Ray Sand Gut - getting shallower?

[davidej]

On Monday, I decided to return from the Crouch to the Blackwater via the Ray Sand channel. I carefully computed the time to enter based on 1.3m drying height and 0.5m under my keel. I used the yellow buoy to enter (which was some way from the position marked on my chart) and, after 400m or so, the depth under keel was down to 0.2 m so I chickened out.

I dont think wind or pressure on that day would have made much difference so I am wondering if the 1.3m drying height assumption is still right.

Any comments?

 

[tillergirl]

The yellow buoy does not mark the best water - assuming it is still in the same place as indicated on my chartlet on the website. I think you're readings are entirely consistent with the drying heights indicated. Move slightly east is the answer

 

[FullCircle]

The yellow buoy does not mark the best water - assuming it is still in the same place as indicated on my chartlet on the website. I think you're readings are entirely consistent with the drying heights indicated. Move slightly east is the answer

Slightly as in about 150m.......


At least when you are on top of it, there are no real nasty lumps.

 

[Cantata]

I looked at it all from the Crouch a few weeks ago as I passed by on the last of the ebb. I certainly concur that the deeper water was way east of the yellow buoy.

 

[nigelm]

Dunno if things have changed much since but i always used the rays'n comin back from blackwater to crouch , sailing out to the 001' east meridian and then coming down that or as near as i could untill seeing the yellow bouy about 150/200 yrds away and then turn towards it - thats as far as i can remember and it was generally about 2 hrs before HW .

Bradwell marina to Burnham yacht harbour = 4 hrs

 

[Vamoose]

Ray Sand Channel

Agree.. Been through 4 time in last 6 weeks .. About 200 yards East of the buoy .. About 1 hours before HW - never less that 2.5 M .. Other going through at same time west of buoy chickening out !

 

[tillergirl]

Sorry, earlier post got interrupted by taxi arriving early and a 'are you on that something laptop again' from SWMBO.

000.59.600E worked for us during the survey - see

http://www.crossingthethamesestuary.com/Ray Sand Download V2.pdf

There is a view in some quarters that on the west side of the little mound that is in line with the buoy there is deeper water again but I cannot confirm that. Must get down there again. Where do the days go?