were heading for the Middle Deep channel and to the south the West Barrow sandbanks where seals could be seen flat out on the sand. 

Gunfleet Sand Wind Farm

At the entrance to the River Crouch you come to the end of this array of 48 wind tubines on Gunfleet Sand.  Around here we encountered lumpy seas and overfalls as we turned the corner and headed up the river.  The banks are flat and featureless leading down to mud flats and it takes two hours before you arrive at the entrance to the marina at Burnham and we were alongside our pontoon by 13.15.
An afternoon sleep was called for.
The village was 1/2 an hour's walk away so we decided to stay at the marina complex and visited the Swallow Tail.  Here we had a very nice meal and my favourite beer Speckled Hen was on tap, so I was happy.

London to Gravesend - Day 96

London to Gravesend - Monday 15th August 2011 - Day 96

The morning and early afternoon were spent waiting for the tide.  Time was taken up doing the ironing, going to Waitrose behind the marina for provisions and of course going to Weatherspoon's the Liberty Bounds for lunch.

Canary Wharf

We locked in at 15.00 with three other boats and by 15.20 we were back on the Thames and finding our way in amongst all the other river traffic of  ferries and tourist trip boats.  The ebb tide would be in our favour as we made our way down.  The grandeur of Canary Wharf can be seen from the photo.  The people who work there, also seem to want to live next to the river.  On either bank, there are rows and rows of flats which do not distract in their different designs and the architecture all seems to complement each other.

Thames Barrier

Passing the Millenium Dome called London VTS for permission to pass through the barrier and this time it was via Bravo span.  The wind was also in our favour and with a full genoa, tide and wind gusts achieved a speed over the ground of nine knots, so far, the best.
Before passing under the Queen Elizabeth bridge we had to wait for a ro/ro ship swinging in the river for Purfleet.  While her sistership left the berth and headed for the bridge before us.  We picked up the visitors mooring buoy at Gravesend sailing club at 19.15.
We had an early night, as we would be required to be up before dawn to catch the next favourable ebb tide.

London - Day 95

London - Sunday 14th August 2011 - Day 95

St. Katharine's Dock

Photo shows Selene tucked into the corner of the marina centre basin. This is a very pretty spot and of course, there are a lot of visitors moving around, although there are security fences and gates onto the pontoons.  Today is declared a tourist and crew change day.  Very sad to be losing Bill, who after joining in Hamble has been on board for three weeks.  Before going, we went to Weatherspoon for one last time together in the Liberty Bounds for Sunday lunch, then said our goodbyes at the Tower Hill tube station.

Merchant Navy War Memorial

Next to the station and behind the Tower of London is the War Memorial to the men of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets who were killed during the first and second world wars.  Enscribed on the plagues inside the walls, along with the names of the ships are the names of each crew member who were lost.  It is a peaceful places surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the many tourists and the traffic going by.  I had a feeling of satisfaction at being able to pay my respects to those who had been lost at sea. 

Happy Sailor

The Tower of London and Bridge are a mecca for people from all over the world.  They appear very keen to queque and visit these spectacular attractions.  Like myself they are busily snapping photos of themselves at these famous sights.  The difference I found was how clean these areas are now. With many people at work keeping the places free from litter.  This was certainly not the case when I used to be in this area.  My new crew member was on board when I found my way back to the marina.  Jack Evans had returned after he had previously done the trip from Inverkip to Holyhead.

Prospect of Whitby

At night we walked along Wapping High Street and the riverbank to the Prospect of Whitby pub.  This is the oldest riverside pub in London, first used during the Tudor times in the 1500's.
It has fine views over the river and a new one to me since I was last there of seeing Canary Wharf lit up at night, which on a clear night is spectacular. On the way back we popped into the Captain Kidd.  This completed my day as a tourist which I had thoroughly enjoyed.
   

Gravesend to London - Day 94

Gravesend to London - Saturday 13th August 2011 - Day 94

Tilbury Container Terminal

We waited for the tide to turn and it began  flooding at 08.45 and we slipped the mooring buoy at Gravesend sailing club and moved to the other side of this very busy river.  During my sea-going career I have been many times up and down the River Thames, in fact, more times than any other river in the world.  Of course, my first time navigating up here in my own yacht.  Round the first bend and you are passing the container terminal at Tilbury.  This is followed by a long sweeping bend into Long Reach.

Queen Elizabeth 2 Bridge

From here you pass under the bridge at Dartford this takes the M25 traffic south bound while the tunnel takes the traffic north.  Just beyond the bridge is Purfleet deep water berth and I have spent many hours there. When I served on ro/ro ships bringing in newsprint from Finland for   London's Fleet Street newspapers.
The river continues into Erith Reach and Halfway Reach where at Dagenham is the Ford motor car factory. Unfortunately no longer makes cars but makes the engines for them.  Next is Barking Reach and Gallions Reach where the lock entrance is to the Royal Docks. They are no longer used expect for the Excel exhibition centre and the City of London Airport.

