MissFitz
Well-Known Member
Thanks guys, lots of food for thought - & some lovely pics 
Swapping the Solent for Essex - is it worth it?
- Thread starter MissFitz
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Marmalade
Well-Known Member
John's right - it's rubbish here in Essex - you'll always be running aground, the wind is normally on the nose, you need an anchor and a dinghy to get ashore (can't step from boat to boat see).
Nothing to see here - move along now please
Nothing to see here - move along now please
Marmalade
Well-Known Member
oops - forgot the mud - how did I not remember the mud? it's muddy. really really muddy. v muddy. black thick gloopy mud.
did I mention it's also shallow?
did I mention it's also shallow?
Marmalade
Well-Known Member
...and unfashionable
no one trendy or famous ever comes here
zero cool factor
(not much water either by the way)
no one trendy or famous ever comes here
zero cool factor
(not much water either by the way)
Rafiki
Well-Known Member
swapping S for E
... and the traffic, don't forget the traffic all those containers offloaded at the biggest container port in the Uk end up on slow trucks rendering it all but impossible to drive from London in under 4 hours
... and the traffic, don't forget the traffic all those containers offloaded at the biggest container port in the Uk end up on slow trucks rendering it all but impossible to drive from London in under 4 hours
moondancer
Well-Known Member
I sail out from Burnham on the East Coast but have also sailed in the Solent a few years ago when we briefly imported yachts.
I think that in general I agree with most of the above. The East Coast is friendly - boats all still wave to each other - it is interesting and challenging. I have sailed with a 2 M fin keel draft and never run aground. Mind you I did run aground a couple of times when I briefly had a bilge keeler, probably a bit less careful over depths when you have one.
Moorings are a lot cheaper and more plentiful and even the Marinas are cheaper. A swinging mooring should be around 400 - 600.
In my experience the cliches around the solent are also true. Undoubtedly there are nice places but it all seems more mechanised and less like fun, the people do seem less friendly. I felt stupid waving at other boats after a couple of days.
When doing some boat shows I often asked some potential purchasers where they were going to base their new boat and very often the answer of the Solent was because they thought "that's where 'everyone' keeps their boat of course"!
Where would I sail, given a completely free choice. After La Trinite it would have to be the East Coast, probably on the Orwell.
I think that in general I agree with most of the above. The East Coast is friendly - boats all still wave to each other - it is interesting and challenging. I have sailed with a 2 M fin keel draft and never run aground. Mind you I did run aground a couple of times when I briefly had a bilge keeler, probably a bit less careful over depths when you have one.
Moorings are a lot cheaper and more plentiful and even the Marinas are cheaper. A swinging mooring should be around 400 - 600.
In my experience the cliches around the solent are also true. Undoubtedly there are nice places but it all seems more mechanised and less like fun, the people do seem less friendly. I felt stupid waving at other boats after a couple of days.
When doing some boat shows I often asked some potential purchasers where they were going to base their new boat and very often the answer of the Solent was because they thought "that's where 'everyone' keeps their boat of course"!
Where would I sail, given a completely free choice. After La Trinite it would have to be the East Coast, probably on the Orwell.
shmoo
Well-Known Member
Don't forget the 'orrible east wind. In the winter it can cut you in half. If you stand on the Orwell Bridge and look east the next highest thing is the Ural mountains.
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fergie_mac66
Well-Known Member
Magic
Read The Magic of the Swatchways. A lot of the place can still be recognised.
Not sure I should have told you that. It wouldn't do for too many Henry's to alight on the east coast mud, The lifeboats would struggle to cope !
Read The Magic of the Swatchways. A lot of the place can still be recognised.
Not sure I should have told you that. It wouldn't do for too many Henry's to alight on the east coast mud, The lifeboats would struggle to cope !
Toutvabien
Well-Known Member
It can be a bit rough out East
It really is a fantastic area to sail in, nearly always somewhere to go whatever the weather.
We live in East London and have our boat in Brightlingsea. We used to keep her in Ramsgate and moved the boat in April, no regrets, had a fabulous summer so far. Plenty of practice in anchoring and, as Morgana mentions above, you learn to do tidal height calcualtions in your sleep.
