Humber Estuary Tidal Strategy

[djs]

Hi
I'm after any first hand experiences and tips for tidal strategies for taking a yacht into the Humber estuary and up river to Goole.

We will be approaching from the South and anticipate having to sit out a tide at some point. I don't think we will be able to lock into Hull for example as the earliest we can get back out will not give us time to get all the way up to Goole before the window for locking in there closes. Unless my understanding is way off.

We draw 2m and should be able to motorsail at 6.5-7kts.

Any advice most welcome.

Dave

 

[Halo]

Up The Humber

Hi Dave
I have done this a couple of times with no problem. You can anchor at a few places on the North Side of the estuary to wait for the start of the flood and with your speed should be able to ride the tide all the way up to Goole. Speed of travel over land is amazing especially at springs but the estuary is a bit manic with shipping and shipping goes right up to Goole. Best to arrive Goole around HW as there may be charges for opening the locks at other times.
The British Waterways guys soemtimes patrol the marinas just through the docks and will charge you in addition to marina charges.
You can go right on to Naburn near York with the mast up but need to make prior arrangements with the 2 opening bridges en route - the river flows fast so be prepared. Coming back from naburn you may need to stop off at Selby - if you do watch out for a very strong set accross the lock entrance !
It is a great trip so enjoy it

 

[nedmin]

There is an anchorage just round the corner of Spurn Point near the Lifeboat station. Goole Locks are free 2 1/2 hours before HW to 1 hour after. You will probably have to wait for shipping as they have priority.Its best to ring Goole docks when you get to Blacktoft Jetty and give them an ETA.Tel.01405721128.There are 2 marina,s just thro. the first swing bridge.The harbour master should ask you if you need the bridge opened,if not remind him! You will get up on one tide OK. You need a current chart,go to www.humber.com click on buoyage and all the latest light buoy/floats are listed.Its imporant,certainly upstream of the Humber Bridge,that you keep in the channel,dont forget to keep looking behind you so that you keep on track,as the current doesnt follow the channel and in places goes across it.If you go up to Naburn and then York with your draught you need to keep on top of the tide especially at the top end.Best to go on a Spring Tide.Enjoy.

 

[djs]

that's reassuring

thanks chaps.
That's reassuring. i have a berth organised in Goole - its a temporary holding plan before heading off on an extended trip so I'll not be going further upstream than Goole.

i'll make sure i'm armed with the recent charts and take care.

cheers
Dave

 

[nedmin]

When I said best to go with a spring tide I meant the top end of the Ouse to Naburn (for York)

 

[nrbx]

You can also anchor at Trent falls potentially, but that makes more sense on the return trip than going in as it is after the shallow water inbound.

You should get at least 5-6 knots of tide to help you out if you time it well, but watch out at the whitton's as you can easilly run aground there for a couple of hours either side of low tide.

 

[Ceirwan]

If you can make 6-7kts through the water you will make as much as 11 over the ground on a spring tide, sometimes more if it's a big one.
Spurn anchorage is a good one (near the lifeboat) you can also moor on the old pilot boat buoy, however if there is any south of west in the wind then it can get very choppy inside, in that case better shelter is found of Haile Sand fort, near cleethorpes on the south bank.

Further up Hawkings Point and off the Brickworks at Killinghome are all potential anchorages.
You should be able to carry it all on one tide, but if you feel you are short on the tide you can enter Hull or South Ferriby, depending how far you get.

If you do need to anchor at the upper stretches of the river then just inside broomfleet island nature reserve, opposite the lock into the Market Weighton canal would be a good bet, but the tide does run strongly. Make sure you check the depth and the tidal range when you do or you could find yourself aground on springs.

The river is extremely well buoyed and should present no problem.

 

[alexrunic]

if your approaching from the south i would aim to be some off spurn for low water. The streams are very strong in places i have recorded 7 kts in the hull roads. If your there for low water, you can easily make Hull, and I have made Brough and Winteringham on several occasions.

Two weeks ago I made Hull tacking all the way from the Donna Knook range, speed through the water 4-5 knots.

As mentioned there are many anchorages, if the wind has any west in it, Spurn is uncomfortable even in force 3 - 4 winds, also in southerlies too. You are better off on the south bank and Hail Sand Fort especially in a south westerly. Hawkins Point is great in a northerly

 

[MrCramp]

You should be able to carry it all on one tide, but if you feel you are short on the tide you can enter Hull or South Ferriby, depending how far you get.

I would be very surprised if going into Hull or South Ferriby (in particular) is of any use as you can only lock in/out towards the top of the tide.

Anyone considering either of these options needs to check carefully the locking times and the distance from their next mooring. If you are in a fast motorboat then it may well be possible, I am used to the much slower progress of a sailboat.

 

[nedmin]

You dont need to anchor at Trent Falls you should make Goole in time. As suggested wind direction is important when anchoring in the Humber,I also forgot to mention that as you enter the Humber it is a good idea to let VTS Humber know your intentions and how many persons on board usually on Ch 12.When you leave the anchorage also contact VTS and let them know as above.When you enter the R.Ouse contact them again to let them know youve arrived.In the Ouse the locks work on Ch 14.When you leave if there are only yourself or other pleasure boats you dont need to tie up just potter about in the lock,its big enough!!