Harwich to Broads...

[Les]

We're planning a visit to the Broads from the Orwell on our coming week off. This will be our longest trip to date. Has anyone got any advice as to route, whether to enter via Lowestoft or Great Yarmouth etc.

Our boat is twin engined with a comfortable cruise speed of 20 kts. Draft is 1m and air draft 2.5m.

My feeling is to go in via Great Yarmouth (we'll go under Town Bridge at anything less than high tide) and thereby avoid the hassle of bridges and locks in Lowestoft. That said i'd be interested in any comments on Lowestoft Yacht Harbour or other moorings in Lowestoft just in case...

Any advice welcomed...

Thanks in anticipation,

Les

 

[eddieperkins]

Les,
Hi, The run up to the broads is relativly straight forward and easy, and at 20 knots should only take about two and a half hours.
I would go in through Lowestoft, bridges and locking are no problem. If you pop into Foxes or any of the other chandlers you should be able to pick up a free East coast yachtsmans guide with usefull pilotage information, phone numbers, bridge times etc.
I would plan to leave the Orwell around an hour after high tide and take the ebb tide up to Lowestoft which should get you there around 4.5 hours after high water. I would go outside of the Whiting bank and those to the north of Orford Ness. Make sure your charts for the entrance to Lowestoft are up to date and don't try to cut the corner to fine, otherwise the entrance is quite straight forward. You should be able to go in under the bridge at Lowestoft by the time you get there and through the port to the waiting pontoon for Mutford lock. If I remember correctly they listen out on channes 14, of you can phone ahead to book the lock. It used to cost £5 to lock in. You can then go to Oulton Broad Yacht Station just to port as you come out of thelock and there you can get your licence for the Broads and off you go. Lowestoft yacht harbour is, I belive, quite expensive.
Great Yarmouth is very commercial and has a fierce tidal flow. Not to sure of the height of the bridge but I think it is lower than the one at Lowestoft. They generally only open in the morning and afternoon. I would not like to lie alongside in Great Yarmouth harbour for to long.
For the most part you cna moor on the broads free but where there is a charge it is usually quite reasonable. I would reccomentd anchoring on the edge of Oulton Broad on a Thursday evening to watch the power boat racing, check the dates at the yacht harbour.
I have all the relevent navigational and recreational information on the trip and the Broads on my boat at Debbages so if you want to drop by for a chat give me a call on 01473 780138 and i can meet you down there on Sunday and run through it all with you.

 

[Les]

Eddie

Thanks very much for the information which I think will lead us to use Lowestoft. I have a contact number for bridges and lock and will find out opening times etc. etc. this week before we make our way up. We have a temporary Broads licence on the way to us... I didn't know that they could be obtained in Lowestoft.

Once we've made the journey i'll add any additional details to the very helpful information you have provided in the hope that others may find it useful.

In the meantime, thanks once again,

Les

 

[Guest]

Les.

Lowestoft is very easy to enter, just find the newcombe and follow the channel in the last red can bouy is slightly past the enterance round this and head for the south pier if coming in on the ebb turning thro when you can see down the channel to the bridge contact channel 14 and watch lights on south pier. the RNSYC entrance is on the left of the bridge channel costs about £17-18 plus electric., but has good showers and clubhouse. going thro the bridge up to mutford is staight forward the bridge opens at certain times during the day, contact mutford lock (Arthur) on 9 or ring thro the day before (number in almanac) he is a bit grumpy sounding but ok. the railway bridge will open to co incide with the lock if required, (14 feet) LW. Cost of lock is £6 and is a easy lock.
Oulton broad Yacht station is in front of you (Bob is HM) moorings under £10 for side to and electric.

Yarmouth is also easy keep well offshore when passing lowestoft and come in call on 12 the bridge will open around 10.00 and 16.00 ring before hand to check times again number in book 01493 335500???I think. they are very friendly and helpfull.
The two bridges will open for you the haven (1st) is low and will have a strong tide. travel up the river across breydon water to the berney arms or to reedham ferry (thro railway bridge channel 12) round the bend near chain ferry.

I will be around at Brundal or Oulton on Doffy princess 385 email me at shaunwh@hotmail.com if you want any help or just offering a G&T.
Shaun.

hello Eddie hows the barge??

 

[eddieperkins]

Hi Shaun,
Its up for sale, moving towards Norwich, possibly Brundal way. See http://www.boatsandoutboards.co.uk/php/display_ad.php3?rowid=1798&xreferer for details.
How is life on the Sean P, all well I hope.
Regards,
Eddie

 

[Guest]

Les

IMHO Yarmouth is the better bet. The Haven bridge opens at 10.30 and 1600 however with your air draft you can tie to the wall and wait for the right level, but please be cautious of the current which can pull 3 to 4 knots. chains and ropes hang from the wall to help with tying up, and once secure you can check the gauge which gives you the clearance under the bridge (this is located just before the bridge on the right hand side).

I presume that you will carry straight on up Breydon water, if you turn right you find a very low bridge which you could only negotiate at low water.

Good luck

PS I assume we will pass before long since we are planning to go from Brundall to Shotley then Calais.

Look out for Moody Blue