Brightlingsea

Wix and Wrabness Yacht Club

Dove Cottage Oakley Road Wix Nr. Manningtree Essex. CO11 2SE

Tel 01255 870777

Pictureless for this one. Too many storms and cameras not up to it.

Lightning warming the sea all around us (when we could see all around us), our first cruise to Brightlingsea was studded by thunderstorms and almost nil visibility in the rain.

Still, when we got there we discovered not all the tales about Brightlingsea were true. No longer berthing on trots, there were pontoons and very helpful Harbourmasters, although it was packed and shorepower was a vain hope.

Arrived to witness the Brightlingsea Boat Show (or at least it was happening onshore).

Joined by shore party as Jill drove round to meet us and availed ourselves of the excellent water taxi service, to find that all the Pubs were packed and had no food. Sadly, (I don't think) had to resort to the staple diet in the local Curry House where we ran into previous Wix sailors at the next table.

Trip home drier and quicker. Tide with us, and a broad reach, averaged nearly 6 knots all the way home and made it back to Pye End from Brightlinsea entrance in less than 3 hours in time for late lunch at Titchmarsh.

Useful Links: Royal Yachting Association. The Met Office. Weather Online. UK Hydrographic Office Easy tide.

Deben Entrance. Orford Entrance. www.marinas.com Stour Sailing Club. Windfinder.com