There is a least depth of 1.5 m at CD between the Swin Spitway Buoy and the Wallet Spitway Buoy, but with drying banks or either side so care in this area will be necessary. Steering NNW from here will bring you to the spherical red-and-white Wallet Spitway buoy (Lfl.10s), and easing the course to NW will then bring you to the northerly cardinal Knoll buoy mentioned above. If you are in the Middle Deep you should cross to the East Swin at the Green Maplin Approach Buoy and head NNE for the Whittaker ECM (Q(3) 10s Bell) and when there swing NW towards the Swin Spitway Buoy (Iso.10s). If approaching from the Southend area via the Middle Deep or East Swin channels (which run parallel to one another, divided by a shallow patch) you should be careful which channel you are in because the S Whittaker Green buoy is no more. The deepest water lies about midway between the two shores which you should be able to see by now. You now be in the deeper waters of the Blackwater proper, and a deep channel although unmarked by buoyage makes a gentle swing first to the WNW, then W, then WSW. The course is then eased to the west, leaving the green conical buoy Bench Head (Fl(3)G.10s) on your starboard side. Head north west leave the green conical Eagle (Q.G) close to starboard, then continue on the same course and pass between the green conical buoy Colne Bar (Fl(2)G.5s) and the red can buoy NW Knoll (Fl(2)R.5s), with the green to starboard and the red to port. The other alternative is a set of carefully chosen and checked waypoints.Īpproach from the north-east through the Wallet is straightforward enough, keep a safe distance offshore but not too far as to put you on Gunfleet Sands, then identify and approach the northerly cardinal Knoll (Q) Buoy. the best advice is to assume nothing, follow your preplanned course and tick-off the buoyage on your list as you pass and positively identify it. When you are following your plan you will probably see plenty of other buoyage. The best general advice for handling this kind of area is to have your passage plan well worked out in advance, with courses planned (taking into account tidal cross sets if required) and a clear list of the buoyage you are expected to pass in the order you will encounter it. To make matters worse if you are approaching the Blackwater in the afternoon the sun will be in your eyes.Full pilotage details are now provided: the sands in this area (and the Thames estuary) are rock hard and unforgiving should you end up pinned on them by the wind. All the channels are well marked by buoyage, but it is very easy to mistake one seamark for another with possibly serious consequences. The truly conspicuous Bradwell nuclear power station will probably be the only land feature you will see from a distance. This part of the world is extremely flat and featureless so you won't get much help from the lay of the land. Things are not as they seem and there are various channels and swatchways that need to be identified and be followed carefully. At high tide the whole approach area is covered, and looks like one big grey expanse of water. are pretty much the same as those involved approaching the River Crouch. The visiting yachtsman or motorboater will find the problems in approaching the River Blackwater. This video from Dylan Winter will give you a feel for Bradwell Most boat needs can be met in the area including lifting and repairs, whilst those with wooden vessels will find a wealth of experience around here. Once past Osea Island the depths in the River dry up significantly and only boats that can dry out can stop at Maldon (if they can find somewhere to lay).įor cruising boats it should be possible to provision the boat, although it may involve a bit of a hike, while for any kind of anchoring afloat a decent dinghy with outboard will be needed for forays ashore. Combine this with the several yacht clubs in the area, plus the three marinas and numerous craft on swinging moorings, the result is an interesting stopover for the visitor with plenty to see. The whole area is very much in favour with traditionalists.sailing barges, smacks and all manner of gaff rigged craft will be seen. There are various good anchorages to be had for even deep draft craft, and untold places where shoal draft craft could take the ground. The River Blackwater forms a broad expanse that offers plenty of good sailing with reasonable shelter.įor the main part there is plenty of deepwater, but the Marinas within are all accessed by tricky drying creeks.
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