Wells in a Long Keel Yacht

[Major_Clanger]

Hello all,

I used to live near Wells and sailed in and out a few times in the family GP14. I'm now on the Blackwater but like the idea of taking my Contessa there, although not sure if this is sensible. I draw 4ft with a long, level-bottomed keel and doubt drying out would be a comfortable experience for me or the boat! What are your thoughts?

 

[MoodySabre]

Ring the HM. I think there is plenty of water to stay afloat on the pontoon and on some visitor moorings.

 

[Spuddy]

Went in there with my Folkdancer - very similar hull to Co26. HM sorted me a berth drafted out from pontoons. Grounded at LW but no problem. Bigger stuff tie up along the Dutch ship where there appears to be a pool. Nervousness are optimo! Phone and ask and they'll probably suggest radioing in when off fairway buoy so they can pilot you in with their launch; I think they enjoy an excuse for a jaunt.

 

[Spuddy]

Spellchecker strikes; should be harbourmasters are option.

 

[Spuddy]

Repeated spellchecker blips; You've got the drift I'm sure which is that harbourmaster is brilliant

 

[Habebty]

My favourite place on the East Coast ever. Fin keelers can stay afloat off the Albatross or at the Albatross end of the pontoon. Was guided in by the harbourmaster's launch and followed my own GPS track out at 01:00 on a moonless night which was a bit sphincter tightening as I bumped a corner . I draw 1.4 m (bilge keels) and stayed afloat after I moved up the pontoon. Bottom is hard sand.

 

[Momac]

I have been to Wells Next The Sea a couple of times ...... in 2015 and 2016.
There is sufficient depth at the visitor pontoon. My motorboat boat draws 3ft but the minimum depth was certainly greater than 4ft.
Last summer a new floating toilet/shower/laundry facilities building, attached to the visitor pontoon, had appeared - very nice.
I hope to be there again for a few days at the end of June.

.

 

[Major_Clanger]

Thanks chaps, appreciate the input. I've met the HM a few times (I lived in north Norfolk for years) and always found him really helpful, so I'll enquire. If I can stay afloat there so much the better. The entrance channel could be fun with no engine!

I vaguely know the Dutchman who owns Albatros too as my old cycling club used the barge as a coffee stop once or twice. An interesting character and wonderfully eccentric!

Thanks again...