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	Mike's ten tips for a happy passage down the Thames Tideway A light hearted look at some of the factors affecting a trip from Teddington to London
		1 It should go without saying that a well timed departure to take advantage of the tidal stream will ensure rapid progress and avoid wasted fuel. We usually aim to be through Teddington Lock 30 minutes before high water on a trip down to Limehouse. 2 In an ideal world you want to arrive in London before ten-ish to avoid the trip boats and the rough water they make East of Chelsea. Not compatible with a lie-in, especially if you are spending the night at Hampton Court! 3 Practice stowing your loose gear as if heading out to sea in a storm. It can be a rough ride anywhere from Chelsea to Tower Bridge where the trip boats cut up the water into short, random, steep waves. Hang on tight and enjoy the sights!  4 Watch your stern for fast trip boats approaching from behind. The Clippers are very fast, and they show no quarter to the likes of us! 5 So it makes sense to have finished your last cup of tea before Chelsea. 6 Be prepared for rowers lurking near the banks and slow down well in advance - mind you, don't expect any thanks, just a waved fist if you don't notice them quickly enough. Best to avoid Saturday morning as this is when the concentrations of rowers are at their highest. Even at 6.00 am you cannot escape them. 7 Make sure your boat is clean and the crew are smartly turned out, in case anyone important is looking when you pass the Houses of Parliament; and keep well away from these hallowed halls if you don't want a close encounter of the 4th kind - with the river police! 8 You may see a bundle of straw hanging from the arch of a bridge. It indicates that the bridge arch has restricted headroom.  Made worse by said bundle of straw hanging from the arch of the bridge! 9 Keep a sharp watch out for rubbish floating on or just below the surface to avoid scrapes to the hull or damage to stern gear; we've seen everything from shed doors to railway sleepers, complete with ironmongery - thank goodness the modern concrete sleepers don't float! 10 Other things to look out for? The makeshift houseboat upstream of Richmond, herons nesting on Isleworth Eyot, weekday commuters going to work while you have a day off, and your VHF radio antenna on Hammersmith Bridge!
New 27 March 2009 Copyright © 2009 Mike Hawkridge	back to top