This cruising guide is written by 2024 YJA Young Journalist of the Year nominee, Jack Gore. Jack's family sail from Fambridge Yacht Haven onboard their Jeanneau Sun Odessey 40 and live locally to Essex. A sailor from the age of 5, Jack is an experienced boater having crossed the English Channel many times and has lovingly restored his own vessel, a Sun 2000 named Victoria. Jack has already written for Practical Boat Owner, and his dream is to become a Marine Journalist. Follow Jack's adventures here.
Yokesfleet Creek sometimes feels like somewhere near the end of the world; whilst only a few hours from Fambridge, your company often only includes birds, seals and occasional other boaters ‘clued-in’ on this scenic and secluded location. It can make a simple weekend getaway feel very special.
To the River Roach
To find Yokesfleet Creek itself, first you enter via the Roach - this is around 7.6 nautical miles down river from North Fambridge and our swinging mooring at the Yacht Station, and it is often a leisurely sail when helped by the outgoing tide. Entering the Roach is easily done by navigating past the Branklet Spit buoy, leaving it to Starboard.
Then it is a simple pootle up the Roach towards Yokesfleet Creek. The river does bend round towards the east around half-way there, so you can’t quite relax yet! It can get shallow on the eastern bank, so stick to the middle. You can keep sails up with ease down here, made easier with a northerly as opposed to a southerly; my cousin and I sailed down under spinnaker this summer, which was relatively exciting, especially when it got a bit narrower!!
Entering Yokesfleet Creek
You’ll find the entrance to Yokesfleet Creek on your port side as you make your way up the Roach; study your chartplotter to stick to the channel; the channel is relatively central within the creek, so you can motor either side of the speed limit buoy which is found at the entrance.
There is an underwater cable that runs in the channel: we’ve generally found deeper water is to the far side of this.
Drop the hook
Now, you’ve made it this far – time for the anchor and chain to emerge from the locker. Aim to anchor relatively central, perhaps slightly to the western bank. The holding is very good there and we’ve never dragged in all our years visiting: so, once the engine is off and the anchor is bedded in, pour a drink of your choice, enjoy a sky of watercolours and watch the seals play in the mud, just a few hours from your berth.
