West Mersea, Essex

180ยบ panoramic shot of West Mersea beach - the club hut can just be seen to the far left

Map overlooking the sailing area, and local information

Flat Water: YES

Wind Chop: Small

Waves: NO (and no shorebreak)

Beach: Shingle, muddy at low-tide

Wind Direction: NE-SW / W-N

Car Parking: YES, large (payed)

Toilets: YES

Cafe: YES

Nearby Windsurfing Shop:

Local Weather Stations:

West Mersea is located approximately 8 or 9 miles South East of Colchester. Access is via the A12 / A120 and the B1025. Cross the causeway onto the island and turn left rather than following the road to the right. Turn right into Dawes Lane when you see loads of brown 'tourist info' signs, then right again at the end of the road. Finally turn left into SeaView Avenue and follow to the beach. There is a small car-park on the right, opposite The Mersea Windsurfers hut, or turn right and follow the seafront to the large grassy car-park further West.

The beach can get pretty busy on a hot summer's day and there are restrictions on the locations allowed for sailboard launch. At low to mid tide there is a lot of mud exposed, together with very sharp mussel beds that will cut you or your equipment very easily. A bit of a sticky walk through the mud is necessary to reach the water, especially if you have a large fin. Definitely wear boots, and try to keep the mud off your kit! The sailing here is mainly flat water blasting and racing, but it is also a great place to learn your gybes or practice a bit of freestyle.

Launching area is shown by the red arrow. Click HERE for a better map.

Further Information

Don't forget to check the tide-times for The Strood in case the causeway onto the island is not passable.

The club has a Facebook Page which will provide much more information than here!
I've not actually sailed here for years, but used to really enjoy it when I did.

See the West Mersea Windsurfers & Kitesurfers FaceBook Page.

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