All,
I am interested in viewing the London Thames New Year's fireworks from my 26M (yes, my family is keen). I am seeking information regarding any known exclusion zones, mooring possibilities, and also good places to launch and recover. I have logged into the boatingonthethames website and have read all of their advisories. Anyone out there tried this?
Cheers,
David
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David Claassen
"Logan's Run"
2006 26M
Whenever we have taken a RHIB on the Thames we have launched from Poplar, Blackwall and District Rowing Club on the North bank of the Thames virtually opposite the Cutty Sark
http://pbdrc.co.uk/wdp/?page id=4 .
It has a concrete slipway which can be anything between really easy and needing a 4 x 4. The silt and debris in the river can cover it in rubbish necessitating a 4 x 4 to launch and a few shovels to clear the route. Its never been very difficult and it can be very easy if the slip has been recently cleared.
The aerial photo on their website is quite good with the slipway to the left of their premises..
I last used it about 18 months ago. There is limited parking in the streets nearby and the trailer can be stored close to the slipway and sometimes on it to one side. Locals, including the rowing club, are generally friendly.
Generally speaking the only restrictions that we were aware of were speed restrictions in various places and an area in front of the Houses of Parliament which has a number of buoys which are the limits of how close you can get ( without being shot at???? ).
I would expect that there will be a lot more restrictions if there are barges full of fireworks on the Thames.
Dave Newton Sailbadthesinner
To start with, David, I would talk to VTS London 0208 855 0315 which is part of the PLA, to find out if there are additional exclusion zones because of the fireworks. As Dave Newton says the major zone is around the Houses of Parliament. I do not know if there are any night time restrictions on personal recreation craft at night so you can ask them.
As to launching and mooring, the Thames is tidal and launching/retrieval from Marinas and slipways is subject to the tide as well as 'office hours' Mooring is very limited to non existent between Tower and Westminster.
Try Greenwich Yacht Club for starters (0) 84 4736 5846 You can launch and retrieve at certain stages of the tide for a nominal fee and maybe they can offer you a river or pontoon mooring for the night. You might even be able to leave your trailer there.
If not look into Gallions Point Marina 020 7476 7054 where you can launch and retrieve except about 1 1/2 hours either side of low tide and probably leave your trailer but it closes around 5 pm and opens around 8 am which limits you. You might think about using Gallions to launch and retrieve (as it is on the north side of the river) and use a Greenwich mooring for the night.
If Greenwich YC can help out, it is only a short walk to the O2 for food and drink assuming they stay open until the small hours.
You can't launch or retrieve but may be able to moor up for the night at Imperial Wharf, Chelsea
The Pier Master (Glyn Richmond) can be contacted as follows:-
Email: pier@imperialwharfmarina.co.uk
Telephone: 020 7384 3932
Mobile: 07932 603284
Fax: 020 8878 6362
And do note that if you need petrol you need to find a Garage, there is no fueling available along this stretch of the river (take a satnav with you and set it up to find fuel) probably at a Tescos, Sainsbury's or garage but then you have the problem of mooring nearby which is nigh on impossible. So take lots with you. Battling against a 5 knot tide uses up plenty of fuel.
I kept Sowenna at Gallions Point for 2 years and was a member of Greenwich Yacht Club until I moved to the River Blackwater last year but never sailed at night, only at dusk. Mainly because my Marina shut down at 5 or 6 pm so the lock gates were closed and I didn't fancy tying up to some nearby barges. Be careful also of mooring on a pontoon at Greenwich as the Clippers blast by at 40mph leaving a huge wash. Do ask about that.
Feel free to ask if you need any more info but I think Greenwich is your best bet.
Good Luck
Simon
Thanks for all the good advice! I am probably a bit mad for wanting to do this, but it does sound like fun. Any thoughts on anchoring in this part of the river?
David Claassen
"Logan's Run"
2006 26M
I would check with VTS about anchoring, David but with 7 metres of tidal range as well as pleasure boats in a congested area I think anchoring is impossible.
As so much water flows into the River, the ebb can take up to 9 hours.(an interesting aside but is useful to know when calculating how much petrol is needed for a trip)
Mad but fun or fun but mad. (You may be able to book up something on one of the pleasure cruisers which isn't quite the same)
Simon
Sowenna (26M)
There are some buoys outside St Katherine's dock which are 'reserved' for boats waiting for the gates to open so as to enter the dock when the tide is right. Not sure what would happen if you tied up to one of them or even if you could see the fireworks.
They say that if you can see the Eye, you can enjoy the fireworks.
David Claassen
"Logan's Run"
2006 26M
Are you going to do this, David?
I hope so...still working out the logistics!
David Claassen
"Logan's Run"
2006 26M
Good Luck with it.
Looks like the best bet right now is to launch at the Greenwich Yacht Club. They have been quite helpful. Gallions Point will not be operating their lock during the Holidays at all, so that's right out. I am hoping for a visitor's berth at St. Katherines. My wife is keep for shore power (heat). I think we could have a nice view of the fireworks from there. The choice is either to be on the river during the show or to have a berth with shore power. Still working on that one.
Thanks to all, especially you, Simon, for your help and advice! Shall we have a winter event sometime?
David Claassen
"Logan's Run"
2006 26M