River Thames Cruz - Page 2

GraemeCooper · 01 March 2002, 14:29

Jono

All being well we'll be there.

As ex Royal Navy I can assure you that being loose with calling 'Ahoy Matey' can get you in some seriously difficult situations!

Alan · 01 March 2002, 15:36

Might be wise to check out the yachtsmans guide to the Thames on http://www.portoflondonauthority.co....7&site=leisure

VHF working channel is 14. IIRC the bridge control is Charing cross control. If you monitor 14 you will hear the trip boats reporting as they leave various piers etc. You may also hear notices of incidents/works on the river and "ease down" area's in effect. When you get to these points you should come off the plane and slow down lest you incur the wrath of the PLA or the Police. (A friend discovered to his cost that the Police don't like you speeding past whilst they are attempting to fish a body out of the river

)

No speedlimit downstream of Wandsworth bridge but be sensible and don't cut up barges/trip boats etc and you should not have any problem. Hanging around the MI5 building clutching anything that resembles a RPG7 is also probably not a smart move!!

Cheers,
Alan

John Kennett · 01 March 2002, 15:49

You can also expect to be pulled over by the Police for a friendly chat -- they like to know who's roaring around the place!

The river police provide an excellent service to boaters, and are very helpful. This doesn't cut much ice with those who set budgets, but anti-terrorist patrols do -- so be good and answer their questions politely as it helps them justify their existence which means they are more likely to be there when you need them in the future!

Don't forget to check out the new RNLI RIBs too!

John

nigelt · 01 March 2002, 15:55

The RNLI people are very fiendly as well as I found out about a week ago. They stopped me for a friendly chat one evening to let me know that my 'all round' white navigation light was not working, (which I of course knew!) Had a good RIB chat with them!!

Nigel

Jono Garton · 03 March 2002, 08:30

Thanks for your help guys.

Do we need a river license for use of the river below Putney Bridge?

Graeme, I haven't properly named my boat yet. Are you saying Ahoy Matey is not a good name? My other half's choice is Tusanami Rider.... as one of my previous boats was called Tusanami... I've also had boats called Yeah Baby Yeah!!! and Cool or what!!!

Look forward to seing you Saturday.

GraemeCooper · 03 March 2002, 09:23

Jono

I did not realise that 'Ahoy Matey' was the name of your boat - I thought it was just a call you wanted us to make - something like 'Hello Sailor'

Having heard some of the boat names calling for Radio Checks from Solent Coastguard yesterday that would be one of the more 'normal' names!

We are really looking froward to meeting up you next weekend

Graeme

Jono Garton · 03 March 2002, 09:38

Hello Sailor - Now theres a thought..

See ya next weekend...

jools · 03 March 2002, 19:11

jahno - as you can see I've taken Tomkat out this weekend and she seems to be running fine. So yes - I will be bringing her down next weekend.

As for buying one - I think the firm has gone out of buisness - so I think it is quite a rare breed! - Thats how I found "Rib.net" - I was looking for other "TomKats" - none foound yet though

I've never tried towing a skier, although it is fitted with towing eyes for that purpose - You'll have to bring your skis along some time - I fancy having a go. (Not in the Thames though

)

See you next week - I can't wait!!

Jono Garton · 03 March 2002, 19:22

Jools,

Maybe at the SOC weekend, ill bring the knee board anyway.

See ya saturday...

Alan · 03 March 2002, 20:24

for the tidal Thames. So no probs there.

Got out in Yellowtang yesterday for the first time this year. Brilliant day on the Suffolk coast. Only downside was breaking the winch strap during recovery. So got to source a new one before next weekend if I want to meet you on the Thames.
Hmmm have to see what we can do.

Cheers,
Alan

Jono Garton · 03 March 2002, 20:31

Hi Alan

Sorry to hear about the wich strap, take a look at www.towsure.co.uk - how did you recover the boat? Bowline around the eye on your RIB...

See ya saturday... Will you meet us a Putney? on the water?

Alan · 03 March 2002, 20:35

Yeah, fortunately the boat wasn't halfway up the slip at the time. Winch strap parted just near the clip end anyway so a quick bowline and all was sorted. I'll do my damndest to get one in time for next week. (& sort out some crew!) I would launch at Bargehouse lane just below the Woolwich ferry and come upriver to meet you. Let you know later in the week.

Alan W

Jono Garton · 03 March 2002, 21:18

Graeme

This is the slip - http://www.boatlaunch.co.uk/Site_dataPage537.html

GraemeCooper · 03 March 2002, 21:24

Jono

Slip looks great, but will there be room for us to get past the confused looking lady and the speedboat ?

Jono Garton · 03 March 2002, 21:30

Graeme,

She's only visible at low water! She will be well covered at 2hrs before HW. Better keep that trim up so we dont catch our props on hir,

jools · 03 March 2002, 23:49

Hi Graeme

Yes - I will be trotting down the M4 - would you come down the M5 then M4 - if so we could meet up at say "Leigh Delamere" - and then get lost in London together!!

I'm not sure yet if Cath will be coming along - it depends if she gets her college work done during the week!

By the way John said earlier (on page 1)

"The picture on www.boatlaunch.co.uk shows the narrower of the slipways -- there is another just upriver opposite Chas Newens Marine which may be easier. "

He also says that you can park on the slip - Well I'm sure we'll sort it out!

I'm realy looking forward to it now!

Ribald · 04 March 2002, 00:03

Allan,

I have just replaced my own strap which I bought from Parrymore Trailers of Staines - www.parrymoretrailers.co.uk - ordered Monday arrived Wednesday. Be warned that they come in a rather fetching flourecent orange colour

geoff · 04 March 2002, 11:32

I would like to add my name to the Thames cruise, which is promising to be quite a sight.

For your information, the Charing Cross Traffic Control Zone is still in place. You should seek permission to proceed before going below Lambeth or above Blackfriars Bridge. Call Charing Cross Control on Channel 9 or 07711 640072. You should also keep a watch on channel 14 "Woolwich Radio".

I'll be in a blue Ribcraft 5.85 with a Yamaha F100.
Call sign Out of the Blue
Mobile 07788 653 051

Past experience is that is pays to keep a very keen eye open for plastic bags and large floating objects in the Thames.

My preference would be to launch from Chas Newans, approx 500 meters upstream of Putney Bridge.

See you all there.

Jono Garton · 04 March 2002, 16:15

Looks like its best to meet opposite Chas Newens Marine then.

I cant wait now, i make it -

Me, the other half + me mate - meeting opposite Chas Newens
Graeme and his small navy - meeting opposite Chas Newens
Jools and crew - meeting opposite Chas Newens
Nigel and crew - meeting on river
Geoff and crew- meeting opposite Chas Newens
Alan W and crew - meeting opposite Chas Newens
JCW and tba (poss crewing for Alan W)

Graeme, I can see this Ahoy Matey being a *** take so i'm going with the Mrs idea "Tsunami Rider" so thats what i'll be answering to.

JCW · 04 March 2002, 16:50

Jahno,
I would like to be added to the list please.
Hoping to follow Alan to the launch site or possibly share costs and crew with him.
Looking forward to meeting up with you all!!