Geff, the Vice Commodore presented a summary of the Shrimper’s East Coast Rally at the February 2024 meeting of SOCA. The meeting was well attended with a good attendance from our new County members from BOSG as well as some members watching on ZOOM.
Below is a summary of that talk.
Bradwell Marina Offices
The 2023 Shrimper East Coast Rally was held this year in mid July. It involved sailing on the Rivers Blackwater and Colne, SOCA members John and Geff attended crewing Skylark.
The Shrimper fleet assembled at Bradwell Marina at the entrance to the River Blackwater on Friday the 21st of July. The fleet consisted of:-
Sapphire leaving Levington
The lead boat Sapphire a Shrimper 21 #88 with Paula and John crewing. They had sailed from Levington in the Orwell arriving in Bradwell after a long beat.
Skylark a Shrimper19 #410 crewed by John and Geff was already berthed at Bradwell having been trailed from Hertfordshire the previous weekend.
Skylark at Bradwell
John and Geff have regularly sailed together after meeting at SOCA.
Earlier posts on this website describing Skylark‘s previous adventures on Shrimper rallies. Scotland June 2022, East Coast Shrimper Rally 2022.
Skylark stayed at Bradwell for the rest of the 2023 sailing season.
Langoustine off Bradwell
Langoustine, a Shrimper 19 sail number #894, had a sailed from its home port of Brightlingsea to Bradwell on the Friday to moor at its pre-booked berth. Langoustine was sailed single-handed by Bill Williams.
Dolly at Home port of Tollesbury
Dolly #56 one of the very early, almost prototype Shrimpers had sailed single-handed by Paul Blythe from Tollesbury Marina .
Lucy on Blackwater
Lucy a 19 #1001 joined the fleet from the midlands she was crewed by Tim and Wendy who slipped Lucy into the marina using their two trailer system
Endeavour berthed at Bradwell
Endeavour #114 another 19 whose home port is Heybridge sailed to Bradwell arriving Friday. She was crewed by John and Martyn. John’s knowledge of the area and tidal conditions proved invaluable in planning the future days’ events.
All crews meet up for an evening meal and to discuss plans for the rally at the Green Man at Bradwell Waterside.
All participants raised a glass of thanks to Bob Whitehouse for starting the preparations for this event and wished him the best. It did seem strange not to have his company and good humour at this event.
On the discussion of the details of when and where to sail, all the plans revolved around the time of the tides. High Tide being late afternoon on all days, which for most locations meant we needed to be at the destination marina mooring about 2 hours either side of high tide.
Day 1 Saturday 22nd July Before the rally started properly the crews had the early morning free as the fleet had to leave close to 11:00am to sail with the rising tide arriving at Heybridge Basin near to high tide which was predicted at 16:30..
Some of the crews took the time to explore the local area, a trip to the shops, a walk via the RAF memorial which “is a representation of a crashed mosquito aircraft with its nose buried in the ground and its tail in the air, it was erected in memory of the 121 members of the allied air forces, mainly Canadian or Kiwis who in answer to the call of duty left Bradwell airfield to fly into the blue forever”.
Alternately some people combined a visit to the RAF memorial with a trip to Saint Peters Chapel.
St Peters Chapel Bradwell
Inside St Peters
St Peters Chapel is one of the oldest remaining Christian chapels in the country originally constructed as an Anglo-Celtic Church for the East Saxons in AD 654 by St Cedd, astride the ruins of the abandoned Roman fort of Othona.
Othona is one of 9 forts that were constructed in the 3rd century AD to deal with the threat posed by the Saxon raiders. It is likely that the Fort was built by a Roman Commander called Carausius who for a period revolted against Rome and declared himself Emperor of Britain.
MV Ross Revenge (Radio Caroline)
The Shrimper fleet left Bradwell Marina just after 11am sailing with the tide towards Heybridge Basin, our overnight mooring, to try to reach there no later than 1 hour before high tide.
The fleet passed the iconic MV Ross Revenge better known as Radio Caroline, which is moored just outside
.
The winds were F2/3 but accompanied by heavy rain so all crew members donned their wet weather gear.
Some of the fleet continued onto Maldon whilst some waited south of Northney Island awaiting the clearance to enter Heybridge Lock at high tide as the lock gates were only going to open once to allow boats in and out.
Langoustine did not berth with the rest of the fleet at Heybridge but returned to Brightlingsea to rejoin it later when they moved back there.
Once the green light was seen the fleet entered the basin and completed mooring at about 4:00pm then re-positioned in the actual lock for the overnight stay. Once tied up everyone took the opportunity to dry off their very wet kit.
The evening meal was taken at the Jolly Sailor, a very short walk from the lock, The Old Ship Inn which is directly next to the lock appeared to not serve food in the evening anymore.
Once fed and refreshed by a few beers those sleeping on their Shrimpers settled in for a good night’s sleep, although some crews, whose homes were close, decided on sleeping in their usual more comfortable beds.
