Trip to London

[Mike Turner]

We're planning a trip to London, England late this spring. Any suggestions on sailing-related sites or activities while we're there?

Mike Turner
Lazyjack 32 schooner "Mary'Lis"
Mobile Bay, Alabama

 

[Stu Jackson]

In London, Catherine's Dock.

Go to the south coast for the Isle of Wight.

For starters...

 

[Andy1237]

Drydocked along the River Thames is a replica of the Golden Hind. A quaint pub is next door. We didn't get to go aboard because tours were closed for the day. Take a tour for me would ya Mike?

 

[nightowle]

You can get a day ferry over to Cowes Harbor on the Isle of Wight. That's probably the 'capitol' of sailing for the UK. The town of Cowes is charming, but Falmouth on the other end is really quaint. I've sailed several times out of a town at the lower end of the Southampton estuary, called The Hamble. Nice sailing harbor and a really quaint, old town; you'd almost expect to see the proverbial old peg legged, eye patched, and hook handed sailor clomping along the cobble lanes. The Key pub is where some of the yacht sailors hang out and it's good for food, too.

Near to the center of London you can visit Greenwich Observatory with the museum and see Sir Francis Chichester's yacht. It's worth seeing the exhibit of the first chronographs used to discern longitude.

Sure wish I was heading over this year. Hoist a pint for me, chap!

 

[richk]

Ditto what the others said about Wight and Cowes. Also check out Cutty Sark across Thames near/in Greenwich. A visit up the hill to the home of the prime meridian may also be fun.

 

[Peggie Hall HeadMistress]

In London, Catherine's Dock.For starters.

Stu means St. Katherine's Dock, next to the Tower Bridge on the same side of the Thames as the Tower of London...easy walk from the Tower. St. Katherine's Yacht Club will let you in for lunch or a drink if you tell them you're "visiting yachstmen" from the US...you don't have to be a member of any YC here.

Windsor Castle is on the Thames. My first view of it was from the river on a friend's boat...felt like I was Catherine Hepburn arriving by barge in "Lion in Winter." Don't know if there are any tour boats that'll get you there, but definitely worth finding out. Windsor Castle is a MUST see, whether you arrive by water OR land!