It really is a fantastic area to sail in, nearly always somewhere to go whatever the weather.
We live in East London and have our boat in Brightlingsea. We used to keep her in Ramsgate and moved the boat in April, no regrets, had a fabulous summer so far. Plenty of practice in anchoring and, as Morgana mentions above, you learn to do tidal height calcualtions in your sleep.
Phoenix of Hamble
Well-Known Member
I not trying to overly defend the east coast here, but I simply can't agree with much of this....
Having sailed extensively in both the Solent and on the East Coast, There are just as many destinations on the east coast as in the Solent.... from my own current EC berth, there are 8 Marinas within 3 hrs sail, more mooring locations that I can count in similar distance, and dozens and dozens of anchorages....
'Popping across the channel'... well its 10nm further for me to Oostende than a Needles to Cherbourg trip.....
Comparing like for like costs wise.... I am in one of the more expensive marinas on the EC.... it is around half the price of an average solent marina according to the YM marina survey of last year.... not sure about the like for like comment though..... we have 24/7 access with no tidal constraints... a full service marina with bar, chandlery, laundrette, showers, baths, plenty of parking, good security, decent boat hoist etc etc.... so i'd say its a pretty good comparison to any decent Solent marina...
Restricted access for fin keelers.... sure.... but you work out how to passage plan so that this isn't an issue... and there are many many places that aren't at all restricted... I can sail every weekend for the entire season without having to wait for an entry or an exit should I so desire.... and its also netted off against not having to arrive mid afternoon to get a berth (eg Yarmouth).... i've NEVER reserved a berth on the EC in advance.... and NEVER been turned away... I can arrive any time I like and get in.... even on the hottest and most perfect of sailing bank holiday weekends....
Final point... travel from West London.... yep... its not as handy.... can't argue with that one...
aquaholic
Well-Known Member
I wouldnt worry too much about the distance to France, once out of the Medway its around 60-65 nmiles, and with an almost perfect tidal passage you could be there quicker than a crossing to Cherbourg, granted Calais may not compare to Cherbourg, but they still talk funny and drive on the wrong side of the road Plus if it gets a bit too much you can always duck into Ramsgate about halfway into the trip.......try doing that midway across the channel.
As for the travelling, according to Google if travelling from say Chiswick you can be at Chatham Maritime Marina 15 minutes before you would arrive at Chichester.
Plus if it gets a bit too much you can always duck into Ramsgate about halfway into the trip.......try doing that midway across the channel. As for the travelling, according to Google if travelling from say Chiswick you can be at Chatham Maritime Marina 15 minutes before you would arrive at Chichester.
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Vamoose
Well-Known Member
Come on folks dont make it sound too attractive-We will be over run !
Ahhh thats all very well, but dont forget that it is a well known fact that there be Dragons, Serpents and all manner of Sea Monsters lurking in the creeks & rivers of Essex.
Ahhh thats all very well, but dont forget that it is a well known fact that there be Dragons, Serpents and all manner of Sea Monsters lurking in the creeks & rivers of Essex.
Litotes
Well-Known Member
I'm inclined to agree. I suppose its about 37 years now that I have sailed on the east coast. It all depends on what you mean by "destination". If you are referring to a specific port where you can go alongside, have a shower, visit a restaurant etc., then perhaps the Solent scores. But on the east coast, pretty much anywhere is a potential "destination" because there are good places to anchor (and nothing to pay) pretty much everywhere. There are also a lot of places where moorings are available - once again, in many cases, without charge. And there are lots and lots of excellent pubs.....
So, really, a lot of it is about preference. On the whole east coast sailors are likely to spend more of their time in places that are not exactly "destinations", but simply sheltered places where they have chosen to anchor. Of course, they are also less likely to go ashore in the evening, as many nights will be spent in places where there are no "facilities" (and, often, no human habitations at all) and also where getting ashore is, in any case, only possible at certain states of the tide (if at all) If you look at this way, the east coast has countless "destinations". Two points about this - perhaps the Solent is an easier cruising ground if you have young children aboard and if you do want to explore some of the most magical parts, shallow draft is helpful.