Day 2 Sunday 24th July.
Heybridge Lock at Low Tide
The Shrimper crews awoke on Sunday for breakfast and then had to decide what to do for the morning as all boats were looked in until the lock gates opened on the next high tide. A queue quickly formed outside the office as everyone took their turn to pay the dues for the overnight stay.
Osea Causeway at low tide
Seeing it was low tide some of the crews took the opportunity to walk along the sea wall to see the causeway to Osea Island in an exposed condition.
The view at low tide confirmed the kerbs bordering the road that Skylark’s keel had made contact with on an earlier sail over the causeway.
Osea Beach Huts
There are some interesting modern beach huts just below the sea wall east of Heybridge which can only be reached at low tide!!
Comment Board on Beach Hut under refurbishment
These contrasted with the older ones many of which were in little need of a bit of TLC.
On one of them, which was started to get refurbished during the lockdown period, passers-by wrote comments on a hoarding attached to the building and the owner replied!
It’s now become an ongoing narrative; it is worth expanding the picture to read the comments.
John, Tim & Wendy at Heybridge Lock
With high tide being at 5:00pm there was time for lunch before the fleet set off for West Mersea. The five remaining Shrimpers exited Heybridge Lock just before 4:00pm and initially started out in convoy until the faster craft pulled ahead and the fleet divided into two those who went north of Osea Island and those that took the normal, safer, but longer channel south of the island
Endeavour on Blackwater
Having sailed to Osea Island, Endeavour bade farewell to the fleet and turned around to return to Heybridge as it could not remain for the rest of the rally.
There was a late change to the planned mooring location for the boats by West Mersea Yacht club to Thorn Fleet near the packing shed.
Paula had to inform the now dispersed fleet, this was achieved by radio for all except the Skylark crew who got the message by answer phone on their mobiles and arrived at West Mersea just as all the others were moving location to the newly allocated moorings
Approaching West Mersea moorings
Once moored to the allocated buoys the water taxi picked the crews up to ferry them for their pre-ordered dinners at the yacht club, where we were joined by Paul’s family.
The dinner was much appreciated as was the members great hospitality plus the reasonably priced beers which Paul insisted on buying.
Shrimper at Sunset West Mersea
The water taxi was then bordered to return to the boats and to enjoy a very picturesque sunset
Day 3 Monday 24th July The plan for the day was to sail from West Mersea to Brightlingsea but the restriction was that we could not arrive at Brightlingsea until after 13:00, low tide there was at 10:30ish.
Most crews set out at before 9 and headed back to the main channel of the Blackwater avoiding a dramatic recent wreck with its masts jutting out of the water.
Wreck in West Mersea Quarters 27-07-23
The wreck was seen a few weeks later by the crew of the Skylark after it had been salvaged and taken out of the water at Bradwell Marina. The wreck was a concrete ship which was, unfortunately, eventually broken up and placed in a skip.
Wreck at Bradwell Marina 13/09/23
For those that are interested there are some videos of the salvage that can be seen on Youtube, (search for “Salvage of shipwreck in West Mersea Quarters”).
Lucy passing an Oyster Smack
Once back in the Blackwater proper the four remaining Shrimpers headed for Pye Fleet arriving there at just after 11:00.
The boats moored for lunch whilst waiting for the tide to rise to be able to enter the Marina at Brightlingsea.
We were guided to our berths by the Harbour Master with all boats tied up by 3:30pm.
We were fortunate that we had been allocated berths in the Marina rather than having to moor against the pontoons. This made our movements, whilst not sailing, independent of the water taxi.
Sapphire (The Gin Palace) Brightlingsea
After a shower, and for some a quick top up on supplies, we were all invited around to Sapphire for an evening drink, being a Shrimper 21 it was the only yacht capable of hosting us all.
The guests were very impressed with the internal layout of Sapphire but were more impressed by the well-stocked bar and accompanying nibbles.
After the drinks, nibbles and interesting conversation, the group proceeded to Winkies for a very good Fish and Chip supper.
Winkies is recognised as one of the best Fish and Chip restaurants in the area and everyone was happy, we had chosen it.
Day 4 Tuesday 25th July The plan for the day was to sail to Colchester with the rising tide and return with the ebbing tide to Brightlingsea to arrive before there was insufficient clearance to get over the sill at Brightlingsea Marina.
Sapphire left early and travelled out to Wallet where the sea looked almost like a mirror then onto Swin Spitway, encountering a seal eating lunch and enjoyed the view of a golden beach near Seawick on there voyage. They travelled back to Brightlingsea to join the rest of the fleet at just before 14:00 and the four remaining Shrimpers sailed in convoy up the Colne in a very light F2 wind.
Dolly, Lucy and Sapphire on the Colne taken from Skylark
Rose and Crown at Wivenhoe
The fleet continued onto Wivenhoe where we all paused temporarily to take on Paul’s parents, Malcolm and Jenny. as passengers.
