Walton - Swale passage

[Mudhook]

Hi folks. Perhaps the assembled ditch crawlers would like to offer advice on their preferred route from Harwich down to Harty Ferry, a passage that we plan to undertake next year. We are venturing further afield in this our second year of boating, having explored the local area last year. Boat is a Sabre 27.

My guess is to overnight in the Walton Channel and take the early morning spring tide from the Naze at slack water. This should put us over to the Kent side by the time the tide turns. I'd route through the Wallet, the Spitway, then East and West Swin, turn south at the South-West Barrow and down past the Middle Sand to the Columbine Spit buoy and into the Swale.

Any pitfalls, advice, cautions, etc? Does it make more sense to go at neaps? I've often taken spring tides south from Harwich and found the return journey a weary early morning slog! All comments gratefully received.

Regards, Mudhook

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[Mirelle]

You are better off doing this passage at Springs, because you want a morning flood tide and good depth over the Spitway with the tide still making.

Don't bother with Walton unless you are based there (I was, for 12 years) - if you are based in the Stour or Orwell it is a deviation. Aim to be off the Naze Tower at low water. You want to carry all the flood you can get in the East Swin.

The Red Sand Forts are a good mark for the East Swale. Entering the Swale against the sunset can be rather a chore.

<hr width=100% size=1>Que scais-je?

 

[IanPoole2]

I agree with Mirelle - if you are coming from Stour / Orwell then Walton's probably not worth the effort for a overnight.

Brightlingsea or down to the Crouch / Roach as a first leg probably more worthwhile - and gives you more time for timing your final leg.

Though it's a drag to get out of the Crouch from say Burnham.

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[dickh]

Yes, I agree Burnham is a real slog to get out of, overnight at Brightlingsea and enjoy a nice fish & chip supper.

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I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[Mirelle]

With a leading wind...

you can do the whole passage in a day, quite comfortably.

If, as is more likely, you are fighting a SW'ly, I agree with Richard and would put into Brightlingsea or the Pyefleet for the night.

The Swin can seem to go on for ever with a foul wind or tide.

If you run out of daylight in the Swin, I would be inclined to make for Queenborough and go through the Swale next day - the Medway is much better lit than the East Swale.

<hr width=100% size=1>Que scais-je?

 

[FullCircle]

Re: With a leading wind...

I agree its possible in a day too. I brought Second Chance (22ft Jouet ) back from Shotley Point to Burnham on a midpoint (tween springs/neaps) tide - I left about 30 mins after low, and carried into Burnham with a 3 decreasing 2 on the nose, and motored (about 4 kts) the last 3 hours into Burnham On Crouch, never showing less than 5kts over ground on the gadget thingy.
I have also sailed a Trapper 300 from Ramsgate up to St Kats in a day too. Agree with the sunset into Swale comment, but if your gadget thingy is good, and Mk 1 eyeball works, you can pick up a lot of marks and do back bearings/transits if you cant see forward very well. Last time I went through Swale was in a Dehler DB1 3/4 tonner drawing 2 metres-ish and we only briefly puttyed out at the bridge (giving too much room to someone).
Nice trip, well worth it. Also go up Conyer Creek and onto Iron Wharf - Shepherd Neame Brewery town - need I say more?

PS If you do go to Burnham for the night, you can always cut through the Roach and the Middleway, and go through Havengore Bridge at High Water ish. Very exciting with spotting the little withys after passing through. Need a decent tide for that though.

Jim

<hr width=100% size=1>Second Chance - First Love. I still need a 7m Luff Spinnaker & Pole for 22 footer!! Help!

 

[PeterGibbs]

If Harwich is your departure, why not stay on the Harwich pontoon overnight, or use one of the mooring buoys opposite? You can spot your sea state before casting off!

Try leaving at least one hour before LW on the springs to be off the Naze (not too close at LW!) ready for the trip south.

The Spitway will concern you as the depth falls lower than you expect - just plug on.

With springs. the waters flow pretty swiftly around Foulness, so keep a close eye on the course there to prevent close encounters of a stranding variety.

A lovely trip, one I have enjoyed on several occasions!

PWG

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[davidfox]

Off the naze at LW springs and you will fly down easily in 1 day. Sheerness is 1hour later than Harwich

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