To English ears Ramsgate has the somewhat prosaic reputation of a seaside resort which has been left behind by the Ryanair hordes heading for the Mediterranean. But that should only encourage you to visit. The historic Royal Harbour has one of the most attractive waterfronts in the south-east. Add to that a well-appointed all-tide marina and a strategic situation convenient for passage across the Thames estuary to East Anglia or over the Channel to Belgium and Holland and Ramsgate becomes an attractive port of call.

From North Foreland the approach is straightforward so long as you avoid the shallow water close to the shore. A course due south will carry you safely outside the shoals until you hit the buoyed shipping lane, south of which is the recommended yacht track to the harbour entrance.

From the south, keep a mile or so offshore, or if arriving from across the Channel make sure you are inside the Goodwin Sands by rounding the South Goodwin lightship. In The Downs note the ghosts of thousands of Royal Navy ships which in the days of sail used to anchor here while waiting for a wind and also that of Captain James Cook who dropped anchor here on 12 July, 1771, at the end of his epic voyage to Australia. Once opposite Deal pier, head out on a course of around 020º along the Gull Stream, between the S. Brake and W. Goodwin buoys, leaving the Goodwins to starboard and the shallows of Pegwell Bay to port. From the Brake buoy you can head due north for the shipping lane into Ramsgate.

If approaching from outside the Goodwins, treat them with proper respect and make sure you are not carried on to them by the strong tidal streams running through the Dover Strait.

Having arrived at the shipping lane, head for the harbour entrance keeping just to the south of the buoyed channel and then call port control on VHF ch.14 for permission to enter. Once inside, the entrance to the Royal Harbour where pleasure boats dwell is to your right, and when entering make sure you leave the small green buoy to starboard to avoid the shallow water inside the north breakwater. Keep an eye, too, on the depth as you pass between the pier heads as there are shallow areas close to the harbour walls.

Inside, either the Western Marina immediately to port as you enter the Royal Harbour or the Eastern Marina in the further corner are open to visitors. Call the marina office on VHF Ch.80, or tie up and report. It’s a bit of a hike to either the office or the shower block.

Eating opportunities are unexciting in Ramsgate and the best bet is generally agreed to be the local Thai restaurant, Surin (30 Harbour Street, T01843 592001). On your way there from the Western Marina you will pass the Smack-boys Home, an example of paternalist nineteenth century philanthropy which may now be unfashionable but which as well as seeing to the welfare of Ramsgate’s apprentice fishermen has over the years looked after some 3300 survivors of local ship-wrecks.

If Ramsgate sounds too comfortable, the adventurous may be tempted by the old port of Sandwich, a few miles up the River Stour. The drying entrance in the corner of Pegwell Bay is tricky and the lower reaches of the river disfigured by the relics of industry, but the town when you get there is delightful. Fin keel boats will do best to moor up out in the stream alongside the barges or other long-term residents. There are two championship golf courses between the town and the now receding sea.

© 2009 Yachtpilot