It often seems to me that the east coast appeals to a different type of sailor - a are rather more contemplative type, perhaps. Not sure that applies to the racers out of Burnham and West Mersea, though.
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shmoo
Well-Known Member
You can, of course, have both.
We putz about the East Coast most of the year then dash down to the south coast and western channel for the summer cruise. On the way down it is sometimes necessary to hard-nose it round the Forelands, but it opens out after that. Returning, with prevailing SWlys and seven hours of good tide usually make for a fast trip.
We putz about the East Coast most of the year then dash down to the south coast and western channel for the summer cruise. On the way down it is sometimes necessary to hard-nose it round the Forelands, but it opens out after that. Returning, with prevailing SWlys and seven hours of good tide usually make for a fast trip.
FlyingSpud
Well-Known Member
There is one other benefit of the east coast so far not mentioned. The London river itself. Once a year take the boat to St Kats and hey presto, a waterside flat near tower bridge for about £200.00 a week.
Saguday
Well-Known Member
Have just spent 2 weeks cruising Essex/Suffolk after an absence of 5-6 years and I have to say we all as a family absolutely loved it. We stretched the holiday out right to the bitter end, only leaving when we had to on the bank holiday Monday. There is something very special which touches us when we sail in the muddy open seas there.
Our drive was from Somerset to West Mersea - took 4 hours going and 3.75 coming back. No hold ups, all the traffic was going the other way. We could train it as well, we're 5 miles from Weston-S-M at this end and 6 miles from Colchester at the other. This is not as convenient as Portishead, say (15 minutes) or Plymouth (1.5-2 hours) but that can easily become 2-4 hours (to either one!!) when the M5 seizes up at the weekends.
One thing we forgot was how much drier and sunnier it is on the east coast compared to the south west - it was like the Med in Essex. We had the obligatory F6 beat down the Wallet at the end which was a bit of a slog but my my at least it was sunny. Usual grey rain and gloom most of the time back here while we were away plus the 30-odd mile tailbacks and motorway closures we know and love in the summer.
Tough call - easier for you than for us but even for us we're inclined to leave the boat over there. And it's half the price of even Plymouth, let alone the Solent.
Our drive was from Somerset to West Mersea - took 4 hours going and 3.75 coming back. No hold ups, all the traffic was going the other way. We could train it as well, we're 5 miles from Weston-S-M at this end and 6 miles from Colchester at the other. This is not as convenient as Portishead, say (15 minutes) or Plymouth (1.5-2 hours) but that can easily become 2-4 hours (to either one!!) when the M5 seizes up at the weekends.
One thing we forgot was how much drier and sunnier it is on the east coast compared to the south west - it was like the Med in Essex. We had the obligatory F6 beat down the Wallet at the end which was a bit of a slog but my my at least it was sunny. Usual grey rain and gloom most of the time back here while we were away plus the 30-odd mile tailbacks and motorway closures we know and love in the summer.
Tough call - easier for you than for us but even for us we're inclined to leave the boat over there. And it's half the price of even Plymouth, let alone the Solent.
bedouin
Well-Known Member
I've wondered about the Medway as a mooring location - it would certainly be easier to get to than the Solent area. The problem is finding an appropriate location - a berth/marina with all tide access and a good selection of lunch/dinner destinations within say 3 hours sailing, and preferably a beach or two for the kids...I wouldnt worry too much about the distance to France, once out of the Medway its around 60-65 nmiles, and with an almost perfect tidal passage you could be there quicker than a crossing to Cherbourg, granted Calais may not compare to Cherbourg, but they still talk funny and drive on the wrong side of the road
As for the travelling, according to Google if travelling from say Chiswick you can be at Chatham Maritime Marina 15 minutes before you would arrive at Chichester.
Litotes
Well-Known Member
As a matter of interest, while doing something else yesterday, I mentally compiled this list of east coast "destinations". Only recognised ports, mooring areas and regular anchorages are included, so the vast number of places you can anchor at will but that don't come into this category are left out. I'm sure there are many that others could add, especially in the Medway, which is the least familiar to me. You have to dry out in some of these places, but most boats can do that safely in the soft mud.
