We had some mixed forecast information before setting out as the offshore forecast was better than the inshore one! This did not put us off as they were both fairly good and we radioed the lock keeper at Limehouse to book our place on the first lock out of the morning at 0800 BST. At this time of the morning the Thames was eerily smooth, it being too early for the passenger boats to be on the move creating their usual confused wash.

We cruised on downstream, noting several groups of cruisers and sailing boats enjoying the fine Bank Holiday weekend, and soon getting ahead of schedule. There was busy commercial traffic as the Thames met the Medway entrance and we had to keep a careful watch as we crossed the shipping channels to reach the south side of the Princes channel. As we approached the more open expanses of the estuary we noticed the sea state ahead changing from smooth to slight, as we passed into an area of stronger winds. The sea got livelier as we went on until by the time we were rounding the Kent coast towards Ramsgate we had the effect of a force five.

VHF 16 was busy with an emergency near Ramsgate with a boat taking in water after a collision and as we passed the Ramsgate channel there were lots of small boats radioing for permission to enter the harbour. In the midst of this activity we had to make a decision whether to cruise on to Eastbourne, or stop at Ramsgate. Using our mobile internet connection, we got an updated weather forecast , and also called Eastbourne and established that the weather was fine there, and so opted to carry on. The weather was at its worse in the Dover Straits and reached force five for a while but then calmed down. Despite modest winds on the shipping forecast we heard a strong wind warning on the VHF but as we had already passed North Foreland, the limit of the area concerned, we could afford to continue on. The rest of the passage to Eastbourne was still lively after recent south westerly strong winds but Lady Martina took it all in her stride.

Sovereign Harbour operates 24 hours and has twin entrance locks with floating pontoons, so it is always easy to enter, even on a busy bank holiday. They have a dedicated visitors pontoon immediately to port after leaving the lock, and fuel also available at all times. It seems to be a popular stopping off point for larger vessels, including a well drilled sea cadet training ship who moored next to us overnight. Although the marina is a mile away from the town, there are facilities on site for visiting yachtsmen, including an Asda and cinema, as well as the Waterfront selection of bars and restaurants. Unfortunately the chandlers has recently closed down, although there are still marine engineers and a Volvo agent on site.

Cruising Statistics

Distance:129 nm

Total to date: 514 nm

Avg Speed: 15 knots

Duration: 8:30 hours

Diesel: 607 litres, 30p/litre

Wind: SW 3-5

Mooring: £24/night
(inc 10% CA discount)

Electricity: 10kW free

Waypoints

Rainham Marshes
51 30.25N 00 10.40E

Erith
51 29.15N 00 10.90E

Purfleet
51 29.10N 00 13.00E

Dartford
51 27.45N 00 16.60E

South Stifford
51 28.25N 00 18.70E

Tilbury Ness
51 27.00N 00 20.30E

Tilbury East
51 26.90N 00 22.00E

Coalhouse Point
51 27.15N 00 26.20E

Mucking SHM
51 29.80N 00 28.50E

Mid Blyth NCM
51 30.20N 00 32.40E

Sea Reach No. 7
51 30.10N 00 38.00E

Sea Reach No. 5
51 30.00N 00 41.00E

Sea Reach No. 3
51 29.30N 00 47.00E

Red Sand Towers
51 28.60N 00 58.00E

Shivering Sand Towers
51 29.50N 01 04.00E

N of Margate Sand
51 29.00N 01 26.00E

North Foreland
51 24.40N 01 27.70E

Broadstairs Knoll (3cNW)
51 21.00N 01 29.00E

Ramsgate
51 19.50N 01 28.00E

The Downs
51 13.20N 01 27.00E

Dover (3nm ESE)
51 06.00N 01 24.00E

Dungeness Point
50 54.00N 01 00.00E

Hastings (2nm S)
50 49.30N 00 35.55E

Sovereign Harbour
50 47.40N 00 21.00E

Charts

SC 5606

SC 5605