Crossing the Thames Estuary

63 routes with full passage tables

An indispensable companion for planning Thames estuary passages, this set of tables enables navigators to select the best routes according to tide times. A set of tide tables, IMRAY charts, East Coast Pilot and Crossing the Thames Estuary provide all the information that is needed to fully explore the estuary and coasts of Suffolk, Essex and Kent.

The object is help you plan your journey across the complex waters of the Thames Estuary quickly, safely, easily and accurately. To do this a series of tables is provided based upon a variety of routes with alternative tables for Springs and Neaps and for a choice of average boat speeds of 4, 5, 6 and 7 knots.
As with the first edition, the concentration is on the ‘inside’ routes that weave through or across various sands and swatch ways. However, this edition now includes the ‘outside’ route between the Suffolk Rivers and Ramsgate.

The Time Planning tables will enable you to plan departure times to arrive at key points on the crossing at your chosen time. The purpose is to provide the reader with a simple and accurate way to determine the best choices when making the crossing: what is your preferred route? What time do I start to ensure sufficient water through swatch ways or over banks? What is the best compromise to get the most help from the tide and still have sufficient water over the banks?