Locations are in the Swale, the Medway, the Thames, the Roach, the Crouch, the Blackwater, the Colne, the Walton Backwaters, the Stour, the Orwell, the Deben, the Ore, Butley River, the Alde, and the ports of Southwold, Lowestoft and Yarmouth. The Norfolk coast, of course, opens up some other possibilities.
Harty Ferry
Hollowshore
Faversham
Conyer
Queenborough
Stangate Creek/Sharfleet Creek
Hoo marina
Chatham marina
Gravesend
Limehouse marina
St. Katherine dock
Other London marinas whose names escape me
Holehaven/Mucking flats (more stopping off places than destinations)
Smallgains Creek
Benfleet Creek
Wakering
Paglesham
Paglesham Pool
Yokesfleet
RSA moorings in the upper Roach
Roach/Crouch confluence (good anchoring)
Burnham-on-Crouch (several yards/clubs with moorings)
Burnham Yacht Harbour
Essex marina
Bridgemarsh marina
Fambridge
West Wick marina (name's changed, I believe)
Battlesbridge
Bradwell marina
Stone/Marconi/Osea Island
Blackwater marina/Lawling Creek
Maldon
Heybridge Basin
Tollesbury yacht harbour
West Mersea
Pyefleet
Wivenhoe
Rowhedge
Colchester (if you must...)
Arlesford Creek
Brightlingsea
St. Osyth
Hamford Water
Landemere Creek
Kirby Creek
Twizzle
Titchmarsh marina
Harwich
Wrabness
Mistley
Ewarton Ness
Shotley marina
Pinmill
Woolverstone marina
Royal Harwich YC marina
Fox's marina
Ipswich wet dock (3 marinas)
Levington marina
Felixstowe Ferry
Ramsholt
The Rocks
Waldringfield
Woodbridge marina
Butley River (Abraham's bosom)
Orford
Aldburgh
Iken
Snape
Southwold
Lowestoft
Yarmouth/Broads
Locations are in the Swale, the Medway, the Thames, the Roach, the Crouch, the Blackwater, the Colne, the Walton Backwaters, the Stour, the Orwell, the Deben, the Ore, Butley River, the Alde, and the ports of Southwold, Lowestoft and Yarmouth. The Norfolk coast, of course, opens up some other possibilities.
Harty Ferry
Hollowshore
Faversham
Conyer
Queenborough
Stangate Creek/Sharfleet Creek
Hoo marina
Chatham marina
Gravesend
Limehouse marina
St. Katherine dock
Other London marinas whose names escape me
Holehaven/Mucking flats (more stopping off places than destinations)
Smallgains Creek
Benfleet Creek
Wakering
Paglesham
Paglesham Pool
Yokesfleet
RSA moorings in the upper Roach
Roach/Crouch confluence (good anchoring)
Burnham-on-Crouch (several yards/clubs with moorings)
Burnham Yacht Harbour
Essex marina
Bridgemarsh marina
Fambridge
West Wick marina (name's changed, I believe)
Battlesbridge
Bradwell marina
Stone/Marconi/Osea Island
Blackwater marina/Lawling Creek
Maldon
Heybridge Basin
Tollesbury yacht harbour
West Mersea
Pyefleet
Wivenhoe
Rowhedge
Colchester (if you must...)
Arlesford Creek
Brightlingsea
St. Osyth
Hamford Water
Landemere Creek
Kirby Creek
Twizzle
Titchmarsh marina
Harwich
Wrabness
Mistley
Ewarton Ness
Shotley marina
Pinmill
Woolverstone marina
Royal Harwich YC marina
Fox's marina
Ipswich wet dock (3 marinas)
Levington marina
Felixstowe Ferry
Ramsholt
The Rocks
Waldringfield
Woodbridge marina
Butley River (Abraham's bosom)
Orford
Aldburgh
Iken
Snape
Southwold
Lowestoft
Yarmouth/Broads
Litotes
Well-Known Member
That could be a problem. The east coast is a bit short of beaches.
