Having resolved the engine overheating issue we moved from Windsor to Teddington. Then onwards to Gravesend for a night stop and finally to Chatham.
Teddington Lock
Departing Teddington at 0800, 2 hours before high water we were pushing against the tide until just before the city where we ran with the outgoing tide.
The run through London was exciting, and as with previous journeys, a little bumpy.
We were surprised to see Tower Bridge open until I looked around and saw the Thames sailing barge Will. A magnificent craft out with some sight seers aboard.
We let her pass ahead and then followed her until she turned about just after the Barrier.
We arrived at Gravesend at Low slack water making it easy to turn inside and moor up on the floating pontoon. This is an excellecnt moorring with water, electricity, safe, secure and a pub at the end of the pier.
We were on the inside shore side where the ferry to Tilbury ran during the day. Being very close to Tilbury docks the tugs and pilot boats which run in and out create quite some swell lifting boat and pontoon. With much creaking of ropes through the night and 2 nervous dogs it was not the best nights sleep. Having said that we’d definitely use it again to break the journey up to the estury.
Whilst going through London I’d expected us to show up on the Marine Traffic App, but we weren’t. The signal is sent via AIS (Automatic Identification System) transponder. We were receiving information but not transmitting. As we left Gravesend I called London VTS (Vessel Traffic Service) to confirm our signal wasn’t transponding. Although not totally essential / required by law, AIS is a very useful tool to allow other boats and traffic services to see us. In parts of Europe such as Antwerp harbour it is mandatory. With this equipment failure in mind I decided we’d go to Chatham rather than Queenborough as there was more options for assistance.
The run out of the Thames was fine with one exception where a large container ships wake caused us some severe rocking as we didn’t turn sufficiently into its wake. A little alarming and unfortunately several jars of sauce flew out of the cupboard smashing on the floor, we won’t do that again.
At The Isle of Grain we turned right and up the river Medway keeping very wide to avoid the sandbanks hidden just below the surface. Things calmed down and after another hour we turned into Chatham Marina Lock after 4 1/2 hours cruising. Angela Dawn looked totally out of place in the marina surrounded by gleaming white sailboats and motor cruisers, but a great place for a few days rest and repair the AIS.
I contacted PSI Marine of Rochester and within a few hours an engineer had assessed the transponder and determined the antenna was faulty. He found us a replacement in Southampton. The next day we drove down to collect it and I successfully installed it. We were again broadcasting our position to the world.
Jo was rapidly running out of leave and the weather was not looking good for the forseeable weeks. I’d almost resigned to waiting a few more weeks when David Piper called to say there was a window in a few days but it required a 0400 start. After some shifting of people and taking the dogs to our sitter in Marlow we moved Angela Dawn to Queenborough ready to cross.
Deans Boat 
Good old Queenborough. Some 40 years ago, when going from our home berth on the Medway up the Thames, going on our annual holiday my father would moor alongside the ‘concrete barge’ overnight at Queenborough. Then in our underpowered yogurt pot it was a push up the Thames to around Southwark with the tide and another stop before getting to Teddington. Fond memories but somewhat scary with the wash from the tugs and large boats/ships. Wasn’t keen on the debris floating about either. Seem to remember some rather nasty big stuff that could potential be fateful for a 27′ river cruiser. Anyhow, less of my memories and go make some of your own. Guess you will be moving off to Ramsgate next because it’s a long haul otherwise from Q’Boro.
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Lovely memories for you. No major debris seen on the river, Port of London seem to be keeping it clear if perhaps not clean. I like the Medway, I must explore it more some day.
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The tidal part of the Medway upto Rochester is interesting what with Chatham Dockyard which is well worth a visit for all the history. Then on upwards to the first lock at Allington it is ‘well ummm’. Not sure how far up the non tidal part you would get but for smaller cruisers Tonbridge is generally the limit. On the way you pass through some lovely Kentish countryside and I seem to recall something like 8/9 locks.
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