ebbtide
N/A
Saturday afternoon, the wind eased right down so I'm using the outboard on my Hunter Europa, 20 foot of maritime splendour, heading up to the Fambridge Yacht Haven for an overnight.
In Easter Reach, at about 1530 hours, I am making about 5 knots over the ground with the tide. Coming towards me on my starboard side I see the Crouch Commissioners craft the "WATCHET" heading downstream at about the same speed, all comfortable.
Next thing, two large motor boats (more than 25 foot ? guesstimate) come hurtling down the river racing each other at more than 20 knots, well up on the plane with the first quarter of theirs bottoms showing clear of the water. A huge wash trailing behind.
Both passed at about ten metres away. My boat was thrown in the air and a large amount of water was washed into the accommodation through the open main (and sole) hatchway. I was nearly thrown out of the cockpit. The "WATCHET" seemed to be as badly affected yet no radio calls or apparent follow ups.
I complained at the marina and was told that the speed limit, supposed to be 8 knots, did not appear to be enforced and speeding motor boats were a problem. Whilst we were talking yet another motor boat passed the place at speed generating excessive wash and making the yachts on the outer side of the visitors pontoon bounce around.
Result, one less place to visit. Lost revenue to the marina and by extension to the Crouch Commissioners.
In Easter Reach, at about 1530 hours, I am making about 5 knots over the ground with the tide. Coming towards me on my starboard side I see the Crouch Commissioners craft the "WATCHET" heading downstream at about the same speed, all comfortable.
Next thing, two large motor boats (more than 25 foot ? guesstimate) come hurtling down the river racing each other at more than 20 knots, well up on the plane with the first quarter of theirs bottoms showing clear of the water. A huge wash trailing behind.
Both passed at about ten metres away. My boat was thrown in the air and a large amount of water was washed into the accommodation through the open main (and sole) hatchway. I was nearly thrown out of the cockpit. The "WATCHET" seemed to be as badly affected yet no radio calls or apparent follow ups.
I complained at the marina and was told that the speed limit, supposed to be 8 knots, did not appear to be enforced and speeding motor boats were a problem. Whilst we were talking yet another motor boat passed the place at speed generating excessive wash and making the yachts on the outer side of the visitors pontoon bounce around.
Result, one less place to visit. Lost revenue to the marina and by extension to the Crouch Commissioners.