Rye (Folkestone)
May 18, 2022
HM 185. Rye - a gem of an East Sussex harbour.
Set two miles inland, most sailors are unaware of Rye. The pilot book warns you of the dangers of entering the narrow entrance in bad weather, but fails I think, to encourage sailors quite enough to visit this stunning, unspoilt harbour town.
With only 12 HMs since 1850, and very unusually owned by the Environment Agency, Rye Harbour is a quiet maritime backwater. James Bateman's office, with commanding views up and down the River Rother, houses some historic artefacts, including a telegram to the HM announcing the start of WW2 and an order to extinguish all lights.
James, an ex Merchant Navy officer serving on cruise ships, says he owes a lot to the company that trained him - P&O. He explained to me that Rye Harbour is unique in that at low water, it has "no water", as the River Rother does not normally discharge into the sea. The water is retained for irrigation on Romney Marsh. The harbour is very spread out, stretching inland more than 2 miles, but he quietly manages an active cargo wharf and a busy fishing fleet.
He told me that 80% of visiting yachts are foreign (Dutch, German, Belgian and French). It seems they are much more intrepid than British sailors who prefer using "easy-peasy" marinas rather than much more interesting river berths. Maybe the photo of Good Dog in Photo 5 is what puts off the average Brit who is a bit precious about their boat?! Sailors - forget the mud and come and explore this stunning destination.
A writer once described how Rye "wraps you in history" - that is so true. In the 16th century 300 boats used to shelter from storms in the protected Wainway Channel and Henry VIII ordered supplies of fresh Rye caught fish for his Court. In some ways little has changed here - Rye still offers both safe protection and much to feast on. Thank you James and DHM Karl.
Note to Yachties - enter just before High Slack Water for an easy transit.
In case you wondered, we did pass Folkestone on passage to Rye, but it no longer has an HM. In the video I say "Romney" not "Rye" but I am not sure anyone watches the videos ha ha...
Set two miles inland, most sailors are unaware of Rye. The pilot book warns you of the dangers of entering the narrow entrance in bad weather, but fails I think, to encourage sailors quite enough to visit this stunning, unspoilt harbour town.
With only 12 HMs since 1850, and very unusually owned by the Environment Agency, Rye Harbour is a quiet maritime backwater. James Bateman's office, with commanding views up and down the River Rother, houses some historic artefacts, including a telegram to the HM announcing the start of WW2 and an order to extinguish all lights.
James, an ex Merchant Navy officer serving on cruise ships, says he owes a lot to the company that trained him - P&O. He explained to me that Rye Harbour is unique in that at low water, it has "no water", as the River Rother does not normally discharge into the sea. The water is retained for irrigation on Romney Marsh. The harbour is very spread out, stretching inland more than 2 miles, but he quietly manages an active cargo wharf and a busy fishing fleet.
He told me that 80% of visiting yachts are foreign (Dutch, German, Belgian and French). It seems they are much more intrepid than British sailors who prefer using "easy-peasy" marinas rather than much more interesting river berths. Maybe the photo of Good Dog in Photo 5 is what puts off the average Brit who is a bit precious about their boat?! Sailors - forget the mud and come and explore this stunning destination.
A writer once described how Rye "wraps you in history" - that is so true. In the 16th century 300 boats used to shelter from storms in the protected Wainway Channel and Henry VIII ordered supplies of fresh Rye caught fish for his Court. In some ways little has changed here - Rye still offers both safe protection and much to feast on. Thank you James and DHM Karl.
Note to Yachties - enter just before High Slack Water for an easy transit.
In case you wondered, we did pass Folkestone on passage to Rye, but it no longer has an HM. In the video I say "Romney" not "Rye" but I am not sure anyone watches the videos ha ha...