In Mid-March and April the already famous boat chase will be filmed on location in and around Tower Bridge, Festival Pier, and the MI6 Building in central London, on the River Thames. The chase involves a couple of high speed craft of German construction, although at least 12 are being constructed, some less well fitted out than others (for long distance shots or explosions).  .. It has been reported to me by spies working in the area that the majority of the filming will be in and around the Isle of Dogs waterways. Apparently, EON were testing various kinds of watercraft on the 10th, 11th and 12th March, including one very loud speedboat which annoyed the neighbours with it's decibel level! Those hoping to watch the goings-on on the day of filming may be disappointed since the bridge is being closed to all traffic and pedestrians, although the banks of the river may offer some good views of the proceedings. To get an idea of when the filming will be taking place, It might be worth phoning Tower Bridge or the AA to find out about bridge closures over the next few weeks...

If you can't make it on the day, the Thames-Cam at Livesights offers live pictures of the Tower Bridge, so you'll be able to see any action right here on your computer screen!! (Don't always expect scenes like this with the Thames-Cam, but rest assured they will capture all the action!)

The Q Boat cruising along shows great manoeuvring ability as well as the speed potential. Although not as sleek as the Cigar Girl's powerful Sunseeker Hawk (not pictured), the optional extras installed make all the difference.

The rear of the Q Boat, showing the spoiler, and what look like rocket boosters!

Sunseeker Hawk 34 vs. The Q Boat ... The chase is on!

Livesights have installed a web cam on the walkway leading from the riverbank to HMS Belfast, and it has a 360 degree capability, with the Tower Bridge featuring as the main attraction.

The Sun Newspaper reported the following in February:
"The new James Bond film will feature a five minute opening sequence on the River Thames costing $1million per minute. The scenes will take 34 days to shoot and will show 007 in a high speed boat chase. The amazing action will end with Bond, played by Brosnan, being dropped onto the Millennium Dome by balloon. He will then grapple with his enemies while helicopters land around them.
"The opening sequence will feature shots of the famous MI6 building on London's riverside being blown to bits. Crew have constructed 17 £5000 speedboats which can travel at more than 60mph. Road and river traffic will be re-routed when the shooting takes place over the next few weeks, taking in landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, Canary Wharf and Tower Bridge."..

The area of London around Tower Bridge, showing the "Pool of London" (the area between Tower Bridge and London Bridge, in which HMS Belfast is anchored. Bond will enter the map in his Q Boat from the left hand side, and race past London Bridge and under Tower Bridge. He'll then continue off to the right, and the Millennium Dome is about 2 or 3 miles downstream. .. Sounds like it could be good entertainment. Check back here soon to read a summary of the filming.