Cotillion
Member
I'm thinking of going there this weekend but can't find any secondary port tide information. If anyone knows it or where it can be found or can just give me the deails for this week I would be gratefull.
Kim
Kim
Tollesbury
- Thread starter Cotillion
- Start date
IanPoole2
New member
Try using West Mersea.
DavidofMersea
Well-known member
Try going to West Mersea, much nicer than Tollesbury
IanPoole2
New member
Your just biased NM
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Gunfleet
New member
It's a tiny bit after W Mersea but the same as Bradwell. Don't plan to go in after dark if you don't know it. That means going in around midday next weekend. There are three tide guages in the creek giving depths on the cill. It's much more friendly than W Mersea, which has more than a whiff of old people's home about it!
Captain Haddock
Member
Use the Bradwell tidal information.
There are visitors moorings just before the creek you can hook onto until the tide favours your draught and the lighting conditions suit you.
I'm based at Tollesbury, I was at West Mersea on a 3/4 tide mooring however, the bloody jetskiers and romford navy in their mad max speedboats made it unbearable to stay there due to the wash.
I agree with what Capabar said about the old people aspect (angry old people at that not the nice ones that offer you a cup of tea and biccy).
I found the West Mersea lot far to clique, you couldn't get a membership to the yacht club unless someone knew you, that's something I find outdated and frankly IMO kills the cruising scene and the "yachting for all" spirit and approach.
Great set of people at Tollesbury and the facilaties are quite good as well (Swimming pool, Tennis courts, good food, kid friendly and a bar).
There are visitors moorings just before the creek you can hook onto until the tide favours your draught and the lighting conditions suit you.
I'm based at Tollesbury, I was at West Mersea on a 3/4 tide mooring however, the bloody jetskiers and romford navy in their mad max speedboats made it unbearable to stay there due to the wash.
I agree with what Capabar said about the old people aspect (angry old people at that not the nice ones that offer you a cup of tea and biccy).
I found the West Mersea lot far to clique, you couldn't get a membership to the yacht club unless someone knew you, that's something I find outdated and frankly IMO kills the cruising scene and the "yachting for all" spirit and approach.
Great set of people at Tollesbury and the facilaties are quite good as well (Swimming pool, Tennis courts, good food, kid friendly and a bar).
tillergirl
Well-known member
As a West Mersea resident and a member of the Yacht Club perhaps I can ignore the comments of the Tollesbury residents (and avoid remarking that I'm delighted that they are there) and offer you some practical advice.
HW Friday, 22nd April 12.05 4.58m
HW Sat, 23rd April 0015 4.41 and 12.43 4.73
HW Sun, 24th April 0053 4.58 and 1318, 4.80
are the times of HW at West Mersea Hard. Tollesbury is little different.
I assume that you are aware that outside of the marina at Tollesbury, you dry out to mud. If despite the comments about our rather pleasant place, you decide you want to try West Mersea, there are plenty of moorings to pick up (and if they are a West Mersea YC mooring, they are free of charge). Our launchman, Jeff Wass or his son Steve will be operating the launch service between 9 and 5 on the Friday and 8.30 and 6.30pm on Saturday and Sunday. Call him on 37 if you need him or advice or ring his mobile on 07552-309435. Doubt you'll see Jetskis or Romfords. Fresh seafood at the Company shed (100 yds from the Pontoon) or meals at the Yacht Club, Friday lunch time, evening, ditto Saturday and Sunday lunchtime. Forgive us, on Friday evening we are having a new members welcome so it will be busy. On Saturday evening we are having a St Georges Day do so it will be busy, but nevertheless you would be welcome. At Tollesbury you can walk ashore once you're in, but then you're in until the next high water.
Either way you choose, I suspect you will be welcome.
I hope this helps.
HW Friday, 22nd April 12.05 4.58m
HW Sat, 23rd April 0015 4.41 and 12.43 4.73
HW Sun, 24th April 0053 4.58 and 1318, 4.80
are the times of HW at West Mersea Hard. Tollesbury is little different.
