Sailing the East Coast from Wells

Harbourmaster's Harbours Worth A Visit

---

Whitby  111nm

My favourite harbour; the gem of the East Coast. A picturesque resort which stands at the mouth of the River Esk. Whitby has been a major fishing port for hundreds of years and the town is full of history. The remains of the Abbey on the East Cliff date from the 13th Century but it was founded in 657. Visiting craft raft up on the Whitby Marina pontoons, beyond the swing bridge. For a good meal find the Duke of York pub overlooking the Harbour in the old Town. Well worth a visit.

Scarborough  95nm

A seaside resort with a mixture of identities. It has a harbour formed by four piers which divide it in two, the Old Harbour and East Harbour, where visiting craft moor on drying pontoons in the SW corner. The town's career as a spa began in the 17th Century but it is now full of stately hotels and amusement arcades. Worth a visit just for the interesting entrance to the East Harbour, "Fenders ready!".

Bridlington  78nm

A popular holiday resort with fine beaches sheltered from Flamborough Head. The Bayle Gate built 1388 is worth a visit; it has served as a courtroom, sailor's prison, barracks and is now a museum. Visiting craft can now moor in the town's impressive new marina.

Grimsby  52nm

Conveniently located just a short distance up the river Humber. From Wells, head for the Rosse Spit Buoy then to the Tetney Mono Buoy (give wide berth to floating pipeline). Carry on to Clee Ness, then the Lower Burcon Buoy where you should call the Lock Keeper on VHF Channel 74, call-sign "Fish Dock Island". Vessels can moor in the basin outside the Lock; there's free access to the open lock two hours either side of high water, outside of these times vessels can lock through for a £10 charge. After going through the lock, carry on straight to the marina. Visitors can moor in vacant berths where all facilities are provided. To be honest, there is little to do here unless you are prepared for a long walk. However, there is a very friendly Club House at the marina. Worth a visit but take care entering the Humber at LW or during strong on-shore winds. Marina telephone: 01472 268424.

Fosdyke Yacht Haven  36nm

Fosdyke Yacht Haven, located up the river Welland, is well worth a visit. It now boasts many floating pontoon berths, a 50 tonne boat hoist, showers and many other facilities. After sailing along the North Norfolk coast and into the relatively uncrowded waters of the Wash, make for the Roaring Middle Buoy and then up the Freeman Channel. Here vessels can lay at anchor at Clay Hole at low water to await the tide up to Tabs Head before turning to port and proceeding 7nm up river to the visitors' pontoons. I will say there is virtually no nightlife but you'll find The Ship pub nearby serving food and a very friendly welcome from the Yacht Haven owner David Parkinson. Contact Fosdyke on (01205) 260240.

Wisbech  38nm

Cambridgeshire's link with the sea is Wisbech Yacht Harbour. New facilities for 2007 include a 75 tonne travel hoist and a 3 tonne crane for mast stepping, engine replacements and similar. CCTV, water and electricity are available to all berths with showers, toilets and fuel close by. Make for the safe water mark Nene Roads (Red/White, MO(a), 6s) at 52°54.407'N, 000°15.365'E. There are visitor mooring buoys close to the RAF No. 4 East Cardinal Mark. Yachts should contact Crosskeys Swing Bridge on (01406) 350364 or VHF channel 9, preferably with 24 hours notice. The Yacht Harbour Master can advise on optimum times to arrive to make best use of tides, depth of water and air draft. Telephone (01945) 588059 or mobile 07860 576865.

Southwold  66nm

If Whitby is my favourite then Southwold has to come second. A real step back in time, watching the activity of the local fishermen landing their catch and the rowing boat ferrying people across the rive to Walberswick. Sitting on the visitors' quay is like being in a different age, opposite is the historic pub the Harbour Inn where most of the visiting crews are normally found, either having a good meal in the restaurant or relaxing with a pint of Adnams bitter. A great place to stop over.

Lowestoft  56nm

Very much a maritime town and a tourist destination. The port is the mainstay of the town with many people employed in port-related activity. The rebuilding of the yacht basin has been completed and is well worth a visit. Being the most easterly port, it is well placed for the crossing to Scandinavian and European coast. A worthwhile walk is to the Sparrows Nest Gardens and Museum, home of the RN Patrol Service during World War II.