Thames Barrier

Prior to Gallions Reach at the bend in the river at Margaret Ness you have to call on the VHF radio,  London VTS (vessel traffic scheme), for permission to pass through the Thames barrier. We were directed to go through Echo span.  The photo shows the up river transit span while the one on the left has the gate up in the closed position and the down river span open on the right.  The flood tide really rips through here and you have to be careful are you will carry along sideways.  The barrier is in Woolwich Reach which takes you onto Bugsby Reach.

Millenium Dome

Here you get your first view of the Dome and everyone has their own opinion of this structure and its use.  Seen in front of it, one of the many fast catameran ferries which ply the river between Woolwich and the many landing stages up to Westminster.  Round another sweeping bend into Blackwall Reach with the massive buildings of Canary Wharf situated on the Millwall Isle of Dogs. 

Greenwich Naval College

Blackwall Reach takes you onto Greenwich Reach and on the bend is situated what used to be the Royal Navy's major training college but now turned into a University with the Navy still using part of the facility.  On the hill behind this fine buiding is the Greenwich Observatory and while passing here you go over the longitudinal meridian and travel from east to west.  You cannot see much of the Cutty sark as her masts have been removed and the work continues after the devasting fire.  Up into Limehouse Reach and on the south side you pass what used to be the entrance into Surrey Docks but like most of the river now, it is surrounded by yuppie flats.

The City

Round the next small bend and into Lower Pool where you pass the famous Prospect of Whitby pub and here you call St. Katharine's Dock giving your position and asking for permission to lock in.  The last bend and into the Upper Pool and this gives you this magnificent view of the City of London.  With the Tower of London bridge as an impressive barrier and to the left can be seen the newest structure known as the shard.   We arrived off the marina at 13.00 and it had takes us four hours to travel the twenty four miles to the centre of the Capital.  We circled in the river off the lock entrance for half an hour and were safely tied up in the marina centre basin by 14.00

At night, we walked ashore along to Wapping and visited the Town of Ramsgate pub for a small meal then into the Captain Kidd with its lovely river views before returning to the pub in the marina, the Dickens Inn for nightcaps which gave a successful end to a remarkable day.

Chatham to Gravesend - Day 93

Chatham to Gravesend - Friday 12th August 2011 - Day 93

Chatham Marina Entrance

We left Chatham and locked out at mid-day and turned left up the river.  The river is wide at this point and we wanted to go as far as we could up to Rochester.  Passing the Dockyard and viewing it from the river gave an insight as to how much work they still have to do. As berthed outside are a number of other vessels which are in need of some good care and attention, including a Russian submarine up at Strood.

Rochester

Rochester Castle and Cathedral and the bridge which stopped our progress.  On the other side of the river is the town of Strood.  We had timed our departure to take advantage of the ebb tide and we quicked moved down the river passed the array boats moored on either side of the river until you get to Gillingham.  From here the river opens out as you pass by the mud flats on both sides.

Medway Shipping

The Medway although not as busy as before still has a new facility on the Isle of Grain for the import of gas from Quatar.  Picture shows a gas tanker alongside with product tanker on its way up to Kingsnorth power station.
After two hours down the river we were passing Garrison Point and entered the Thames, as we turned left the tide was now against us.  For small craft there is a track on the chart for you to follow as dictated by the London Traffic Scheme.  This is just outside the main shipping lane and there are dedicated spots for crossing over.  There was not too much traffic on our way up the river.  We arrived opposite Tilbury power station on the south side of the river at the Gravesend sailing club and picked up one of their mooring buoys at 20.15.
Bill made us a meal of cheese and ham omelete with beans, fried tomatoes and saute potatoes, we are living like lords.  We were in bed for 23.00 and were rocked to sleep, with the boat rolling as the bigger ships' passed by.

Chatham - Day 92

Chatham - Thursday 11th August 2011 - Day 92

No.1 Smithery Main Exhibition Hall

Today there is too much wind so aborted sailing.  I went back to the Dockyard Museum to see the exhibits which I had missed the previous day. These were housed in the No.1 Smithery, this is where they used to make the anchors, chains and bend the plates for making the ships.  One section has all different kinds of ship's models which are of very high standard along with a large collection of paintings. 

Titanic costumes

Another part of the Smithery houses their latest exhibition which is the history of the loss of the Titanic.  Shown are the costumes worn during the making of the film worn by Kate Winslett and Daniel Di Caprio.  There are a lot of artifacts from her sistership Olympic which depict how they travelled across the Atlantic in the 1910/20's, with accompanying film of these events.
There is a full listing of the Titanics crew and which ones survived.  The outcome of the enquires after the accident is well documented and the whole exhibition brings out the feelings of the people affected by this tragedy.

The necklace on display which is very much a part of the film.  The rest of the afternoon I toured around the site and had a picnic in the Dockyard Commissioner's Garden which was a very quiet and lovely spot.  On leaving the Dockyard I went to the marina shopping complex which has large outlets and appeared to be very busy.

For the night we caught the No.141 bus from the marina to Chatham bus station and had a half an hour wait for a No.151 to take us to Rochester, another 15 minutes ride away.  We went into the first pub the Eagle where a three man band called The Grandads were playing. They were very good so we stayed there for and hour before we had to catch the last bus back to the marina, where we finished off in our local the Sails and Trade.  By the time we got back on board the wind was beginning to drop.