Stay or go?
Your article on Brighton Marina (YM, February 2021) reminded me of my experience last year on passage from Eastbourne to Portsmouth when I was forced to divert to Brighton Marina, an unfamiliar port for me.
Reeds Almanac gave the port three red wheels – can be entered at all states of tide, by day or night. The chartlet’s magenta note stated that the entrance is dredged to maintain 2.0m. Potentially confusing however was the note under ‘shelter’: ‘HM recommends that yachts drawing 2.0m or more do not enter hbr at LW +/- 2hrs’. The depth at LW is not a constant, at Springs least depth could be 1.9m. On this day LW was 1805 and 1.0m above CD – so 2.7m in the harbour entrance, sunset 1835 and Storm Alex on its way. I rang the Harbour Master saying we drew 2.0m,
our ETA was 1800, and because of the storm I was eager to get in as soon as possible. He reiterated the LW +/- 2 hrs recommendation. Nonetheless I started my approach at 1915, the conditions were already ‘challenging’, but the depth was as calculated. I still ponder the value added of the note under ‘shelter’ and the advice given. Should I stay or go? Just give me the facts! James Getgood A Reeds Almanac editor responds: The original article (YM, February 2021) reflected the concerns that berth-holders had regarding dredging of Brighton Marina. James Getgood perceives his problem as ‘getting the facts’.
There is in fact no definitive answer as to the condition of the channel into Brighton at his desired time of entry. There are many environmental factors. Thus, the height of tide may not be as predicted and depths not as charted. The magenta note cited includes the warning: Gales may cause shoaling in the entrance, particularly on the East side. The advice is to call the HM who will have more certain knowledge as to the state of the channel and the areas or track most likely to have the best water. This is highlighted by the article which draws attention to a depth of 0.5m in the dredged channel.
Reeds Almanac is used by all manner of vessels, and by skippers of varying ability. There are facts such as the tide tables, and there is guidance. The value of the advice given is that James considered his position more carefully. He applied the warning for larger craft and entered the harbour at a later time with an adequate safety factor and greater likelihood of success. It is no fun to be aground in bad weather and much better to ponder the ‘what ifs’ after a safe arrival.