RIB Cruise from Holland to London

[niels]

Hello ribsters

We are planning a rib cruise to London the 18th of mai with three RIBs.
A Ribcraft 6,8, a Revenger 25, and a Scorpoin 8,25.
We are leaving from Hoorn In the Netherlands to Blankenbergen Belgium.
The next day we cruise to London. We stay there for 2 nights and then return home.
Does anybody know: -if there are speed limits on the Thames?
-if Catharina dock is a safe marina?
-Where we can refuel near London?
-a nice place to stay near the marina?

Hope to hear some answers or others good tips.
Thank you very much in advance.
Best regards
Niels

[Andre]

Originally Posted by niels

Hello ribsters

We are planning a rib cruise to London the 18th of mai with three RIBs.
A Ribcraft 6,8, a Revenger 25, and a Scorpoin 8,25.
We are leaving from Hoorn In the Netherlands to Blankenbergen Belgium.
The next day we cruise to London. We stay there for 2 nights and then return home.
Does anybody know: -if there are speed limits on the Thames?
-if Catharina dock is a safe marina?
-Where we can refuel near London?
-a nice place to stay near the marina?

Hope to hear some answers or others good tips.
Thank you very much in advance.
Best regards
Niels

Make sure you advise Dover Coastguards of your crossing should you wish to avoid a NautiBouy's experience

[niels]

What happened?

[timw]

Dear Niels,

There is no speed limit on the Thames in London until you reach Wandsworth Bridge when it becomes 8 knots. Wandsworth is quite a long way up river.

Be careful with your wake and all the passenger boats as the river police are always active and on the look out. Keep on the right hand side of the river.

St. Katherines is very safe and in an excellent location with Tower Bridge, Tower of London etc and there are plenty of hotels around. If you are on a budget try Novotel in Trinity Square, short walk from St. Katherines.

Call St. Katherines first as they are often full.

Your only logistical difficulty will be petrol (gas). On the Thames near London only diesel is available from the floating barges. You could take a taxi with cans to the naerest petrol station, or make sure you have plenty on board from one of the Meday Marinas before you reach London.

Have fun, taking a Rib on the Thames in central London is an unforgettable experience.

[niels]

thank you very much.
that is helpful information.

[GuyP]

Originally Posted by timw

Dear Niels,
Your only logistical difficulty will be petrol (gas). On the Thames near London only diesel is available from the floating barges. You could take a taxi with cans to the naerest petrol station, or make sure you have plenty on board from one of the Meday Marinas before you reach London.

Niels - there is a shell garage directly behind St Katherines Dock, which you should be able to walk to:

http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.sr...=newsearch.srf

[the bandit]

Don't go under bridge arch if there is a flashing light above it. It means there is a large craft manouvering on the other side. I got stopped by the river police, i was only doing 70 at the time.

[niels]

Can anyone tell where the nearest meday marina with petrol is located from London?
thank you

[Bern Hanreck]

Neils , unless anyone can tell you otherwise , I think you are asking about marinas on the Medway . I guess the nearest with both petrol & diesel is Chatham Maritime Marina , but their website is not particularly helpful .There certainly was a pub plus accommodation there , plus the historic naval dockyard museum . I believe that you have to lock in and out other than high tide . It's pleasant enough there , but a bit of a diversion off your main route .

[Andre]

Originally Posted by niels

What happened?

A lot of excitment. PM me your email address and I will send you a pdf file. You could also look it up on the forum