Up the Colne to Alresford Creek 

It's been over 50 years since I've seen the blackwater and Brightlingsea. I was once a student at Earls Colne Grammar School, and I'm still trying to recover from it. Ah, memories. I lost my own boat - a 31 foot trimaran - in a hurricane in Mexico and never sailed again. But once a sailor, always one. Good narration - no "um"s or "err"s. Good job, amigo-mio.

“Pioneer” is a wonderful story. Her hull was a wreck, raised from the mud twenty years ago, and the vessel was restored by enthusiasts who raised funds locally. She is now operated by a charity, a regular sight with youngsters - and also adults - gaining experience of the sea. Enjoying your vlogs! New subscriber. 🎉

I sailed in my late teens on the Crouch, now 78. Seems so long-ago racing job with lifting centre plate often sailed in the mud, wined up the plate and tack away. I remember mud fights parents not to happy with a smelly teenager

I needed inspiration to get my sailboat sorted out and your videos are so relaxing and beautifull that it gets me going again! I 'only' need to sort the electricity, masts, rigging and engine ....

It may have been windy but you have a great sea, no slop and not much in the way of a running sea either. I'd have probably needed a reef but I've got a smaller boat. Mind you, it's videos like this that remind me why I no longer have an engine, what a racket!

Really enjoyed watching this…..will look forward to the next one.

Quite a few years ago I returned from a 20 month wander in the Med and looking for somewhere to Winter (live a board) I ended up on a swinging mooring almost alongside the Oyster Sheds at West Mersea. The lovely sunset and Curlew calls brought back happy memories, but the cold wind off the Estuary and rowing ashore to the landing stage through thin ice took a bit of getting used to after the Greek Cyclades Islands. It's a lovely, interesting area to sail, I look forward to more of your videos.👍

I like your style. I've never sailed on the sea (I know this is the River Colne) although I am a member of an inland sail club. I've recently bought a Leisure 17 as a starting point for sailing the sea. I like seeing videos like yours as a source of learning, thanks.

Really enjoying your videos Toby. I started this year with a trip to Bradwell from Foxes up in Ipswich and ended this year with a trip to Bradwell and took my daughter along for the ride. Lovely marina where we were made most welcome by the staff and the folks in the restaurant both evenings. Also enjoyed your video about the trip out to sea, reminds me of my first trip in the smaller boat, its an interesting experience for us inland and lake folk!

Hi Toby, Just got your vids up on my YT page. Enjoyed them both. Like how you include a bit of commentary about what is going on and how you have a nice laidback attitude. I hope to see more of your trips in the future. Keep on keeping on.

Used to be a swing bridge for train to Brightlingsea Bridge supports still in situ. Good path of old railway with good views..

Good stuff Toby, Wholesome, honest adventures! enjoy!

My local river (I sail, row & paddle out of Wivenhoe)! Next year I plan to sail our (new to us) 17ft “cat boat” (see video on my channel) out of Brightlingsea, so will have a to keep eye out for you on the Blackwater and Colne. ⛵️👋

Hello Toby.. I sail my Enginless 44ft fishing Smack close to the Molliete all the time and have only ever run aground of Waldergraves.. Watch that place as the spit of mud and shingle is building further out into the river...

Hi Toby Done the same trip earlier this year on my little Topper topaz from point clear, very peaceful stretch of water. Although I did have a steady F2-3. Thanks for the video!

New subscriber enjoying your channel. Would love to see a boat tour...

Hi, Toby great video! Also great to see my local area featured! I’m based in Swale Marina, Conyer. Which plotter/chart is featured in this vid?

Okay I have a couple of questions.... 1 where are you?.... looks like the UK but not sure and don't pick a UK accent 🤔... 2 why do you keep your vessel in a marina? It is easily trailable and cheaper to do so 🤔🤔🤔 what does it cost you to keep it in the marina? Otherwise keep it real and a huge thumbs up 👍 from me

Good turn of speed under motor what engine do you have..

Do you use an app for navigation or just old school maps? To be honest I haven't seen a 20 footer with an inboard in Australia either! I'm running old school a 1963 hood 20 she is a classic

At about 4:06 a reefing line gets caught, the sort of thing that can happen in a crisis requiring you to go forward and putting you at risk of slipping overboard. Also notice that you stand on the cockpit seats when hoisting sail, again risking falling overboard. If you are single handed it makes much more sense to wear a harness rather than a life jacket. I would hate it if you disappeared over the side because then we would miss these wonderful little videos.

On my last trip from Brightlingsea back to the Blackwater, we had about as much wind as you did on the way out! ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-DoeG-eTMjdE.html It's a lovely area for day sailing, though!