Gannet, No. 30, is a Devon Day-Boat (yawl with cuddy) 16’ long — 18’ with her bowsprit. The hull is light blue with cream topsides. This, coupled with her red sails, makes a pretty boat which is also very functional; she has succeeded our beloved Mirror 16. We have made a removable infill in the cuddy and sectional cushions (which can also be used in the cockpit on sunny days). This gives us two 6’ bunks. This arrangement, coupled with a green canvas overboom tent, enables us to use the boat for dinghy cruising.

Our home waters are the Thames Estuary which, when it is in the mood, can produce conditions from idyllic to diabolical… shallow water you see. After a number of week-ends away we decided to arrange a week’s holiday, the objective being to give the East Coast a look-see. This is our log:

Saturday, 25th June, 1983

Drove to Southend early to load the boat; this entailed making lots of trips over the mud carrying our food, sleeping bags and sundries. The weather was overcast and cloudy with wind in the N/E. We were afloat at 10.15 am and away by 10.30. Carrying full sail, we reached Havengore Bridge at 12.45 — just right (we had phoned to save any hiccups). Motored through using the 4 hp Yamaha. I wanted to save my tide, so the motor was used until we reached the mouth of the Crouch. It was very rough here at the entrance. Full sail to Crouch Buoy — then away to port to cross the Dengie Flats. We were about a mile off-shore, going well and following the edge of the Ray Sand Channel… I hoped… we had not done this trip before. Had a lovely sail with the plate only touching twice! I was using plate ¾ down. On to the Bench Head Buoy, then to Mersea Stone, arriving at Pyefleet Creek which is opposite Brightlingsea at 6 pm. Sailed well up the creek using Mr Leffler’s advice to anchor just past the old oyster sheds. After a meal we had a good night’s sleep, apart from that tapping anchor rope…

Sunday, 26th June

Awoke to a lovely start — hot and sunny with the birds singing… great! Very little wind, E/NE, had a really leisurely morning. After breakfast motor-sailed over to Brightlingsea for fresh water top-up. Here was absolute chaos at the hard; it seemed that half the world were endeavouring to launch their boats at the same time. I hopped over the side to hold the boat while the crew went for water; she came back with water plus fish and chips; can’t be bad eh! Cheap too! We moored up briefly on a small beach opposite to yaffle same. Time to get back to business — motored out to Colne Point, then set full sail for Walton. Time 3 pm. Sailed through the ‘jobbly’ ground; this was great fun; we had a beam wind which gave us a spanking sail down the Wallet keeping about ¾ mile off-shore past Jaywick, Clacton and Holland-on-Sea. Had coffee from a flask.

As we progressed the wind died-off near Frinton, and became gentle and fluky past Walton Pier. A long pull this one. Had a very long sail, tacking all the while, to get to the Pyesand Buoy; the tide was well away with sandbanks showing; then finally made it to Walton Stone. Here I put an anchor ashore and we went for a welcome walk. It was 8 pm. After stretching our legs we anchored-off, then had that lovely wet of tea, and food… we had the company of several cruisers. It was very deep here so I used the main anchor with 15 fathoms of nylon. The wind piped up at 10.30 blowing a real hooley — NE 6/7 or thereabouts — and continued all night. The anchor appeared to drag a bit, but held OK. I have a good Danforth with good tackle, but this was not really the place to be with the wind in these quarters. Nevertheless, this is dinghy cruising… this is what it’s all about…

Monday, 27th June

Hot and sunny with wind still N/E strong (weather forecast force 2 ... some force 2!). We decided to motor down the Walton Channel to the yacht club — again this is all new to us — we tied up to their jetty and walked into Walton for — yes — you’ve guessed it — fish and chips! Took the opportunity to phone home and send a few ‘bull’ cards. It was now very overcast and a bit chilly. Decided no sailing today; instead motored up the Twizzle, past the marina and managed to get stuck, up on the Wade, I think. After freeing ourselves we motored like mad to the far end of Horsey Mere as the tide was away. We finally wriggled our way through a group of moored cruisers to pick up a vacant buoy. The sun shone briefly at 8.30 pm so spent our time brewing-up, eating and bird watching with the binoculars until we turned in at dark.

Tuesday, 28th June

Had a good night. Up at 5 am. Had breakfast, tent down and away by 7 am. The water was by now very low with mud banks abounding. Got the sails up but had trouble with the mizzen, which landed us on the putty!!! Tried using the oars to no effect whatever… then realised that the plate was holding us on… plate up and this time away by the motor into Hamford Water. Stop stinky — full sail — another lovely day with strong wind. Because the wind was where it was I regretfully changed our plan to explore some of the East Coast rivers as it seemed to me it would be on the nose and hard work — hence Skipper’s decision to retrace our steps back to Brightlingsea. We had some sail with wind over tide conditions, finally making some long tacks from Clacton onwards as the coastline curves round. By now we had had enough, so after Jaywick we cut the corner through the ‘jobbly’ ground again and arrived at Brightlingsea at 12.30 pm, picked up some more water, then sailed over to the Pyefleet to anchor and have lunch. We went ashore on Pewit Island and walked on thousands of old oyster shells and the wind was once again blowing old boots… the creek was definitely untenable this time. I reefed the main and we sailed for the Blackwater and Bradwell Creek — this was against the tide. High Water 3 pm. Took some water over the gunwales crossing the Blackwater; it was quite rough. Arrived 6.15 pm and picked up a mooring in Bradwell Creek. Up with the tent; then food. Still sunny and windy, but as the tide went away we were nicely protected here.

