OVERVIEW

This is a small drying harbour formed behind a shingle bank and situated at the mouth of the river Axe, close West of Have Cliff. Off the narrow entrance,there is a shingle bar which is liable to frequent shifting, thus changing the direction of the approach channel.The harbour offers access over HW for craft up to 8.5m LOA and 1.5m draft which can take the ground. Inside, the shelter is good and the basin is impounded by a bedrock sill. The following diagrams and notes are intended to summarise the necessary local knowledge.

HAZARDS OFF THE ENTRANCE

Shingle Bar: About 90m off the pear head, whence a channel normally runs SSW (NNE from seaward). This is variable, notably over Neaps with SW or SE winds. Least depth within the channel is typically about 20m seaward of the pier head, where the bottom is +1.4m CD.

Rocks: Old Pier Head Rocks to the West. To the East, The Haven Cliff Rocks forming the River Ledge.

Off Shore Winds: Conditions in the approach can be dangerous with moderate to strong on-shore winds, causing heavy breaking seas on the bar, especially with an ebb running.

TIDES & TIDAL STREAMS

HW -04455 HW DOVER (+0045 HW PLYMOUTH)

Tidal Streams Offshore: Stream runs East from about 2.5h before local HW to 3h after, then returns. Maximum set off entrance : 1.5 - 2 knots (Kn) on Springs; 1kn on Neaps.

Streams within Entrance and River: Entrance (Pier Head to Bend), Max. on Spring Flood 5kn (ave. 3.5 - 4kn). Neaps 2.5kn. Spring Ebb runs stronger (due to river flow and shorter ebb period), ave Max. 5kn, except after heavy rain when it may reach 8kn. Neaps Ebb av. 3kn. There is little or no HW Stand, especially on Springs.

PILOTAGE DIRECTIONS

GENERAL REMARKS:

Reference is made to the Plan and section Drawings below, particularly to note the following points:

1) The general direction of the shifting bar at the entrance.

2) The bend of the channel immediately inside of the pier.

3) The Fairway along the rapids, towards the wall.

4) The low clearance under the bridge (2m at MHWS), which forms the effective head of navigation.

5) Mooring basin impounded by sill of rapids. Least depth opposite Harbour House, where it effectively dries +1.6m CD.

6) Scour hole between the entrance bend and pier head.

7) Outside entrance: Least depth in the channel normally some 20m seaward of pier head.

8) From seaward, when water is close to top of sheet piling at side of pier head, there is sufficient rise of tide for craft of 1m draft to enter. Also, Alternatively, when the disused outfall (on the beach W of Axe YC) is covered, there is sufficient depth for small craft.

9) Normally a yellow spherical buoy is layed, in line with the general direction of the approach channel, about 300m SSW of the pier head (a position off the plan). This buoy has attached a small pick-up buoy and it may be used in an emergency as a temporary mooring.

ENTERING THE RIVER

General: Safest time to enter is around HW, when minimal flow. Strangers and those returning from cruising, are advised to arrive about 1/2 tide, check entrance and if desired anchorabout 400m WSW of pier head. On entry, have anchor ready and fender to starboard just in case.

SPRINGS

Before HW: It is possible (with draft > 1m) to enter -3h HW. Entrance channel and location of bar then clearly visible; also enough rise of tide whilst stream not fully developed. This should only be attempted in settled conditions.

From -2.5h to -1.5h HW entry is still possible, but with more care.

Coming into the approach channel, allow for Easterly set. Nearer to the pier, the full strength of the stream is felt; power to maintain steerage is essential (fast over ground, but necessary to avoid setting into the wall). Ease speed once inside bend. Then decide by which gap to enter basin; whichever, keep well uptide of down-river trots, and if turning in front of the bridge, keep well uptide. Once into basin, further reduce speed to make a slow approach to pontoon or mooring. Best to moor up stemming tide, unless stream weak and wind stronger.