I assume that you are aware that outside of the marina at Tollesbury, you dry out to mud. If despite the comments about our rather pleasant place, you decide you want to try West Mersea, there are plenty of moorings to pick up (and if they are a West Mersea YC mooring, they are free of charge). Our launchman, Jeff Wass or his son Steve will be operating the launch service between 9 and 5 on the Friday and 8.30 and 6.30pm on Saturday and Sunday. Call him on 37 if you need him or advice or ring his mobile on 07552-309435. Doubt you'll see Jetskis or Romfords. Fresh seafood at the Company shed (100 yds from the Pontoon) or meals at the Yacht Club, Friday lunch time, evening, ditto Saturday and Sunday lunchtime. Forgive us, on Friday evening we are having a new members welcome so it will be busy. On Saturday evening we are having a St Georges Day do so it will be busy, but nevertheless you would be welcome. At Tollesbury you can walk ashore once you're in, but then you're in until the next high water.
Either way you choose, I suspect you will be welcome.
I hope this helps.
IanPoole2
New member
Looks like you started a local war!
If I was you I'd give up a go to Brightlingsea - much less hassle with the locals - you do n't want to get mugged by old ladies in West Mersea.
Seriously - both Tollesbury & West Mersea seem pleasent places. It's just easier to get in & out of West Mersea.
If I was you I'd give up a go to Brightlingsea - much less hassle with the locals - you do n't want to get mugged by old ladies in West Mersea.
Seriously - both Tollesbury & West Mersea seem pleasent places. It's just easier to get in & out of West Mersea.
apollo
...
I have visited Tollesbury many times and agree its a great place.
BUT, whats it like to be based there as its a very limited access time?
ie for me it was great, we were on holiday , we stayed a few days and the kids loved the pool.
But for a typical weekend, you couldnt go out for a couple of hours sail without risking not getting in again, so presumably once you are out, you are out for 24hours. Then presumably bad Tide times must stuff up the odd weekend?
Appologies for off topic, just curious and wondered how much you use the boat when compared with Mersea?
BUT, whats it like to be based there as its a very limited access time?
ie for me it was great, we were on holiday , we stayed a few days and the kids loved the pool.
But for a typical weekend, you couldnt go out for a couple of hours sail without risking not getting in again, so presumably once you are out, you are out for 24hours. Then presumably bad Tide times must stuff up the odd weekend?
Appologies for off topic, just curious and wondered how much you use the boat when compared with Mersea?
Gunfleet
New member
Where at WMYC does it say 'visiting yachtsmen welcome' as it does at Brightlingsea, Tollesbury and virtually everywhere else (including, for example, the Royal Temple)? What it does say in six inch high letters at the door is MEMBERS ONLY. If you're right - and all joking about old folks aside I don't doubt you are - perhaps WMYC would like to advertise the fact a little more.
Cotillion
Member
Re: Looks like you started a local war!
Sod this I'm going to Ipswich instead. There is a major snooker tournament going on this weekend. Brother in law has thrown down the gauntlet so were sailing up to Neptune marina snooker club to do battle. There will be blood on the carpet.
Seriously though I will be going to Tollesbury on the next weekend spring tide, I just hope there won't be cutlasses drawn and broadsides a blasting over the Nass Beacon. It is the facilities that tempt me, pool tennis courts as mentioned. I also intend to do West Mersea this year as it's another that we haven't yet visited. Totally agree with you about Brightlingsea. Superb spot. And just accross the river in Pyfleet.
Thanks to all for your help
kim
Sod this I'm going to Ipswich instead. There is a major snooker tournament going on this weekend. Brother in law has thrown down the gauntlet so were sailing up to Neptune marina snooker club to do battle. There will be blood on the carpet.
Seriously though I will be going to Tollesbury on the next weekend spring tide, I just hope there won't be cutlasses drawn and broadsides a blasting over the Nass Beacon. It is the facilities that tempt me, pool tennis courts as mentioned. I also intend to do West Mersea this year as it's another that we haven't yet visited. Totally agree with you about Brightlingsea. Superb spot. And just accross the river in Pyfleet.
Thanks to all for your help
kim
Captain Haddock
Member
[ QUOTE ]
BUT, whats it like to be based there as its a very limited access time?
But for a typical weekend, you couldnt go out for a couple of hours sail without risking not getting in again, so presumably once you are out, you are out for 24hours. Then presumably bad Tide times must stuff up the odd weekend?
Appologies for off topic, just curious and wondered how much you use the boat when compared with Mersea?
[/ QUOTE ]
I didn't find that much difference as the mooring I was on was only accessable HW+-3 whereas to get over the cill at Tollesbury for me it's the same HW+-3.