Paul’s Dad, Malcolm, was transferred from Skylark to Dolly, which was still sailing, Paul was determined to get to Colchester under sail power only whereas the rest of the fleet eventually resorted to motors for the final stretches of the Colne.
Lightship & Bridge at Colchester
Skylark arrived near Colchester Lightship at about 4:15pm the other Shrimpers arrived later with Dolly being last at about 4:45pm having sailed all the way, with extensive tacking side to side across the river
Paul Blythe was the hero of the day who sailed all the way from Brightlingsea to Colchester having picked up his Dad on the way at Wivenhoe.
Having achieved the goal of reaching Colchester all shrimpers returned to Brightlingsea having a very easy slow sail in a F1/2 arriving back at about 6:30pm. Then having dinner at Yachtmans Arms near the Hard where we were joined by other Shrimper sailors and family.
Day 5 Wednesday 26th July
Sapphire leaving Brightlingsea in early morning
Paula and John in Sapphire left early in the morning, High Tide at Brightlingsea was just after 06:00. This allowed them to take advantage of the tidal streams towards the Orwell on their return to Levington.
Sapphire had a “fabulous” sail along the coast, racing a larger boat, (Sadler?), arriving at Levington before it, which pleased John.
The remaining three Shrimpers, Skylark, Lucy and Dolly had the morning free as it was planned to leave Brightlingsea at just after 2:30pm enroute to Tollesbury Marina.
John, Geff, Tim and Wendy decided to take the foot passenger ferry from Brightlingsea to Point Clear to investigate the other side of the river, where there were interesting places to visit.
The water over the sill at Brightlinsea was about 1.5metres when the Shrimpers left. The reason for leaving then was to take advantage of the rising tide so we could arrive at Tollesbury close to High Tide at 18:30.
Shrimpers berthed at Tollesbury Marina
Dolly moored at its home berth at Tollesbury, Paul had managed to arrange for Skylark and Lucy to berth close by. Once all boats settled Paul showed his other boat that is berthed at Tollesbury, his pride and joy Mutual friend, an Oyster Smack. Paul then left to return home leaving the others to stroll around the Tollesbury Saltings which was a very interesting walk for those who had never been there before.
Tollesbury Saltings used as a marina
Fellowship Afloat Charitable Trust.
Based on ex Lightship at Tollesbury
The crews of the two remaining Shrimpers decided to eat at the Tollesbury Marina Restaurant, the alternative of walking to Tollesbury Village was considered too arduous,
Tollesbury Sailing Club
However John and Geff decided to have a little stroll after dinner to take up the offer from then Commodore of the Tollesbury Sailing Club of visiting them for a drink before retiring to bed.
The club is a very quaint old building and the beers were cheap!
Day 6 Thursday 27th July The crews of the remaining two Shrimpers, Lucy and Skylark, rose early to ensure they were ready to leave at High Tide, which was at just after 07:00, for Bradwell catching the ebbing tide down the creek.
Lucy leaving Tollesbury to return to Bradwell
De-masting Lucy at Bradwell
Once the Two Shrimpers arrived at Bradwell Skylark returned to its allocated berth in the Marina and John and Geff helped Tim and Wendy retrieve Lucy to its trailer and de-mast her.
Lucy:- Last Shrimper standing from 2023 East Coast Rally
John and Geff then made there way home leaving Tim and Wendy to finish off for their return home.
Summary The 2023 East Coast Rally was thoroughly enjoyed by all participants, the weather apart for one day was perfect although the winds were very light, but usually in the wrong direction.
Paula, standing in for Bob who was unable to attend, took on the organisation very well with everyone being where they needed to be when they needed to be!
For some Shrimpers this was new territory, and all agreed it would be worth a return trip at some time in the future.
As a final comment below is a picture from Sapphire’s Chart Plotter showing their log. A total of just under 100Nm for their travels during the 2023 East Coast Shrimper’s Rally.
Log of 2023 East Coast Shrimpers Rally
The winner of this category was Dave Arnold with his picture taken whilst on holiday.
The winner of this category was John Robinson taking part in the competition via ZOOM with his picture of PS Waverley taken in the Solent.
The winner of this category was 
In November we are experimenting with a Zoom presentation by Jeremy Batch.
In 1798 the biggest fleet since the Spanish Armada left Toulon carrying a huge army under the new French Republic’s crack general, Napoleon Bonaparte, and vanished into the wide Mediterranean. Where was it going, and what was its target? A British fleet under their own young hero, Horatio Nelson, was sent to track them down. In an epic hunt from Sardinia, to Sicily, to Malta and beyond, the fleets finally met in an epic battle fought at night. 
He is the author of the nine book Alexander Clay series of naval fiction set in the age of sail. The first book, The Captain’s Nephew, was published in January 2018, and immediately went into the Amazon top 100 bestseller list for Sea Adventures. He has recently turned his attention to the Second World War. Sea of Wolves is a novel set during the Battle of the Atlantic. A sequel, called The Wolves in Winter, was published last year.