After HW: In some ways easier entering from seaward, as the ebb is being stemmed. However, rate soon builds, by HW +1.5h it is some 2.5kn to 3kn. With an on-shore breeze, a confused sea arises; also danger of insufficient depth.

NEAPS

Entry before and after HW: In certain conditions it is possible to enter 3.5h to 4h before, through HW to 3h after. Again dependent on draft and weather conditions.

PROCEEDING SEAWARD

DEPARTING ON THE FLOOD

SPRINGS

Stream strength in the entrance is of prime importance. By -3.5h HW, there is sufficient rise of tide for the flood to creep in. This soon builds to max -1.5h HW. It is then to strong for lower-powered craft. On big tides, avoid this period. Leave either between -3h and -2h or after -1h HW. Depending on draft, it is possible to leave the basin -3h to -2.5h HW. Rule of Thumb: Once afloat, there is sufficient depth to clear the shallows within the channel. If overpowered by the stream near the entrance: ease down, maintain steerage and back in. Do Not Turn !

NEAPS

Again, when afloat, there is sufficient depth to leave. The strength of the stream is less of a factor. At mean neaps, a greater window exists: departure possible -3.25h HW. (However, during low neaps you may have to await sufficient rise of tide).

ROUTE

If very early, keep inside of the outer down river trot, then move across to the centre of the main fairway. Thence to off the wall butress; thereafter keep 5m to 8m off the wall. Approaching the entrance bend,keep to the wall side to avoid the back eddy behind the shingle spit (if caught, be ready to use plenty of helm on hitting the flood near the entrance). Abeam of the pear head, beware of the Eastward set of the offshore stream.

BASIN MOVEMENTS ON THE FLOOD

A back eddy sets up along the inshore edge from the slipway to the downstream protective toe. Remmber this when approaching pontoons or the slipway. Streams very quickly set onto trots and the bridge, so allow room when passind he Southern end of the trots (especially the outer two) and when leaving the slipway for the main fairway.

DEPARTING ON THE EBB

SPRINGS

All right to depart up to HW +1h, but then the ebb builds. By HW +1.5h, the stream is very strong, setting onto the wall, with overfalls outside. By HW +2.5h, there will be insufficient depth in the approach.

NEAPS

It is possible to leave up to HW + 3h. It is depth rather than strength of stream that is critical.

LOCAL "RULES OF THE ROAD"

Speed Limit: 5kn within the harbour limits - from entering the approach channel to the bridge and slipway.

Basic rules apply: Thus - Pass Port to Port / the overtaking boat keep clear etc. However, as a vessel proceeding with the tide has less manoeuverability, curtesy dictates that she has temporary "right of way". Therefore, the boat stemming the tide is the "give way vessel". Simmilarly, a boat constrained by it's draft to keep in the channel, has precedence and a shallower draft boat "keeps clear" (eg when along the rapids, by standing over to westward).

Before departing or when approaching the entrance, always look for other craft on the move and give way or signal as appropriate.

ROUGH WEATHER

Safety: The ultimate safety of a vessel and her people always depends upon the judgement of her skipper. Secure hatches, harness / lifejackets, fenders etc.

Outward bound: Prepare before leaving. "Batten Down" and remember - "You don't have to go !"

Returning: Considerations include:

Swell Height: Implications for reduction in depth and risk of broaching. Keep speed slow and look to determine "wave train".

Bar: Look first to establish gap. If the bar extends across the normal channel so that the approach will involve a turn, keep close to shoreward side of the barto avoid being driven onto the beach.

Use of Sails: Consider a small amount of jib to stabilise and , if needed, to provide power.

Contingency: If it is unsafe to enter, consider the forecast wind.

WSW thro' N to NE	Beer Roads provide a sheltered anchorage.
W of S thro' W and N to ENE	Lyme Regis, alongside the wall. If arriving off the Axe nr. HW, there will be time to make it in on the tide.
S'ly and especially the SE quadrant is Bad News	Go to Brixham (a decision preferably made before getting into Seaton Bar).