For a quick sail to introduce people who've never been on a boat before I normally leave Tollesbury on HW-3 and return on HW+2 this normally gives me a couple of hours pottering around.
The family and I usually spend all day out whenever we can and moor up in Brightlingsea to stay overnight (very welcoming club) or travel up to anywhere we fancy on the Orwell.
There are many options, just make sure you know your tides.
BTW I have a lifting keel so with the keel up we only draw 0.8m which makes quite a difference.
BUT, whats it like to be based there as its a very limited access time?
But for a typical weekend, you couldnt go out for a couple of hours sail without risking not getting in again, so presumably once you are out, you are out for 24hours. Then presumably bad Tide times must stuff up the odd weekend?
Appologies for off topic, just curious and wondered how much you use the boat when compared with Mersea?
[/ QUOTE ]
I didn't find that much difference as the mooring I was on was only accessable HW+-3 whereas to get over the cill at Tollesbury for me it's the same HW+-3.
For a quick sail to introduce people who've never been on a boat before I normally leave Tollesbury on HW-3 and return on HW+2 this normally gives me a couple of hours pottering around.
The family and I usually spend all day out whenever we can and moor up in Brightlingsea to stay overnight (very welcoming club) or travel up to anywhere we fancy on the Orwell.
There are many options, just make sure you know your tides.
BTW I have a lifting keel so with the keel up we only draw 0.8m which makes quite a difference.
Cobra
Well-known member
There has always been a \'gentle\' rivalry...
[ QUOTE ]
Sod this I'm going to Ipswich instead. There is a major snooker tournament going on this weekend. Brother in law has thrown down the gauntlet so were sailing up to Neptune marina snooker club to do battle. There will be blood on the carpet.
Seriously though I will be going to Tollesbury on the next weekend spring tide, I just hope there won't be cutlasses drawn and broadsides a blasting over the Nass Beacon. It is the facilities that tempt me, pool tennis courts as mentioned. I also intend to do West Mersea this year as it's another that we haven't yet visited. Totally agree with you about Brightlingsea. Superb spot. And just accross the river in Pyfleet.
Thanks to all for your help
kim
[/ QUOTE ]
...between the docile little folk of West Mersea, and the Seafarers of the Colne, but I have never seen the handbags being waved by the Tollesbury crew before!!
Joking aside, both Tollesbury and Mersea are worth a visit even if just to convince you that you really don't want to go back again!! (That should bring Violetta out into the fray!!) As in your last summary, you are right about Brightlingsea, and if you want real peace and quiet it is just a short trip into the Pyefleet.
[ QUOTE ]
Sod this I'm going to Ipswich instead. There is a major snooker tournament going on this weekend. Brother in law has thrown down the gauntlet so were sailing up to Neptune marina snooker club to do battle. There will be blood on the carpet.
Seriously though I will be going to Tollesbury on the next weekend spring tide, I just hope there won't be cutlasses drawn and broadsides a blasting over the Nass Beacon. It is the facilities that tempt me, pool tennis courts as mentioned. I also intend to do West Mersea this year as it's another that we haven't yet visited. Totally agree with you about Brightlingsea. Superb spot. And just accross the river in Pyfleet.
Thanks to all for your help
kim
[/ QUOTE ]
...between the docile little folk of West Mersea, and the Seafarers of the Colne, but I have never seen the handbags being waved by the Tollesbury crew before!!
Joking aside, both Tollesbury and Mersea are worth a visit even if just to convince you that you really don't want to go back again!! (That should bring Violetta out into the fray!!) As in your last summary, you are right about Brightlingsea, and if you want real peace and quiet it is just a short trip into the Pyefleet.
tillergirl
Well-known member
Where does it say 'Visiting Yachtsmen welcome'? How about on the sign right by the entrance to the front lawn at the gateway from the road? Please don't post if you can't be accurate.
Free lifts in either Club launch and free Club moorings to visitors isn't bad. Can't stay for free in Tollesbury marina, or Brightingsea or Bradwell. Could you let us know when you're on the water, I wouldn't want TG to run over your chip!
Free lifts in either Club launch and free Club moorings to visitors isn't bad. Can't stay for free in Tollesbury marina, or Brightingsea or Bradwell. Could you let us know when you're on the water, I wouldn't want TG to run over your chip!
Captain Haddock
Member
[ QUOTE ]
As a West Mersea resident and a member of the Yacht Club perhaps I can ignore the comments of the Tollesbury residents (and avoid remarking that I'm delighted that they are there) and offer you some practical advice.
