December has seen Britain facing the worst tidal surges in 60 years, with sea defences breached and homes at risk across the length of the coast.
But how should you deal with a fast rising tide in the harbour? Janet Stracey from First Class Sailing gave her account of how the tidal surge affected the Fambridge Yacht Haven where our East Coast base can be found.
The Danger of High Tides
The East Coast of England is renowned for its fast tides, sandbanks and challenging navigation, but the tidal surge last night was exceptional.
The tidal charts, indicating there was higher tides yet to come
At 2300, the tide was 1.4 metres above that suggested by the electronics. High tide here at Fambridge was due at 0240 and if – as the almanac indicated – there was still a rise of 2.5 metres to come, we would have an issue with pontoons floating off the piles.
The marina staff were patrolling the pontoons, but this situation was outside the experience of most. Even the older ones amongst us were only a glint in our parents’ eyes when the area was last flooded in 1953.
At 0100 the coastguard arrived, suggesting that with the tide now higher than HAT (highest astronomical tide) and less than two feet from the top of the sea wall, it might be time to move. If the pontoons floated away, they would get snagged up in the air on the top of the piles, leaving boats hanging by their warps.
Leaving the Marina
Some owners were worried about leaving the marina at night as the buoys are unlit and could be under water. The two First Class Sailing East Coast boats, Golden Eye and Kingfisher, led a small procession out of the marina into the River Crouch.
The corner of the creek was marked to port by the top of a submerged tractor. We looked down on the yellow flashing light on the Stowe Beacon as we entered the river, dropped the hook and enjoyed a good night’s sleep.
The Wait for Time and Tide
What happened in the marina? Well, the tide came up to within 12 inches of the top of the piles and the sea wall, and then stopped, about 30 minutes earlier than predicted by the tidetable, before rushing out at incredible speed.
And now we have a repeat situation this afternoon, plus some customers for night navigation practice!
Janet’s story highlights the unpredictability and potential danger of the ocean – but you too can navigate the coastal waters with confidence by taking the RYA-approved Day Skipper course from First Class Sailing. Click here to find out for about the practical course or call us on 0203 006 3717 for more details.
