BRIGHTLINGSEA

• GBBLS
• Latitude: 51.8037
• Longitude: 1.02661
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Port in UK

Location: Brightlingsea Essex CO7 0AZ UK

Phone number: +44 1206 302200

Web-site: https://www.brightlingseaharbour.org/

Brightlingsea Port, UK: Description and Specifications

Location: Brightlingsea is a coastal town situated on the River Colne estuary in Essex, southeastern England. It lies near the head of the Brightlingsea Creek, providing a sheltered environment for maritime activities.

Overview: Brightlingsea Port has a longstanding maritime heritage, primarily serving as a haven for fishing vessels, leisure boats, and small commercial crafts. The port is known for its vibrant yachting community and acts as a gateway to the North Sea from the Colne Estuary.

Facilities and Features:

1. Marina:

   • Brightlingsea Harbour: Offers full marina services including berthing, refueling, and waste disposal.
   • Detailed Berthing: Pontoon berths and swinging moorings are available for both visitors and residents.
   • Draft: Typically provides adequate depth for vessels with a draft up to around 2 meters. Specific depth should be confirmed for larger or deeper vessels.

2. Commercial Activity:

   • Fishing Fleet: Home to a small but active fishing fleet.
   • Commercial Quay: Facilities support small-scale commercial trading and fishery operations.

3. Navigation and Access:

   • Channel: Well-marked channel with navigation aids for safe entry and exit.
   • Tides: The port experiences significant tidal ranges, which necessitates careful planning for entry and exit.

4. Support Services:

   • Fuel Bunkering: Available for both petrol and diesel.
   • Maintenance: Local boatyards and service providers offering repairs, maintenance, and chandlery.
   • Waste Disposal: Routine facilities for waste and bilge water disposal to ensure environmental compliance.

5. Transport Links:

   • Road: Accessible via local road networks connecting to major highways.
   • Rail: Closest mainline rail services are available from nearby towns such as Colchester.
   • Public Transport: Local bus services can provide access to and from the port area.

6. Safety and Regulations:

   • Harbour Master: Oversees operations and ensures compliance with maritime regulations.
   • Emergency Services: Local Coast Guard and emergency response units stationed to address maritime incidents.

7. Leisure and Tourism:

   • Yachting and Sailing: Strong yachting tradition with several sailing clubs.
   • Events: Hosts a variety of maritime events and regattas.
   • Accessibility: Well-equipped to handle an influx of visitors during the summer months.

Environmental Considerations: Efforts are taken to minimize environmental impacts with initiatives focused on maintaining water quality, wildlife protection, and sustainable commercial practices.

Navigational Information:

• Coordinates: Latitude approximately 51.8100° N, Longitude 1.0300° E.
• Charts: Admiralty nautical charts for precise navigational details.
• Weather: Mariners should consult up-to-date weather reports for safe navigation, especially given the unpredictable nature of North Sea conditions.

Conclusion:

Brightlingsea Port blends traditional maritime activities with modern facilities, making it a unique and functional port in the UK. It serves both commercial and leisure purposes, underpinned by a rich nautical heritage and ongoing community engagement. Mariners are advised to monitor tidal information, utilize navigational aids, and follow local maritime guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable port experience.