[/ QUOTE ]
Hi Tillergirl,
My boat is based in Tollesbury and I am a Mersea resident.
One particular hot day we'd come ashore from our boat and thought we'd try the yacht club for a drink. The yacht club refused to serve my family and I drinks as we were not members yet we live on Mersea ! we were obviously just off a yacht and we actually moored there !!
I pointed this out and we were still told no we will not serve you by this time we very aware of the members silently staring at us whilst this was going on.
When we enquired about joining we were fobbed off and told only existing members can reccomend new joiners and even then it's voted on and it's not guarenteed they'll accept you.
We thought maybe this was some super bitch bar maid on a power trip, so we phoned up and enquired about joining and what about a visit for a beer when we came ashore from our yacht. We were told exactly the same.
We were pretty shocked by all of this, as I said earlier NOT in the cruising spirit and NOT the sort of attitude I've experienced elsewhere around the East coast.
We met other boat owners moored at Mersea who were very friendly who also had the same response from WMYC so I'm not alone.
My family and I have been made very welcome wherever we have gone on the East coast apart from WMYC. This is why I know WMYC doesn't welcome everyone warmly for whatever there reasons.
Maybe it's changed and I'll try as a visiting yachtsman this year and see what happens although somehow I don't think it will have changed much.
As a West Mersea resident and a member of the Yacht Club perhaps I can ignore the comments of the Tollesbury residents (and avoid remarking that I'm delighted that they are there) and offer you some practical advice.
[/ QUOTE ]
Hi Tillergirl,
My boat is based in Tollesbury and I am a Mersea resident.
One particular hot day we'd come ashore from our boat and thought we'd try the yacht club for a drink. The yacht club refused to serve my family and I drinks as we were not members yet we live on Mersea ! we were obviously just off a yacht and we actually moored there !!
I pointed this out and we were still told no we will not serve you by this time we very aware of the members silently staring at us whilst this was going on.
When we enquired about joining we were fobbed off and told only existing members can reccomend new joiners and even then it's voted on and it's not guarenteed they'll accept you.
We thought maybe this was some super bitch bar maid on a power trip, so we phoned up and enquired about joining and what about a visit for a beer when we came ashore from our yacht. We were told exactly the same.
We were pretty shocked by all of this, as I said earlier NOT in the cruising spirit and NOT the sort of attitude I've experienced elsewhere around the East coast.
We met other boat owners moored at Mersea who were very friendly who also had the same response from WMYC so I'm not alone.
My family and I have been made very welcome wherever we have gone on the East coast apart from WMYC. This is why I know WMYC doesn't welcome everyone warmly for whatever there reasons.
Maybe it's changed and I'll try as a visiting yachtsman this year and see what happens although somehow I don't think it will have changed much.
Gunfleet
New member
WMYC lacks charm, at least.
I have had the same treatment myself. I hatge to disagree with tillergirl but there must be two WMYCs because when I was there last week there was a big sign saying MEMBERS ONLY in big letters by the front door and brisk trade in people being signed in (as I was). The membership was so old I thought I'd stumbled into a day care facility. Since we're all from round here maybe we should arrange a meet... take advantage of their free moorings and free launch and try out the facilities as supplied to proper yachtsmen.
I have had the same treatment myself. I hatge to disagree with tillergirl but there must be two WMYCs because when I was there last week there was a big sign saying MEMBERS ONLY in big letters by the front door and brisk trade in people being signed in (as I was). The membership was so old I thought I'd stumbled into a day care facility. Since we're all from round here maybe we should arrange a meet... take advantage of their free moorings and free launch and try out the facilities as supplied to proper yachtsmen.
tillergirl
Well-known member
Re: WMYC lacks charm, at least.
