Harwich works and navigation

[Hunson]

Well for the third year running we are going to be trying to get to shotley next week.

Very rough plan is down to bradwell on Monday and then set off 2hrs after low on tuesday upto shotely.

In my original planning last year my run into harwich I was going to be following the bouys in to shotley spit on the landward side.

Now with the exclusion area for dredging I am a bit unsure what way to approach.

Based on an average travelling speed of 3 knots, it will take us about 8 hours to get to landguard. This puts us on getting there about an hour before LW.

My questions are based on the NTM stating that we should make best possible speed, obviously the landware side would be a no go zone so that would only leave me running in the deep channel.

Do I sail in or make best possible with the engine?

Do we hang around outside for a few hours whilst the tide comes back in?

To say I am stressing about all that can go wrong would be an understatement even though swmbo says don't.

The fog over the last couple of days that has hung around walton breezing in and out of felixstowe (i obviously have too much time to watch the web cams) is concerning me also as the best cause of action to take should we be confronted with a fog bank which may then envelope us before we can turn tail and run from whence we came.

All advice would be welcome and no doubt overwhelming to add to the list of other things that I am finding overwhelming. /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[alan17]

Boating is supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable. Sure it is as well to be aware of what problems may occur and have some contingency plans. As long as you are competent and have a well founded and prepared boat you will be able to cope.

It does sound however that you are getting very stressed. If that is the case you must ask yourself if you are overstretching. If so you will probably be too worried to enjoy the trip and maybe should consider a different plan.

If you decide to go for it relax and enjoy.

 

[Jomo]

Hi Hunson,

we brought Wild Otter round from Chichester a few weeks ago, with the exclusion zone excercising my mind. When we arrived, we, and many other boats just continued to use the yacht tarck. Obviously be aware of the extra works going on in the harwich area, especially movement of dredgers, and maintain a listening watch on 71 (Harwich VTS).
We have sailed in and out of the harbour on a number of weekends since, no probs, don't let the works put you off.

As for the fog, that's up to you /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[MrCramp]

This is a very pleasant trip in the right conditions. The winds are forcast to be southwesterly force 3/4, but that can change. You will start off going against the flood tide but once you have crossed the Colne Bar it is a nice run up the coast and you should then have the tide with you and hopefully the wind coming from a "friendly" direction.

I stay just offshore.There are plenty of markers to go past, Jaywick, Clacton Pier, Frinton and then Walton Pier before you approach the main shipping chanels. Then follow Jomo' advice and watch out for traffic.

There is no need at all to wait for any more water once at Harwich, you can get in easily at any state of the tide.

I am sure you will enjoy the trip.

On your return trip it does shorten the trip time if you can lave Harwich around Low Water and take the flood down the coast.

Good Luck.

PS If it does get foggy you could consider diverting into Tichmarsh in the Walton Backwaters. At least there is no fast moving commercial traffic!

 

[Hunson]

Thanks guys, can relax about the exclusion zone then, this has been my main concern for the past few weeks.

The fog has only been a concern for the past two days, as walton has seemed to be the only place that appeared to be covered continously. With Felixstowe having a couple of 3-4 hour patches of clear.

Our current strategy is that if we see it coming is to turn round and return whence we came.

Alan17, yes I plan to enjoy it, but with the weather having been so bad the last couple of years I am wanting it to be the ideal everything.

 

[exfinnsailor]

Yes it is a nice run up the coast .. Harwich entrance is not complicated at all .. Keep out of the way of anything big .. We used to go in and out quiet often until we moved to the Deben .. Still go back for a look .. You will find boats all over the place .. Nothing like you expect .. Through the entrance and you will see the RED Light Ships to port .. Turn to port into the Stour .. Watch out for anything that maybe heading into the Stour .. You will see Shotley to Starboard and the two poles which mark the channel .. The channel can be a little short on water so its worth a call on channel 80 .. The lock is simple even we have been in .. Plastic fenders both sides and cleats to fasten to .. They usually tell you which side is best .. They will give you a plan of the marina with a clearly marked line to your berth .. If you want a pub .. There is one on site or you can walk down the approach road to the ????? .. They do food .. Have a good sail up .. Dont get to stressed about the entrance .. Just follow everyone else .. We did to start with .. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[CPD]

The people at Shotley are very very helpful/friendly etc. Give them a call on 80 even if some way out and they will keep an eye out for you.