29/04/06 (Sat) May Day Cruise to Harty Ferry and Faversham
30/04/06 (Sun)
01/05/06 (Mon) Return to Upnor
| 29.4.06 | LW | Sheerness | 08.45 |
| 29.4.06 | HW | Faversham Creek | 14.31 |
| 30.4.06 | HW | Faversham Creek | 15.10 |
| 01.5.06 | HW | Chatham | 15.57 |
This was attended by Northern Gipsy, Moondancer and Denebola who skilfully navigated the creek to Iron Wharf.
There they were joined by Dana who having wintered there, launched that weekend.
Then the cruise captain and wife arrived by car and were duly ribbed by all. Quite right too!
We all enjoyed a sociable day and ended up in the Chinese restaurant for a meal.
Provided the weather forecast is good, this cruise is ideal for new skippers with some experience who wish to try out their navigation skills round the Isle of Sheppey. The inside passage via Kings Ferry Bridge has openings restricted to early morning and after 1930 hours in the evening, so if using that route check first by phoning them on 01795 423627.
Those not going to Faversham Creek may choose to anchor at Harty Ferry, which is handy for going ashore and the pub does good meals. As it is spring tides the anchorage at South Deep will not be suitable for deep draft at low water so make sure the weather is suitable for anchoring in the Swale.
Faversham Creek is most suitable for smaller boats or those with shallow draft but the largest of yachts with an experienced skipper can make the journey up to Faversham. The secret is to avoid a falling tide whether travelling up or down the creek. You should proceed at the earliest moment; at least one hour before high water, so that you can still see the course of the channel. Motor slowly so that if you do hit the mud you do not go on too hard and can get off on the rising tide. Watch the echo sounder and use it together with the buoys to stay in the deepest water.
Iron Wharf is on the port side as you approach Faversham and the deepest water is close to the lighter used as a dry dock. After that the deep water is more to the starboard side. Hopefully the yard managers, John Britchfield or Tony Boughton will be there to greet you and advise on where to moor.
Iron Wharf will try to accommodate all visiting boats but they can definitely take at least ten. I suggest that those wishing to visit, sort out their numbers whilst waiting in the Swale and telephone Iron Warf 01795 536296 (or 537122) to advise them of ETA and numbers.
The creek dries out and the boats lying alongside each other will be sitting in deep soft mud. The town is a delight with interesting shops, restaurants and pubs.
Please contact me if you are interested in joining us or would like to know more.
Mike
Prescott
Cruise Captain
The Cruise Captain Mike Prescott will be happy to answer any queries, just ask.
Here is a navigation guide to Faversham Creek complete with chartlets to download and print
Medway & Swale Estuary Partnership also have a Faversham Creek navigation guide leaflet with the same information, and tourist info about the town, you can download a PDF (1MB) file from their publications page.
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