August Cruise to Limehouse and Chatham

Members from Penton Hook and Shepperton marinas assembled at Teddington on Monday 2nd August and enjoyed a pleasant dinner at the nearby Anglers pub.
The next morning Lockdown Dream, Venture, Purple Orchid, and Beatrice Rose set off for Limehouse where we were joined by Mojito coming from the Medway.
That afternoon we visited the Museum of London (Docklands) which was well worth a visit: there’s a lot to see! In the evening we had a splendid dinner at the La Figa Italian restaurant near Limehouse.
The following day we were joined by John and Geraldine, and Philip who came by public transport. One group visited Tower Bridge and its engine room below ground; if you have never seen it then please do visit, just watch out for the stairs as there are a lot of them. The other group made their way to Greenwich, visited the Cutty Sark, and enjoyed a leisurely lunch at the Gipsy Moth pub. That evening we all ate at the Cruising Association.
On Thursday morning Venture set off back to Shepperton while the remainder of the group continued to Chatham. Unfortunately, Purple Orchid had to turn back as her engine began to overheat due to duckweed blocking the raw water inlet. Venture and Purple Orchid joined up and proceeded to Teddington where Purple Orchid was able to clean the blockage from the filters and proceed safely.  Mojito, Beatrice Rose and Lockdown Dream continued to Chatham. John Cochrane joined for the trip to Chatham on Lockdown dream, which was the first time she had been used at speed, her new owners (David and Linda) were very happy to try her at full throttle, apart from having minor issues with the trim tabs. After a couple of days Lockdown Dream headed back upriver, the return trip was uneventful apart from heavy rain in London which caused poor viability. Beatrice Rose followed a few days later while Mojito remained in Chatham.