We left the anchorage near Southend just before breakfast and motored up towards Gravesend. The Pilot embarked, along with two other employees from the port authority and a film crew who were filming a few bits onboard for a programme about Cutty Sark. We passed through the Thames Barrier at 1220 with Mike on the wheel and continued up-river in the rather chilly wind - I thought this was supposed to be summer! Once past Greenwich, the Naval College, the Maritime Museum and the hull of the Cutty Sark herself, we launched a boat before passing through Tower Bridge at 1345 with Malcolm steering the ship. Once through the bridge, we then swung the ship and sat beside HMS Belfast for 20 minutes or so until passing back out through Tower Bridge at 1415. The Pool of London is still a busy place, but the shipping nowadays seems to consist mainly of day-tripper boats! Once clear of the bridge, we recovered the boat and made our way down river to West India Dock. The Pilot and film crew all disembarked in the lock and we then moved across into Milwall Cut. Most of the crew stayed onboard for a spot of fish pie before stepping ashore for a beer. The usual last night fun and games had an added attraction last night, but tell me Bill, just where did you learn to pole dance?!
Simon
Captain