Wednesday, 29th June

Dull, cloudy start with some rain spots. Wind still in the north and strong. Low water 10 am so could not leave until after this as the creek is very shallow. Sailed over to West Mersea reefed down. Tied up at the town jetty and shopped for food, water and petrol (a wind up job). Sailed again for Bradwell Power Station with the wind on the nose. We intended to head for Lawling Creek in the River Blackwater. No joy — the tide had turned and the water was again very rough. Enuf is Enuf!!! Ready About!… and back to West Mersea on the lovely big rolling waves ideal for surfing the boat — was great! By 6 pm we were mooring-up on the Posts at Mersea. Here you moor fore and aft on sliding ropes which rise and fall with the tide. Food… of course! Wind eased a bit, some sun and rain spots. 9 pm the rain came on very heavily and continued all night. No bother — we were snug.

Thursday, 30th June

Rain again early. Wind light NE. Some sun. We had a good night at the Posts; slept well; this was a very peaceful spot to stay. Motored over to jetty for top-up of water. On the way over we saw a wooden Salcombe Yawl in mint condition moored in the fairway — looked brand new… Bulletin 98… I wonder. Intention now to make tracks for the River Crouch, crossing the Dengie’s at high water. Departed with full sail at 12.30 pm. Wind very light. Out to the point, on to the green buoy (name unknown), then lined up with the radio beacons on Foulness Island about 200° magnetic. The wind filled in nicely. We had an excellent sail and after a tacking match with a huge catamaran (we won), arrived at Paglesham in the River Roach at 5.15 pm. Picked up a mooring past Shuttleworth’s Yard. Wind dropped but tidal flow very strong here. Tea and food… (On the way along we were able to sail close to the Dengie Bomb Post Wrecks — the plate never touched this time!).

Friday, 1st July

Quiet night. Checked mooring rope etc. at 2.30 am. Bright moonlight and very still. Morning hot and sunny. Stayed put today and had a make and mend (loafing really — but we were on holiday). The wind came in from the SW; some cloud about. At 4.30 pm wind SE and still hot and sunny — our bunk cushions make good wind breaks. The DCA rally is tomorrow…

Saturday, 2nd July

Wind came up and blew all night, and with wind over tide we were tossed around like a pea in a drum… sugar getting short… that’s serious. Now heavy cloud with some rain, so different from yesterday. Will unhook and hopefully sail to the mouth of the Roach to meet DCA bods. 9 or 10 arrived, including Eric Coleman and crew. We all rafted-up opposite Shuttleworths and were served tea by Mrs C, then had fun and games parking on the mud by the slipway due to a non-retractable centreplate. After this was sorted out we departed for the Plough & Sail for a drink and natter. Back to boat and crashed-down at 10.30 and the sun was still shining. I took a picture. (Note: mud here more glutinous than Southend).

Sunday, 3rd July

Up at 4 am with the sunrise (took another picture). Brewed a cup of tea and then under way by motor in company with Peter Bick in his Roamer. There was no wind at all; the water was like a mirror. Had to get to the Havengore Bridge for 6 am high water. Got through OK and Peter motored off to the Medway. We motored on to Bun Island, a favourite haunt of ours, and anchored in the ‘Lagoon’. The sun was very hot by now and after breakfast we had many lovely swims. Seven cruisers arrived from Halfway Yacht Club. It was good to see our club members out for the day. What a way to finish the week! Sailed the 5 miles or so back to the club at 6.30 pm. Our cup was full — a fantastic 215 miles covered, approx.

A Bit of Gen…

The Havengore Bridge gives access to the Rivers Roach and Crouch at high water; it is interesting, useful and safe. The outside route can be used following the buoys round the Maplins to the Whittaker, but this gives nowhere for an open 16’ boat to bolt to if things become hairy. I’m lucky; my wife sails with me and I don’t intend to spoil this arrangement. So the plot is to leave your options open when dinghy cruising… there is no guard boat in attendance. Do your own thing.

If I seemed to dwell on picking up water, the East Coast does not abound with taps so we carry a full supply to be as independent as possible. Five loaves were carried wrapped in newspaper (a Charles Stock tip and it works). They lasted very well.

To finish… I now know the correct way to fly the DCA flag, having been informed by the founder member at Paglesham that I had it upside down… quick inversion by my crew. Sorry Chief… nobody ever told me… the shame of it.

Good sailing to you all.