Choices, choices: There is such a diversity of choice when it comes to rivers and coastal cruising in Essex: Whether you’re looking for a Jeanneau, Bavaria, Oyster boat for sale or a Bermudan Sloop Classic Yacht you still also have to decide where to go boating.

“The Blackwater is probably the nicest sailing area and it has Bradwell Marina on the south shore and West Mersea, plus Brightlingsea (we have agents in both of these areas) on the north side. Also, via the Maldon/Heybridge Basin you can get into the Chelmer & Blackwater canal system.”
Steve Booth, broker at Boatshed Essex

Beginning in the northwest of Essex as the River Pant, the river becomes The Blackwater at Bocking, near Braintree. It passes near Stisted, Bradwell Juxta Coggeshall and Coggeshall and near Witham before converging with the River Brain. After passing Maldon it arrives at West Mersea and the North Sea. At Langford it meets the navigable River Chelmer.

The Blackwater Sailing Club is based at Heybridge basin near Maldon and has a programme of social events, cruises and racing events. There’s also a RYA approved sailing school staffed by volunteers. The Goldhanger Sailing Club also near Maldon enjoys an idyllic setting between the western seawall and the strawberry fields of Wilkin & Sons Ltd.

West Mersea is a peaceful and scenic island, perfect for sailing, yet far less congested than the popular Solent. It’s Britain’s most Easterly populated island and the Eastern end of the Island is home to a large bird sanctuary. The largest yacht club in the area is the West Mersea Yacht Club http://www.wmyc.org.uk

On the south side you have the choice of the Marconi Sailing Club: http://www.marconi-sc.org.uk
and Stone Sailing Club: http://www.stonesailingclub.org.uk

Brightlingsea of course also has sailing clubs, water sports and yacht clubs. Check out the Colne Yacht club: http://www.colneyachtclub.org.uk Here where the Colne Estuary meets the North Sea sheltered sailing can be enjoyed for sail boats of all sizes. It’s a great location for racing, yet there’s also plenty to explore in the hidden creeks and rivers.

Another way to enjoy the Blackwater is join Mick Leahy for a drink at the Bradwell Marina Bar. It’s open to visitors to the marina and the general public, and children are welcome. Views of the marina and the river can be enjoyed from the bar or the decking area.

If you prefer inland waterways head up to the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation. It has 13 locks, is over 13 miles long and begins at Springfield Basin in Chelmsford. The canal dates from 1797 and is now run by Essex Waterways Ltd, (part of the Inland Waterways Association.) A lot of the maintenance is done by volunteers, and so there are opportunities to be involved in working parties if you’re interested.

Have you been boating on The Chelmer and Blackwater? What are the best things about boating on the Blackwater? Can you recommend a sailing club? There’s so much exploring to be done in and around Essex. Share your tips on our Facebook page and grab yourself a free ebook when you 'like' us!

Image shows: Round the islands 2011 — with Julian Wild at Blackwater Sailing Club.

Image Credit: Copyright Oli Southgate, photographer and member of the Blackwater Sailing Club

Peggy Melmoth

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