Brightlingsea this weekend - Creek depths.

E

englishrobs

Well-Known Member
Joined
26 Aug 2014
Messages
124
Visit site
Planning to sail down from Woolverstone to Brightlingsea this weekend arriving on Saturday. Been that way before to Pyefleet but never into the harbour itself.

Given our probable arrival time around 17:00 and not being familiar with the entrance, looking at the charlet depth seems to be somewhat of a premium (we draw 1.7m) in the approach along Brightlinsea Creek were we to arrive any later. Clearly an earlier start is in order.

what's the forum's thoughts from those that know these waters better than I. I've anchored just outside pyefleet before when it was too shallow for us to get over the bar but but not in a northerly as strong as is forecast.

Any thoughts appreciated.
 
I draw the same as you. 2 hours before LW will be a bit tight but there is a tidal gauge on the post as you enter the creek. If in any doubt then call the harbourmaster to lead you in. If it's the same as previously then stick close to the green buoy. The HM will come and meet you anyway once you are near the NC post inside the harbour and lead you to a berth and often help with lines so call him up on Ch 68 and tell him your draft.

Just read your post again. If you are not arriving until 1700 then you will be pushing the tide all the way. If you can get away earlier then come down with the rising and if it's not rough then hop across the Colne Bar at half tide or more.
 
Last edited:
At 17:00 on Saturday there is predicted to be 1.8m over CD, and even at CD the creek is nowhere near drying (last year there was probably > 1m along the best track), so you should be absolutely fine - we draw just under 1m with the keel up and have never had any problem getting in & out at LW. Take into account actual tide levels on the day of course - there is a live tide gauge on the harbour website (www.brightlingseaharbour.org).

And of course as MoodySabre says give the harbour a call as you approach.

Stick closeish to the green buoy but follow an arc from the 'gate' (betwixt the post and south cardinal buoy) rather than making point-to-point straight lines. It's much easier to see the curve of the channel nearer to LW.

PS tell them what you draw since I gather there is some silting around parts of the pontoons since last year.
 
Although yachts are not going to be closely observed, the speed limit of 4 kn is not very generous and I am told that it is based on SOG.
 
I would definitely recommend an earlier start; LW Harwich 06.00 that way the tide will be with you all the way and you will arrive at HW - a faster passage and less stressful arrival IMHO :encouragement:
 
I would have thought if your worried about sitting on the hook u could go a bit higher up pyefleet and pick a bouy up in the center... that will get you out of the fetch from the north... we draw 2 meters and we have sat up their with no problems.
 
photodog said:
I would have thought if your worried about sitting on the hook u could go a bit higher up pyefleet and pick a bouy up in the center... that will get you out of the fetch from the north... we draw 2 meters and we have sat up their with no problems.
Click to expand...

It's a long way to the pub perhaps.

It occurs to me that this is a Bank Holiday. Brightlingsea often gets busy with clubs at these times and it would be much better to book ahead if you haven't already.
 
Thanks for all the advice. We have other options unfortunately an early start isn't one of them so it may be prudent for us to adopt a plan B, we'll take the measure of our progress and act accordingly.

Happy sailing everyone
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top