Well I'll go and see if the signs that were put up there three years ago have been taken down. It's possible of course. As for Captain Haddock's experience, that shouldn't have happened and I'd like to know when this was and would be keen to know who the member of staff was. The rules are clear, any visiting yachtsman can be served once they have signed the visitors' book. But its a private club and so if you are a Mersea resident and a non member, you cannot come in unless as a guest of a member. Most Clubs have rules like this because of the licensing laws. We also won't allow people who keep their boat in Mersea to use the launch for obvious reasons unless they are members, nor are Mersea residents who keep their boat in Mersea, visiting yachtsmen. As for joining, again the licensing laws require a procedure and ours seems to work ok as membership has grown very distinctly in the last three years, particularly since we have been enforcing the rule about members and visitors only on the launch. Unfortunately it is a fact of life that two launches and two full time launchmen are expensive and we don't think it unreasonable to expect people who want to use it to join the club and pay. You would be amazed how many people were cross with us that as non-members they couldn't use the launch to get to their boat. Yes, you must be proposed and seconded by members. Is this unusual? Yes there is a sign at the front door. We initially took it down when the new signs went up three years ago but regretfully had to replace them because summer visitors (not the yachting kind) were coming in in significant numbers and causing out staff problems.
Well I'll go and see if the signs that were put up there three years ago have been taken down. It's possible of course. As for Captain Haddock's experience, that shouldn't have happened and I'd like to know when this was and would be keen to know who the member of staff was. The rules are clear, any visiting yachtsman can be served once they have signed the visitors' book. But its a private club and so if you are a Mersea resident and a non member, you cannot come in unless as a guest of a member. Most Clubs have rules like this because of the licensing laws. We also won't allow people who keep their boat in Mersea to use the launch for obvious reasons unless they are members, nor are Mersea residents who keep their boat in Mersea, visiting yachtsmen. As for joining, again the licensing laws require a procedure and ours seems to work ok as membership has grown very distinctly in the last three years, particularly since we have been enforcing the rule about members and visitors only on the launch. Unfortunately it is a fact of life that two launches and two full time launchmen are expensive and we don't think it unreasonable to expect people who want to use it to join the club and pay. You would be amazed how many people were cross with us that as non-members they couldn't use the launch to get to their boat. Yes, you must be proposed and seconded by members. Is this unusual? Yes there is a sign at the front door. We initially took it down when the new signs went up three years ago but regretfully had to replace them because summer visitors (not the yachting kind) were coming in in significant numbers and causing out staff problems.
Gunfleet
New member
Re: WMYC lacks charm, at least.
You're usually a friendly sort and I have obviously touched a nerve. Next time I'm down that way you can sign me in and I'll buy you a drink!
You're usually a friendly sort and I have obviously touched a nerve. Next time I'm down that way you can sign me in and I'll buy you a drink!
Captain Haddock
Member
Re: WMYC lacks charm, at least.
Hi Tiller Girl,
This happened a couple of years ago as it was the final straw (after the jetski's, packed public launch - not with sailors but tourists getting in the way) and it's why we moved to Tollesbury. Believe me, as residents it really took the shine off sailing in Mersea as we had been sailing from there for around five years (three in dinghy, two cruising) and we felt like packing it all in for good because of that response.
It was sickening for us as it felt like the place we lived and played rejected our very presence as we wanted to expand our experience and cruise in company and get to know others from the area, the club is the obvious place to start. However, if you don't know anybody in the first place how can you take part? how can you get to know others properly?
I know how busy Mersea can get in the summer and WMYC is in a prime location for the tourists to wander in hence I understand the need for some of your rules.
However, as I found at that time sometimes the rules don't work in everyones favour.
Hey ho, I'm sorry have hijacked the thread a bit but here's to this summer and may we all have fair tide, good weather and good company.
Hi Tiller Girl,
This happened a couple of years ago as it was the final straw (after the jetski's, packed public launch - not with sailors but tourists getting in the way) and it's why we moved to Tollesbury. Believe me, as residents it really took the shine off sailing in Mersea as we had been sailing from there for around five years (three in dinghy, two cruising) and we felt like packing it all in for good because of that response.
It was sickening for us as it felt like the place we lived and played rejected our very presence as we wanted to expand our experience and cruise in company and get to know others from the area, the club is the obvious place to start. However, if you don't know anybody in the first place how can you take part? how can you get to know others properly?
I know how busy Mersea can get in the summer and WMYC is in a prime location for the tourists to wander in hence I understand the need for some of your rules.
However, as I found at that time sometimes the rules don't work in everyones favour.
Hey ho, I'm sorry have hijacked the thread a bit but here's to this summer and may we all have fair tide, good weather and good company.
Grehan
Well-known member
A propos of entering Tollesbury (nice place, we liked it, bought Grehan there) do watch out for the concrete cill at the entrance. When there's just enough water to creep up the creek, there ain't necessarily enough to slip over the cill. There is a depth gauge near the entrance.