Sailing a Contessa 26 sailing boat to Harwich and the River Deben
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- čas přidán 9. 09. 2024
- My first time sailing my contessa 26 for more than one night away. This was a five day trip up the East Coast of England from her home in the River Blackwater, to Harwich, the Rivers Orwell and Deben and to Walton Backwaters. The Backwaters are the subject of Arthur Ransome's book, "Secret Water". Misty was better behaved than I'd hoped for, and it was a wonderful sail. I would like to go back to these areas, particularly the Deben, when I have more time.
The East Coast Pilot by Jarman, Cooper and Holmes is very useful, especially as there are web updates. Without the latest update about the channel to Titchmarsh marina I may have had problems. Look on www.eastcoastrivers.com for the latest information about the Deben entrance. I also phoned the Felixstowe Ferry Harbourmaster for advice just before entering the Deben and he was very helpful.
Nice ♥️👍
Thank you for putting your video together and uploading John. I'm purchasing a Contessa 26 this year and your solo passage was just the kind of thing I needed to watch. Thank you.
Just seen your film. It has brought back happy memories of sailing a Co26 in the early 80s. We had no chute or electronics then. We took it through the Midi canal. Our engine was a 2 stroke petrol Dolphin - not the best for canal work.
To my great surprise I spotted the boat in Bridlington a couple of years ago and spoke with the owner. He had no knowledge of the boat's distant history. I asked if I could sit below as I'd lived on it for 6 months. Thanks for jogging my memories John.
still one of my favorite little boats , thanks for sharing .
Some lovely videos and photos of my sailing area - many thanks.
I had a moody 422 at Shotley and sold it in 2012 quite took me back!
I used to sail these same rivers with the Little Ships Club. East coast sailing is interesting, that's for sure. Cheers!
A fine little ship
My kneck of the woods but yet to get a sailboat although I am planning it. Stayed in our caravan on the Deben this weekend funny enough at Melton just outside woodbridge. I'm often sat off Holland or Clacton bobbing around at anchor on my fishing kayak. Think it's inspired me to get a small yacht watching them all go by, quite close at times lol
+Andrew Polson Well I did it, end of October bought a Tomahawk 25 bilge keeler and she lies at Brightlingsea.
I'm also based on the Blackwater with my Contessa 26, Vim. See you out there.......
Dear John Coffin, I am interested in Contessa 26s. I sail a Norfolk Oyster on the Orwell and Stour but venturing further afield is something that I am dreaming of. I have signed up for my RYA Day Skipper but I have never sailed a C26... Would you be open to a sail together if I buy you lunch and a pint? Kind regards, Han.
Is there a dinghy and where is it kept? Also, do you have a storm jib? I see a roller furling for the genoa, but is there a need for a storm sail, if so is there a removable inner stay? I'm curious as to the rigging set up? I'm interested in buying a Contessa 26, so any info would be appreciated as to the best set up for blue water sailing. Cheers!
I no longer have this boat, but I had an inflatable dinghy in the forecabin and there was a removable forestay. The stay was tensioned with a Highfield lever, and a hanked on storm jib could be attached. I never had to use it I'm glad to say. Tania Abei's book about her circumnavigation in the Canadian version of this boat is worth reading. There have been a number of Atlantic crossings in these too. I have photos of the forestay set up I can email you if you like. John
Sailing to Harwich? More like motoring to Harwich...
Paul J. Nolan
Mainly sailing but I didn't video that bit, having too much fun.