Ray Sand 2022

[Supine Being]

Hi all, I thought that I would revive a golden oldie that doesn't seem to have had an outing in the last couple of seasons:

Has anyone been over the Ray Sand channel recently? I saw an observation on Navionics that less water was reported in 2021. Can anyone confirm that by personal experience? What depths are we seeing?

For context, I was thinking about going over it at the weekend, but on a boat that draws a little more than I'm used to, so I'm a little cautious.

 

[ex-Gladys]

I'm not sure where this sits in Tillergirl's schedule of surveys this year... But undoubtedly we will take a look at some point

 

[Plum]

Hi all, I thought that I would revive a golden oldie that doesn't seem to have had an outing in the last couple of seasons:

Has anyone been over the Ray Sand channel recently? I saw an observation on Navionics that less water was reported in 2021. Can anyone confirm that by personal experience? What depths are we seeing?

For context, I was thinking about going over it at the weekend, but on a boat that draws a little more than I'm used to, so I'm a little cautious.

I crossed in January 2022 and followed the usual 1 degree E meridian (not the buoyed channel) as per chartlet here and there was no reduction in depth:- https://www.crossingthethamesestuary.com/Ray Sand 2020 Upload V2.pdf .

www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[tillergirl]

The report of 'Less water' in 2021 was recorded by the Crouch Harbour Authority prompted by a user. I cannot argue that this is absolute or authorative but I (honestly) believe that this report was in consequence of a Navionic's user! Navionic record drying 1m in approx line with the Ray Sand buoys when there is 2m drying (and has been for years..... and years)! No wonder someone thought there was less water. This is the trouble when someone honestly believes there is a problem when the data is rubbish.

The download which Plum has kindly posted is the 2020 chartlet and when Larry (Gladys) and I re-surveyed the Ray Sand last year, there was no need to update the chartlet. The Crouch Harbour Authority has surveyed the Ray Sand earlier this year but I can find no product of that at the moment. There has been no local NtM about the Ray Sand but data could still be being processed.

Plum's practice is spot on. I will discuss doing the Ray Sand with Larry and fit it in the schedule. We thought to extend east and west.

 

[Supine Being]

The report of 'Less water' in 2021 was recorded by the Crouch Harbour Authority prompted by a user. I cannot argue that this is absolute or authorative but I (honestly) believe that this report was in consequence of a Navionic's user! Navionic record drying 1m in approx line with the Ray Sand buoys when there is 2m drying (and has been for years..... and years)! No wonder someone thought there was less water. This is the trouble when someone honestly believes there is a problem when the data is rubbish.

The download which Plum has kindly posted is the 2020 chartlet and when Larry (Gladys) and I re-surveyed the Ray Sand last year, there was no need to update the chartlet. The Crouch Harbour Authority has surveyed the Ray Sand earlier this year but I can find no product of that at the moment. There has been no local NtM about the Ray Sand but data could still be being processed.

Plum's practice is spot on. I will discuss doing the Ray Sand with Larry and fit it in the schedule. We thought to extend east and west.

Thanks for your input (and Plum too). I had already downloaded the chartlet, and it’s in-line with my own records from 2018 too. Interesting (but very feasible) rationale for the navionics note. I was just slightly rattled by that, and the fact that the boat I will be in draws 2.2m, rather than my usual 1.4m. But if all is as expected, there should be a minimum of 0.9m under us at HW Whitaker on Saturday (4.7m).

Thanks all.

 

[tillergirl]

The CHA notice was pretty close after our re-survey so I had sent in an email to them. I think the simple thing to precis the outcome of my email was to say that 'they had promulgated the notice to remind mariners going that way who weren't familiar'.

2.2m is quite mighty!

 

[Supine Being]

Isn’t it? Even passing via the Swin takes a little thought.

 

[Plum]

Isn’t it? Even passing via the Swin takes a little thought.

The Swin is forgiving as you can often still make progress dragging the keel through the soft mud but you can't do that through the Ray Sand as it's hard sand.

www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[tillergirl]

And we are going to have high pressure on Saturday. (I have sent an email to the CHA to ask if there is any news of their survey and will update if and when).

 

[Supine Being]

The Swin is forgiving as you can often still make progress dragging the keel through the soft mud but you can't do that through the Ray Sand as it's hard sand.

www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

That's a really good point. I'm thinking it will be best to give the Raysand a miss, this time, on this boat.

Thanks

 

[tillergirl]

You beat me to adding additional info. The pressure today is 1032 which is high and the tide gauge today out at the Sunk shows that HW out there failed short by 0.35m and very quickly after high water, the ebb increased the shortfall to just over a half metre.