Advice please on watching Clacton airshow from the boat

Burnham Bob

Burnham Bob

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Traffic jams and hordes of people on the beach put me off but is there a good vantage point to watch from the boat?

Are there any navigation restrictions? Can I anchor anywhere good? We're based in Bradwell so it's not far as the crow flies if there are any in the Cacton area when the show is on.
 
I anchored just south of the pier, holding was pretty good but a bit bouncy. I think there were some patrol ribs keeping people from anchoring too close to the shore.
 
There's usually a marked zone to anchor in. It can be quite unpleasantly bouncy, depending on wind and tide. There's a commentary on some local radio station, which helps to identify what's happening, although the show is rather reminiscent of the worst of Alan Partridge.
 
We went two years ago and are planning to be there again this year, weather permitting. Last time it was a bit breezy and a few anchors dragged, however well worth it on a nice day. We cleared out when the tide turned and even so dipped the foredeck under getting the anchor in. There's a bouyed exclusion zone which is very clear and well patrolled.
 
nigelm said:
25/26 th Aug

Don't know what time the tides are thoses days as tables aren't to hand right now

I wouldn't mind having a look but really don't want to get bounced out my cockpit or have a mutiny on my hands ........
Click to expand...

0128 Clacton-On-Sea
51°47'N 1°10'E England 25 August 2016 System
Data Area 1-4. Europe, Northern Waters and Mediterranean
Predictions are based on WALTON-ON-THE-NAZE

25/08/2016 Last Quarter
High 05:33 4.2 m
High 17:50 4.1 m
Low 11:27 1.0 m

26/08/2016
High 06:33 3.9 m
High 18:59 3.9 m
Low 00:05 0.9 m
Low 12:35 1.1 m

27/08/2016
High 07:46 3.7 m
High 20:20 3.7 m
Low 01:24 1.1 m
Low 14:02 1.2 m

28/08/2016
High 09:06 3.7 m
High 21:41 3.8 m
Low 02:52 1.2 m
Low 15:35 1.1 m

29/08/2016
High 10:19 4.0 m
High 22:51 4.1 m
Low 04:12 1.1 m
Low 16:50 0.9 m

30/08/2016
High 11:18 4.3 m
High 23:45 4.4 m
Low 05:11 1.0 m
Low 17:47 0.7 m

31/08/2016
High 12:07 4.5 m
Low 05:59 0.9 m
Low 18:34 0.5 m


Predicted heights are in metres above Chart Datum
Printed by Admiralty TotalTide
 
You have to anchor in a marked zone unless you stay off jaywick or holland which is still an excellent place as the planes go low along the whole length of coast. On shore winds cause the roughest conditions. I cycle this coast to Frinton everyday and I'm getting used to what conditions are favourable for being on the water. Apart from one day this week it's been like a lake recently. We had big waves on Wednesday, had a dip on the way home and noticed the police helicopter flying around. It seems a kayaker went over and the body was recovered couple of days ago. We have had a lot of sea casualties this year unfortunately.
 
Been twice and anchored, it must be the best place to see the show, most of the aircraft fly and display directly overhead. The holding is sound, a bit bumpy but the sight and sounds make up for that. The no anchor zone is makers with buoys, just stay out of that. Saw the Vulcan twice and it was the most visceral thing I've experienced, the Spitfire dogfights were pretty cool as well.
 
I wonder if the Clacton show's exclusion zone will be expanded this year following the Shoreham accident. It does seem to have affected Herne Bay air show (14th August), which has a huge no-go zone this year. The diagram is shown on TG's website at http://www.crossingthethamesestuary.com/page9.html.
The Herne Bay show is even bigger than last year, all the usual favourites too although sadly not, of course, the Vulcan. But the size of that exclusion zone means I shall watch the show from the beach.
 
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Colvic Watson said:
Been twice and anchored, it must be the best place to see the show, most of the aircraft fly and display directly overhead. The holding is sound, a bit bumpy but the sight and sounds make up for that. The no anchor zone is makers with buoys, just stay out of that. Saw the Vulcan twice and it was the most visceral thing I've experienced, the Spitfire dogfights were pretty cool as well.
Click to expand...

Anchored just by the start of the display runs at the Walton end of the buoys.

P1120180_zpshtw2qiwo.jpg


P1120149_zps1txgkcla.jpg


P1120229_zpst1chse0t.jpg
 
We are going Friday. Any one care to meet up at the Walton end of the bouyed area? We could have a bbq on board
 
I plan to be there on Bonsella but hope it will be calmer than last year when the anchor dragged... twice!. Sadly no Vulcan this year - definitely the highlight last year.
David Morgan
 
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