Navigation - North Foreland into Thames

[taitharris]

Probably in late August I want to bring my rib (6.8 M with 175 etc) around from Portsmouth, east along the south coast (overnighting in Dover) rounding North Foreland and then West through the Thames approaches, into the Thames and eventually coming alongside in Richmond.

The section from North foreland into the Thames looks particularly challenging from a navigation point of view. Reeds Almanac suggests a passage via the South channel, Gore channel, Copperas, Overland passage, Four Fathoms channel and then a channel known as The Cant.

Whilst I can sit studying charts and almanacs I would really appreciate any local knowledge.

Warmest regards to you Ribbers, JTH

[Bern Hanreck]

Daniel on here is your local man who will put you right ( and ease your mind ) ! It can be an exposed stretch of channels and sand/mud banks , but if you have any sensible course routed into your plotter and watch out. for wind over tide conditions , I reckon you will be fine .

[willk]

Originally Posted by taitharris

...and then a channel known as The Cant.

A navigational challenge after dark, I'd imagine....

[Bern Hanreck]

Purfleet stretch might be worse after dark ! Got a mention in the Dracula stories😂

[John Kennett]

If you stick to the main "Princes" channel it's easy with deep water all the way and plenty of bouyage. It gets more complicated if you want to cut the corner, but keep north and East of Margate sand and you should be fine.

[John Kennett]

Originally Posted by willk

A navigational challenge after dark, I'd imagine....

Some say that it's simpler in the dark because the buoys are easier to identify. That may have been true pre-GPS but I'd take daylight any time...