Brightlingsea is a traditional Essex sailing town on the River Colne. At one point oyster fishing was the main business on the river, and the smacks were built here at the Aldous yard. A few may still be seen either moored up in the creek or alongside the Colne Yacht Club landing. The town has a long maritime history and has Cinque Port status, a strange historical anomaly as the rest are clustered in a small group on the Kent coast. Brightlingsea is still a working port and there are plenty of facilities for yachtsmen, including two good chandlers, marine engineers and a yard. There are two sailing clubs; The Colne Yacht Club and the dinghyorientated Brightlingsea Sailing Club. Visiting Brightlingsea will probably involve coming alongside the pontoons in Brightlingsea Creek, these are in midchannel but there is a regular water taxi service to the Colne Yacht Club pontoon in the summer.

Telephone: 01206 302200
Website: http://www.sailingnow.com/mag/features/pilot/brightlingsea/index.html