On Saturday 8
May 1999 KC took her first cruise of the year to the
River Swale which separates the Isle of Sheppey from
mainland Kent. The sailing was from Strood Pier to
Queenborough, ancient capital of Sheppey. The weather was
overcast which limited the number of day excursion
passengers.
Our
first sight of KC as she passes a Thames sailing
barge moored in Bridge Reach, Rochester. |
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She was taking a
party of ex-Servicemen for an hour's cruise. |
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She
took them through Rochester Bridge to get a
better view of the Cathedral and Castle. |
Approaching Strood
Pier to pick up her day trippers. |
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31
joined for the full cruise. |
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The
preserved naval sloop Gannet moored in
the River Medway to allow Cavalier to
enter the Historic Dockyard the following week. |
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Gannet is
a long-term restoration project. |
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The hour's cruise
passengers disembarked at Thunderbolt Pier to
continue their visit to the Dockyard. |
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Upnor
Castle on the north bank opposite the Dockyard. |
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Tokio
Express loading containers at Thamesport. |
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The
last Radio Caroline ship Ross Revenge
now berthed at Queenborough. |
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Programmes
are still transmitted occasionally. One month
licences can be obtained in different areas.
During June a visit is planned to Southend. |
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KC
berthed at Queenborough Pier for 90 minutes. Her
passengers make their way along the walkway which
floats at high tide. |
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Our
favourite watering hole at Queenborough,The
Old House at Home, which serves an excellent
pint of Abbot Ale. |
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On the
return passage. |
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View
from the wheelhouse approaching Bee Ness Jetty
from the east. |
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Approaching
Strood Pier to disembark. |
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