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.