CRUISE TO THE BLACKWATER AND HEYBRIDGE BASIN

CRUISE TO THE BLACKWATER AND HEYBRIDGE BASIN 15 to 20th September 2026

Three sailing boats, (Moody Blue, Pam & Moreno) ,( Les Bone Air, Hilary) and (Reflex, Christine& Graham). Two motor boats (Duette, Marylin & Brian) and (Marianna, Marian & John). Plus one motorhome, with Martin to rendezvous in Heybridge Basin on Wednesday. Tuesday saw the first leg a 27 mile trip to Bradwell Mariner. Strong SW winds, meant that we would have wind over tide and a mildly bumpy ride. Departure times were from early morning to mid-day, for arrival around high water in the afternoon.

The approach to the Mariner pontoons was fairly typical; with the tide up your back, the wind from behind and blowing hard onto the pontoon. Rafted boats on the hammerhead also made turning difficult. It is always worth reflecting at this stage, that nobody likes the smug sod that gets it right first time (no entertainment value). It is also about now that you realise that Bradwell Pontoons are lower than most and your fenders are all too high.

After a quite night listening to the wind in the rigging, we come to Wednesday, an easy eight mile journey, to meet at the lock at 3.30. Heybridge Basin Lock is always a lovely place for a little adventure. There is excitement at a very slow pace, with more than enough help with mooring lock gates and birthing, all of this plus a row of spectators sitting at tables on the bank, outside the pub hoping that something will go wrong?

For many years it has been the custom to take at least one rubber dinghy on the two mile trip up the Chelmer Canal to the Tesco Supermarket, which has its own pontoon. Not many shops can do that. The only difference is that over the years we have replaced the noise and blue haze of the Seagull engine with conversation and gentle whir of John’s new electric outboard motor.

A highlight of the trip is always the meal in the Jolly Sailor. We were nine, from the boats plus Martin from his motor-home and we were joined by Helen who came by road. All had a very good evening.

Friday yet another windy day, saw us all in the lock anxiously awaiting for high tide, most of us were not too keen on a five pm start for the fifteen mile trip to Brightlingsea, to arriving in the dark and on a falling tide.

We spent two nights in Brigtlingsea. From the pontoons, we went ashore on the harbour ferry for a walk around the town and a visit to the chandlery. We also had to have coffee in Martin’s new motor-home, which had also made the journey from Heybridge. Saturday evening, we were joined by Roly and Ken, and we all had a very good meal, as always in the Yachtsman’s Arms.

Sunday, still windy , but now North West. We left Brightlingsea early, taking the tide . This was a good day for sailing boats. Perfect windy conditions for a great sail home.

During the week we would gather on a different boat each afternoon, or evening and discuss

many subjects, I seem to remember ailments was popular, also, boats, politics and even drains.

The main thing is that there is a great comradery between people with very different backgrounds and positions in life . A very good week with very good company, all thanks to Brian Ward for all his work in organising this trip. Graham Godward