Ipswich to Woodbridge this weekend.

dolabriform

dolabriform

Well-Known Member
Joined
12 Sep 2016
Messages
1,917
Location
Kent
freewheeling.world
Hi all

I have just finished commissioning a Leisure 23SL in Ipswich which I need to sail round to Woodbridge, ideally this weekend.

It's just me and the missus who has limited sailing experience and neither of us have been over the bar before, so I was wondering if anyone had any advice ( I have ECP etc ) or if anybody would mind giving us a helping hand?

Obviously weather dependent.

Many thanks

David
 
First time each year we go over, we always ring John White first. Normally the day before. He always thanks us for calling him. We've never had a problem at all with the bar - but its good to check the details with the man in the know. He's the one that might pull you off if you make a mistake.
 
Contact details for the Harbour Master.
VHF radio
Call ‘Odd Times’ on VHF CH8
Phone
Call John White on mobile 07803 476621 or landline 01394 270106
or Stephen Read on mobile 07860 191768
Email
johnawwhite@talktalk.net
Mail
John White,
Knole Cottage,
Felixstowe Ferry,
Suffolk, IP11 9RZ
United Kingdom
 
Download the current Deben entrance chartlet, but the bar will have changed over winter, so phone the harbourmaster at Felixstowe ferry about the current state of the bar and position of the buoys, he's always helpful and gives very sound advice. You should be able to cross the Deben bar on a rising tide up to about an hour before HW at the entrance and still make it to Woodbridge on a rising tide. However I think the high tide times for this weekend are unhelpful for your trip as in order to arrive at Woodbridge in daylight you may need to cross the bar earlier at about half tide which you can do, but for a first crossing I think this may be pushing it. Tide times are ideal the following weekend. If you are going to the Tidemill look at their very useful tide information for clearances over the sill. Keep a good eye out for pot markers. Wrap up warm and take a large thermos of hot tea! Maybe this weekend, drive to Felixstowe ferry at low water to recce the bar. Work out the minimum depth you expect over the bar in advance and have the crew call out the depths as you cross, get worried if the depth drops below expectation. You need to be confident in the reliability of your engine. I agree the best option would be to take an experienced crew. Sorry if some of this advice seems a bit basic but you did say you are inexperienced. Best wishes.
 
dolabriform said:
Hi all

I have just finished commissioning a Leisure 23SL in Ipswich which I need to sail round to Woodbridge, ideally this weekend.

It's just me and the missus who has limited sailing experience and neither of us have been over the bar before, so I was wondering if anyone had any advice ( I have ECP etc ) or if anybody would mind giving us a helping hand?

Obviously weather dependent.

Many thanks

David
Click to expand...
Hi David, not available this weekend but would be pleased do the trip with you some other time.I have been sailing these waters many years and know the passage well.I do not know how to send a private message but if you send me one I will give you my phone number,easier to discuss by phone.
Bill
 
Basic is good and appreciated :)

I was thinking of crossing about 2 hours before HW (1730 on the 24th ) , which will be around 1530. Sunset is @ 17:23 and I know the Deben fairly well having spent the past year sailing her. This gives me about 2 hours with the flood to reach the Tidemill which should be plenty from my memory ( 1'40" was the last time I did it ).

Regards

David


debenbar said:
Download the current Deben entrance chartlet, but the bar will have changed over winter, so phone the harbourmaster at Felixstowe ferry about the current state of the bar and position of the buoys, he's always helpful and gives very sound advice. You should be able to cross the Deben bar on a rising tide up to about an hour before HW at the entrance and still make it to Woodbridge on a rising tide. However I think the high tide times for this weekend are unhelpful for your trip as in order to arrive at Woodbridge in daylight you may need to cross the bar earlier at about half tide which you can do, but for a first crossing I think this may be pushing it. Tide times are ideal the following weekend. If you are going to the Tidemill look at their very useful tide information for clearances over the sill. Keep a good eye out for pot markers. Wrap up warm and take a large thermos of hot tea! