Sailing with a dog to Ramsgate

Ramsgate was our final stop before completing the circumnavigation. The journey from Eastbourne began early, rewarded with a beautiful sunrise. Unfortunately, 25 kts of wind was on the nose for most of the passage, making it a bit of a bumpy slog (wind over tide).

Arriving in Ramsgate felt significant. This marina town, with its proud history, sandy beaches, and lively harbour front, offered everything we needed to pause, catch our breath, and reminisce on the adventures of the past three months.

⚓ The Approach

Ramsgate is one of the few all-weather, all-tide harbours on this stretch of coast. The entrance is straightforward, with large breakwaters offering excellent shelter once inside. VHF Channel 14 will connect you to Port Control, who are professional and clear, but remember, Ramsgate is still a working commercial port, so keep an eye out for ferries and fishing vessels.

Once berthed, you’re right in the heart of things. The marina basins are just steps from the town, which makes life easy for both crew and dogs.

🐶 Dog-Friendly Life in Ramsgate

Ramsgate is a dog-friendly town, and Svea was welcomed pretty much everywhere we went.

• Marina policy: Dogs on leads, with grassy breaks nearby for quick walks.

• The Beach: Ramsgate Main Sands allows dogs outside the May–September restriction period, and in summer they’re welcome on nearby Pegwell Bay. Great for a proper run. The restricted area was quite small so Svea was off lead on the beach within minutes.

• Parks & Promenades: The East Cliff Promenade is ideal for long, scenic dog walks with views out to the Channel. Pegwell Country Park, just west of town, is another brilliant green space.

🍻Dog friendly Pubs & Yacht Clubs

Ramsgate has a lively harbour front with plenty of pubs, cafés, and restaurants. Many are dog-friendly, though it’s always best to double-check at the door.

The standout for sailors is the Royal Temple Yacht Club:

• Full of history (it was once the HQ for the Royal Temple Regatta).

• Great terrace overlooking the harbour.

• Dogs are usually allowed in the bar area.

• Drinks are reasonable (with the discount band obtained form the harbour master) and the atmosphere is proper “sailor’s club”- a good mix of locals and visiting crews.

Svea was given a bowl of water without even asking, which always earns bonus points!

⛵ Skipper’s Notes

• Shelter: The outer harbour is huge, but once in the marina you’re very well protected.

• Facilities: Fuel berth, showers, and laundrette all close by. Chandlers are in town.

• Tides: While the harbour is open at all tides, the tidal streams off North Foreland can be fierce, so time your arrival and departure carefully.

• Provisioning: Taylors butcher and a superb fish van provide fresh meat to travelling sailors.

Final Thoughts

Ramsgate is a marina that ticks the boxes: safe entry, dog-friendly town, sandy beaches, and a proper yacht club. It doesn’t have the cosmopolitan feel of Brighton or the size of Eastbourne, but it has authentic character and a warm welcome.

For Svea, the beach walks were the highlight. For me, it was a pint at the Royal Temple Yacht Club overlooking the harbour at sunset. Together, that’s a win.

Svea gave Ramsgate six paws 🐾🐾🐾

Homeward bound!