Central London Cruise - 9th September

[Neil Harvey]

Hi Chris,

I must be missing something - as a relative newbie, that's quite likely!
What's wrong with low tides on the Thames? Does 0.36m not mean 0.36m above chart datum? I do not have a Thames chart handy, but would expect that (usually, but perhaps not at the moment given this year's drought and tonights news!) there would be enough water up the Thames to Putney for it to be OK. So what am I missing, is chart datum low, or is launching and recovery at Putney not possible with low tides??? Or something else?

Cheers

Neil

[Hugh Jardon]

i had a chat with chris - CJL a week or so ago to discuss options but have been too busy recently to post a potential itinary, as soon as i get a bit of time i will post the options we have and suggested plan for the day.

But if you are up for the cruise just post your interest as numbers will dictate the options we have

cheers

[CJL]

Originally Posted by Neil Harvey

Hi Chris,

I must be missing something - as a relative newbie, that's quite likely!
What's wrong with low tides on the Thames? Does 0.36m not mean 0.36m above chart datum? I do not have a Thames chart handy, but would expect that (usually, but perhaps not at the moment given this year's drought and tonights news!) there would be enough water up the Thames to Putney for it to be OK. So what am I missing, is chart datum low, or is launching and recovery at Putney not possible with low tides??? Or something else?

Cheers

Neil

Unless you know the River, at that depth you will be on the bottom if you go any further upstream of Putney. Hugh and I had discussed the possibility of launching @ River Lane near Richmond/Petersham. These tides make the trip from Richmond to Putney not possible.

However if you don't mind taking it easy and you've got a 4x4 to launch you can get away with launching at Putney.

Chris

[Biggles]

I didn't realise the tide played such a major part of Thames Operations.
Is this trip going to be on or should it be rescheduled. I'm up for the 9th but I don't know the Thames and I want a good launching place from the West and a pretty secure launching place.

[Biggles]

Can anyone give me some Postal codes or grid squares for launching then I can start to make some plans using Autoroute etc.

[Neil Harvey]

http://rib.net/forum/showthread.php?t=14040

Hi Biggles,

See this thread re the last cruise, organised by CJL.

I don't know what Chris (Hugh) is planning for this trip, but know he's been in contact with CJL to discuss.

Assuming we launch from Putney, there's lots of info in the above thread.


Also, the chandlery etc business at Putney is Chas Newens marine
http://chastheboat.co.uk/ - has postcodes etc.

Hope it helps

Neil

[Bern Hanreck]

Chris / Hugh.....see PLA Notice to Mariners ( U111 ) . They are raising a barrier at Richmond each high tide +/- 2Hrs , to preserve water on the reach between Richmond and Teddington . We got " caught out " on Saturday . They will let you pass through the adjacent lock ( free of charge ) , but since the whole point is to preserve water , they dont like to rush through individual small vessels .

" just waiting for a passeger vessel skip , here in 5 minutes ! " . 1 hour later we did lock through . Might be a problem if anybody has time constraints !

If anyone is coming from afar , and willing to stop in the big smoke for a few days , they might wish to consider stopping at Gallions Point Marina at North Woolwich . Friendly staff let you lock in/out even if you are the only small vessel ( £5 each way ) . Lock is available high tide +/- 5 hours .

We launched at Barge House Lane close by . But would only use this slip with a 4X4 , and slack high tide . ( see boatlaunch ) . La Bamba is in the Marina all this week . Hello to all the London Ribbers we waved at over the weekend !

[timw]

Originally Posted by Bern Hanreck

. Hello to all the London Ribbers we waved at over the weekend !

I saw you under Wandsworth Bridge.

[timw]

Originally Posted by CJL

Unless you know the River, at that depth you will be on the bottom if you go any further upstream of Putney.
Chris

You are correct that you will likely hit the bottom unless you know the river intimately.

However, it is quite possible to navigate to Richmond from Putney at low tide even in this drought but best to follow a local.

[waverunner]

I joined the Pwllheli ribnet raid on my Jetski along with Top Banana. Would I be welcome on this trip, and more to the point does anyone know if Jetski's are allowed on the Thames?

[John Kennett]

I'm sure no one from RIBnet would object, but the authorities would.

From the Port of London Authority web site:

"Except in specially defined areas (see below), the use of Personal Water Craft (PWC) – i.e. jetskis, jetbikes etc, water-skiing, aquaplaning, and parakiting are not allowed on the tidal River Thames in a fairway or within 200 metres of any public beach, bathing place, residential property, wharf or jetty.

The only authorised areas for PWC are:

Fobbing Creek - Launch at Pitsea Hall County Park
West Beach, Southend - Contact Southend Council Pier and Foreshore Office"

Not good news I'm afraid!

John

[waverunner]

Thanks for the information John, I half expected this would be a problem but was not entirely sure.

[CJL]

Sorry to announce but I can't make this trip now and the tides wont work for me I'm afraid.

Sos

Chris

[Biggles]

Sorry and me as well.

[Hugh Jardon]

I was hoping to do this trip however we are in the middle of selling a boat and buying something new and also the tides are not looking favorable for this. Also new job has been extremely busy of recent so not really had any time to do any planning at the moment which is a real shame.

We want to do the thames run but may need to wait until the current busy period is over before we plan it.

If others are carrying on with the cruise then have a great day

cheers