Thames Estuary Cruises
Picture pages : 2 : 3 : 4 : 5 :
Details of the RiB & see the major sights of the Thames Estuary ......
Leaving Herne Bay on a RiB (Rigid Inflatable Boat)
The Red Sands Army Fort viewed from the Brook Estuary at Swalecliffe
The WW2 Sea Forts were heavily armed early warning posts built by Posford's at Gravesend on the banks of the River Thames
Abandoned they lay dormant until taken over by Radio Pirates in the 1960's
The Sea Forts have a strange fascination, viewed from the shore many people can't wait to see them at close quarters
Red Sands at close quarters on a sight seeing trip
From the Sailing Barge Greta approaches the Knock John Naval Fort, Guy Maunsells first design, like the Army Forts were built by Posford's at Red Lion Wharf Gravesend
The broadcasts of Radio Essex emanated from here for some 14 months after beginning tests in October 1965
For the full specification of the sailing barge (SB) Greta see Greta 1
The Shivering Sands Army Forts once base of the eccentric horror rock artist Screaming Lord Sutch & his Radio Sutch
For the history of the Forts see Fort Fax
The drilling ship Resolution from Tankerton beach in 2003 see Greta 2 for more pictures of the Windfarm
The location of the Windfarm on the Kentish Flats is 6.2 miles from its service centre at Whitstable Harbour & 5.5 miles from the Clock Tower on Herne Bay sea front
The Windfarm on the Kentish Flats was completed in September 2005 & can produce up to 90MW of power
Right; the ancient historic Reculver Church Towers a mark for mariners these towers were once more than a mile from the sea now protected by a sea wall & further erosion
It was here where Barnes-Wallace tested his bouncing bombs & that in 1946 the Jet speed record was set by a Gloucester Meteor at 606.38 mph
The controversial wreck of the SS Richard Montgomery is at 51 28.0' North & 00 47.01' East to the centre of the ship wreck WGS 84 Chart Checks 1st March 2006. She is on the edge of the Nore Sands at 1.5 nautical miles off Sheerness Isle-of-Sheppey. Still loaded with unexploded munitions close to the dredged shipping channel approaches to the River Medway & Garrison Point
Visit SS Richard Montgomery to find out more about the ship the wreck & the potential threat to Kent & Essex Coastal Towns
Join a special event on the water during Whitstable Oyster Week: Harbour Day: The Thames & Swale Barge Matches
See first hand the Captains of these giants of a bygone age pit their wits against one another to gain the best breeze
Repertor pursued by Portlight off the Isle of Sheppey
Come on a Sealfari to watch Seals on the sands, or enjoy a trip around the Isle of Sheppey into the Medway under the Kings Ferry Bridges & return through the Swale
Join an evening cruise
Choose a leisurely evening onboard a sailing barge
Or see more from a fast RiB (Rigid Inflatable Boat)
One of the Tornado RiB's fitted with two powerful 150 HP Optimax Mercury outboard motors
Canterbury City Council Inshore Patrol Launch
Additional photographs: Gerry Zeirler, Mike Albury & Steve Norris
See pictures of our Radio Forts Specials
For details of Thames Sailing Barge Greta 1
To see more Barge Sailings navigate from Boat Trips 4
Pilot Vessel Cruises from Queenborough X-Pilot
What you've said about the cruises ......
I can't thank you enough
on behalf of my brother and my friends for one of the best days we've ever
had. The chat in the cafe and on the way home was non-stop! I've completed
11 world cruises on the QE2 taking in a variety of sights but I can honestly
say this one was the best. Keep the flag flying & many many many thanks.
Sincerest wishes and kindest regards - Mark Hutchins.
ps: I think a barge trip is on the horizon
Many thanks for your commentary successful on photography.
I have enjoyed reading Making Waves, the reproduction quality of the photos
is excellent.
Good luck with the Red Sands project, I look forward one day to be able to
climb up into the control tower! - Neil Edwards
Thanks for a lovely day out on the briny, memories of happy radio days - John, Peter, & Paul
Attached you might recognise the photo I took on the trip in mid - August, great cruise with a Brilliant Sunset. It was when the Silly B__l_x was holed up in the old searchlight weather tower making-up ghost stories for his website, ridiculous - Dave
Superb day out, the whole family had a wonderful time - Steve
Happy days, watery wireless, big old towers, can't wait to listen to the CD's I bought from you - Greg
Thanks for an interesting narrative, hadn't realised how much history the forts had - Carrie
Very pleasant to be aboard Greta again, always a friendly welcome from your crew, bit of a misty day but a nice day - Neil Edwards
We've had our trip on SB Greta today and loved every minute. The weather was fantastic and the sea like a millpond. Thanks for sorting out the problems with our booking - Regards Hilary Finnis