( Overview
/ TwoBullocks on a Boat Go Local
Salcott Channel to Levington
United Kingdom, 08. July 2024
This is more like it! A sunny, calm morning on Salcott Creek. Nothing to do, but wait for the tide.
The wind also obliged, as we set sail to go north.
Passing the beachhuts at Clacton on Sea.
Pier of the year in 2020, the first Clacton pier opened in 1871. A landing point for goods and passengers, and a prime spot to promenade, in 1893 it was lengthened to 1180ft. Sadly dolphins and orcas were displayed in the 1970s, but the rides now include the big wheel and 1949 built helter-skelter.
Everyone’s favourite cafe after a walk from Frinton to Holland on Sea.
The Gunfleet Sailing Club was formed in 1961, when the Clacton Sailing Club moved to a larger site at Holland Haven. Limited to 100 members its ethos is one of ‘ simply messing about on boats’ as well as racing.
Port of London Authority Holland Haven’s 60 metre Radar Mast is one of fifteen which form a network overseeing the River Thames and its estuary. Data from these radars provides a full picture of shipping movements in this area.
All Saints Church, Great Holland; the building is largely the result of a rebuild in 1860, but the tower is late 16th or early 17th century and one of the oldest brick towers in Essex. It houses a ring of eight bells given by the Barron Bell Trust in 1930.
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The Walings beachhuts.
The Golf Club House visible through a break in the beachhuts.
The end of our road, with The Rock Hotel!
…and the best row of huts…
…named the Grand after the former Grand Hotel situated on the Greensward behind. The Clocktower was originally built as a shelter in 1923; it was demolished due to subsidence, and rebuilt recently.
Built by John Warner in 1835, East Terrace was 7 houses, coach house and stables. He also built the sea defence walls and breakwaters. His company originally cast the Great Bell (Big Ben) for the Houses of Parliament, but when tested a large crack appeared, so another foundry was appointed.
Walton’s original 150ft pier was built in 1830, one of the earliest in the country, and was extended many times to become the third longest in the country (2610 ft) in 1898. Despite being revamped again in 2022, sadly the Walton and Frinton lifeboat, moored at the end since 1900, is no longer there.
The Naze, with Felixstowe docks in the distance.
Danish cargo vessel Vilnia Maersk is 200 metres long.
Port navigational buoy Guard.
The southerly safe water mark indicating the spit of land at Shotley.
The Sevenstones lightship which we saw moored here a few weeks ago, is now in for a refit.
The creature like cranes at Felixstowe. There is a continuous quay of over 1.4 miles equipped with 29 ship to shore gantry cranes, and the port has two main container terminals, Trinity and Landguard.
As we were arriving after the office closed, Suffolk Yacht Harbour allocated a berth next to Orca II, a beautifully maintained Rustler 37. Because of the approach to the berth, we didn’t realise it was too narrow for us until we were halfway in. No damage to us, but we scuffed Orca II.
Very upset, as we have never damaged another boat, we found another berth in a very busy Suffolk Yacht Harbour (Levington Marina). We assumed this berth must belong to a returning yachtsman, so stayed on board, only to discover it was a vacant berth which we could have used in the first place!
Just coming into the marina for fuel and electricity to charge our laptops (and have a welcome shower), we begrudged the £41 for the night’s stay.
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