We headed back downstream after passing Westminster Palace, contacting London VTS To request how to proceed through the Thames Barrier once again. We had a lovely calm passage to the Medway and arrived at Rochester Cruising Club at 19.55 having achieved another 61.6 miles.
Day 7. We spent a rather windswept day moored at Rochester Cruising Club. At slack water on the low tide we ventured to their fuel berth to refuel Moonshine at 92p per litre at 60/40 split. This is a very down to earth and friendly cruising club that offers reasonably priced fuel and cheap overnight moorings at £20 per night. Rochester town centre is just a short walk from the moorings, and boasts a quaint main street, an imposing castle and cathedral. There is a Morrisons supermarket across the river in Strood.
Day 8. We had a lovely calm run down to Dover from Rochester, achieving another 59.1 nautical miles passing Red Sand Towers and the wreck of the SS Richard Montgomery off Nore Sandbank near Sheerness in the Thames estuary, estimated to still contain 1,400 tonnes of explosives on board.
We contacted Dover Port Control 2 miles from the outer East harbour entrance who in turn advised us how to proceed. Once inside, the harbour Port Control contacted us with further instructions. As it was near low water the lock gates to Granville Dock were still closed, so we had to moor on the layby pontoon while the tide rose. Once a level was made, Moonshine was allocated a berth in the Dock. Both the Dover Port Control and Dover Marina are very efficient considering how busy the port is.
Day 9 was spent enjoying the Port of Dover, and considering the possibility next year of travelling even further south given favourable weather conditions. Since our existing charts only go as far as Dover, we may purchase the next set for next year.
Day 11 was spent exploring Ramsgate, which included a trip to the shops for much needed food supplies, visits to Pegwell Bay where dogs are allowed on the beach, and a visit to the chandlery overlooking the inner harbour to purchase a full service kit for our Jabsco Twist & Lock toilet ... being a ships captain isn't always glamorous!
Ramsgate has a very continental feel, and the UK visitor's are outnumbered by visiting Dutch yachts. The harbour has a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Day 12. We departed a very busy Ramsgate at 07.22 and arrived at Bradwell at 09.56 logging 49.3 nautical miles passing Shivering Sand Towers. We enjoyed a lovely fast calm run, taking care crossing the Thames estuary as it was very busy with shipping. Once at Bradwell Marina we took the opportunity to refuel Moonshine at £1.01 which was considerably cheaper than Titchmarsh Marina having phoned ahead they were charging £1.12 60/40 split.
The Bradwell Marina Cruising Club serve a variety of 'good pub grub' at affordable prices with generous portions and always has good reviews from fellow boaters.
We are now at the start of our final week, needless to say we will be on weather alert for our return passage.
