Pilotage Plan: Chatham to London
Overview
ThisPilotage Plan outlines an exciting and safe boat trip from Chatham to London, covering approximately 40 nautical miles along the scenic River Medway, entering the Thames, and navigating to the vibrant city of London. Both novice and experienced boaters will enjoy this route. The journey features beautiful river landscapes, plenty of opportunities for exploration, and safe havens should weather conditions change unexpectedly.
Route Section 1: Chatham to Rochester
Distance: Approximately 3 nautical miles
Navigational Notes: Start from Chatham Marina, heading upstream on the River Medway. Keep within marked channels to avoid shallow spots. Watch for the dual swing bridges that operate on a schedule, so plan your timing accordingly. The Rochester Bridge has a vertical clearance of 2 meters at HWS.
Points of Interest: Stop at Rochester, where you can explore the historic Rochester Castle and the charming High Street with its variety of shops and eateries. This is a good first leg to familiarize with the boat and the river conditions.
Route Section 2: Rochester to Upnor
Distance: Approximately 2 nautical miles
Navigational Notes: Continuing upstream, proceed towards Upnor, a quaint village known for its riverside views. As you pass by, watch for the Upnor Castle on your starboard. This section allows for a lovely slow cruise, giving you a chance to soak in the scenery.
Shelter Options: Upnor offers a safe mooring area if conditions change, also presenting an opportunity to enjoy a quick lunch at local pubs.
Route Section 3: Upnor to Strood
Distance: Approximately 1 nautical mile
Navigational Notes: Head to Strood while keeping to the marked channels. This stretch is straightforward; however, stay alert for commercial traffic as you are entering a busier part of the river.
Points of Interest: The Strood waterfront provides great views of the Medway and has various amenities if you wish to stop briefly for refreshments.
Route Section 4: Strood to the Thames Estuary
Distance: Around 8 nautical miles
Navigational Notes: At this stretch, you'll be moving towards the confluence of the River Medway and the Thames. Carefully monitor your surroundings for tidal currents and larger vessels – this section of the journey marks the transition to open waters. Pay attention to the buoy markers.
Weather Considerations: If conditions change, you can find some temporary shelter at the Grain or Sheerness bays before entering the Thames.
Route Section 5: Thames Estuary to London
Distance: Approximately 25 nautical miles
Navigational Notes: Upon entering the Thames, you should now closely adhere to the Port of London Authority guidelines, as this is a high-traffic area. The navigation is complex here, with many moving parts including ferries and cargo ships. Maintain a keen awareness of the VHF channels; listen for local traffic advisories and announcements.
Landmarks: As you cruise towards London, you’ll navigate past notable sights like the O2 Arena, Greenwich, and the iconic Tower Bridge. This part of the journey provides excellent photo opportunities, so don't miss them!
Shelter/Bays: When approaching central London, options diminish, but the nearby Greenwich offer some shelter and is a perfect pit stop for a quick visit to the maritime museum or a meal.
Safety and Regulations
Boating Apps
For ease of navigation, use apps such as Navionics, MarineTraffic, and savvy navvy for real-time navigational maps, tide times, and traffic information. These tools will be invaluable for ensuring a smooth voyage.
Conclusion
This route from Chatham to London offers not only a safe and enjoyable boating experience but also a splendid opportunity to witness some of the UK's rich history and vibrant river culture. The careful planning of each leg ensures you'll be equipped to handle any unexpected challenges while still enjoying the beauty of the journey. Remember, safety first, but a well-planned adventure can still provide plenty of fun along the way!