Brightlingsea Harbour has signed contracts for a new pilot boat.

The 29ft Seaward Nelson will work as a pilot boat, patrol boat and harbour launch and has been chosen partly because of its excellent sea keeping abilities.

Owen Evans,  the deputy Harbour Master at Brightlingsea said: “The Seaward 29 will fulfil the need for small commercial ports such as Brightlingsea to viably continue acts of pilotage without the need to spend the great deal of money required on a larger 50ft+ version that is industry standard for larger deep-water ports.”

The boat is being built by the Boat Development Company in Cowes, Isle of Wight.