RETURN

PILOTAGE - last updated 24/12/11

VISITORS - Please contact Howard Tanner 01278 789533 or Reg Ball 01278 782244 prior to arrival, if possible, to arrange berthing on pontoons.

For arrival by sea to Burnham on Sea Motor Boat and Sailing Club please consult your nautical almanac and Admiralty Chart 1152 . If you have a copy of the Blue Book, produced by the Bristol Channel Yacht Conference you will find us in there.

IMPORTANT NOTICE - Approaches to Gore Sands Moved, please see advice on Pilotage by going to Port of Bridgwater Local Notice to Mariners, No 8 - 2008.and No 10 - 2008. in addition download new Bridgwater Port Approaches Plan, to be used in conjuction with Admiralty Chart 1152.

Passage should be made to arrive at the Gore Bell, coming from the West, between HW-2 and HW. Ensure you are in the River Parrett no later than HW+1, unless you are familiar with the waters. The chart shows the deep water channel although sandbanks can alter. Be aware of No1 port RED bouy approx 2 nm from Lower Light , and No 2 starboard GREEN buoy inside the River Parrett. Burnham Lower lighthouse is visible, the Upper lighthouse (disused) is also clearly visible. You will see transit lines from Burnham Church Tower and a red line on the sea wall.

Entry also possible either by entering North Channel, or via No 1 Buoy . Always consult the chart, current almanac, tidal heights, weather forecasts, echo sounder, and chart plotter.

Admiralty chart 1152 shows charted depth at Lowest Astronomical Tide of 1.1 metres in North Channel. To the charted depth must be added the rise in tide for the given time of your expected arrival. On a 9 metre tide, for example arriving at HW you would have an available depth in the North Channel of 10.1 metres. The channels remain as shown on the Admiralty chart, though the channels may be subject to change. There are drying banks to the north of the North Channel 4.7m across Larks Spit 4.1m, and to the south of the West Channel 4.3m, as shown below.

Entry in to the River Brue, see illustration below, is indicated by the Brue Beacon, and leading marks on the far bank. Withies are inserted in to the sea bed to indicate shallow water. Mooring is available to visitors on the first set of pontoons. Water, electric, diesel, toilets, showers, clubhouse, available. Pontoons accessible between HW+2 and HW-1

From main channel of River Parrett observe edge of channel light named Brue Beacon, look for leading marks in to River Brue, be aware of mud banks. Withies indicate shallow water. Monitor depth at all times on entry.

Entrance in to River Brue from River Parrett - notice build up of mud bank inside entrance. River Parret channel marker light visible above. Entrance is constantly moving - entrance indicated by leading marks on opposite bank when entering River Brue. See sketch plan of leading marks above together with suggested course. Since this photograph was taken the channel has moved further away from the River Parret Channel Light. (Moved further to the left) Withies and markers are in the process of being re-laid. Please check depth constantly when entering channel.

Visitors will notice on entering the River Brue a series of red port hand buoys, these indicate the existence of a training wall in the sea bed, however this is covered with a bank of mud. If access has been gained in to the River Brue early, and the pontoons are not accessible it is possible to anchor in the main channel of the Brue, but care should be taken to avoid the training wall. Otherwise anchor in the River Parrett in the shelter of Steart Island, soft mud will allow all vessels to take the ground. In addition the chart shows 2.4m (MLWS) in the main channel opposite the church, however you should consider that Commercial ships still enter the River Parrett on occasions to the Port of Bridgwater and the navigable channel must not be obstructed. likely Shipping movements can be obtained from the Harbour Master.
email: harbour.master@sedgemoor.gov.uk
tel:+44 01934 822666
fax:+44 01934 823111
 

Club Pontoons in river Brue - visitors use first set of pontoons on port side - soft mud suitable for fin or bilge keel.

USEFUL REFERENCES

Admiralty Chart 1152 - Lundy and Irish Sea Pilot by Imray ISBN0 85288 448-6 - The Macmillan Reeds Nautical Almanac ISBN 0-333-80277-2

Burnham Tidal Heights LINK - BBC Weather Five Days - Inshore Waters by Met Office

WARNING

Neither the author of this site or Burnham on Sea Motor Boat and Sailing Club will accept responsibility for the accuracy of the information contained on this page. This is intended as a guide only, navigators should ensure their charts and almanacs are regularly updated. Due to the existence of mud and sand in these waters channels are liable to move.