Arriving at Southwold against an ebb tide

PhilS

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15 Mar 2012
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68
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Woodbridge, Sail from River Orwell on East Coast
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I am considering going to Southwold on Saturday. For domestic reasons it suits me to arrive after high tide (springs). Does anyone know when the ebb tide is at its worse (2 hours after HW?) Is there a good time to enter on the falling tide. Tilly is a 40ft sailing boat with a draft of 1.55m, and a 40HP engine. I should be able to fight 4 knots of tide but might struggle against the 6 knots mentioned in the guides. I know this is against the published advice but the weather should be benign. I have been there several times but have always arrived on the flood tide.
Is this reckless or just likely to be a little uncomfortable?
 

jimi

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19 Dec 2001
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28,663
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St Neots
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I've done it. Be prepared for a standing wave at the entrance and be ready to give it full power, once past the Dunwich river the flow eases.
 

stevebrassett

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26 Jul 2004
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3,562
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Herts
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I have entered Southwold on an ebb tide (not sure exactly what state of ebb). I would describe it as hairy, but not dangerous.
 
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