Brightlingsea.... a world of it's own

Today was a good day, a very good day! After a disappointing and expensive stopover in a marina near Harwich we set off today hoping for better, we weren't disappointed! We had fabulous blue skies and virtually no wind. We maintained approx 8knots all the way round and although we encountered lots of yachts were now more prepared for it. We were particularly excited about visiting this place as it is right next to one of our favourite scooter rally sites - Mersea Island. We have many great memories from Mersea and have formed many of our most important relationships with great friends there. To visit this area by boat is probably one of the things I have dreamed about for some time.
We left Harwich at approx 8am, amongst the ferries and the sailing boats. We followed two Dutch sailing boats out - I wondered if they were on their way home? If so I hope they have a safe trip.
We followed our course around the coast passing Clacton and picked up the channel for Brightlingsea. It was amazing, boats just seemed to appear from everywhere! Every possible type, from sailing yachts to motor yachts and the historic Smack boats. There were water skiers, jets skiers, canoeists all enjoying the water. The atmosphere was electric. It did make it a little hard to concentrate on radioing the Harbour Master to find out where we needed to go however. That being said we got through really easily and managed to get a great mooring no problem. We have the best seats in the house, right at the entrance to the Harbour, it's our turn to be spectators! Today there has never been a dull moment, we have watched various different people on various different small motor vessels being towed back in from sea, watched the small sailing yachts tacking through the harbour barely missing each other - a few not quite moving across in time and catching their heads on the boom! As the vistor pontoons are not linked to land we have been across on the water taxi for provisions and a quick beer at the local hostelry - we were thirsty! Followed by more time sat watching the boats come home to port for the evening. This is one of Englands secret gems, if I can i'll definitely come back. It's been a fabulous day..................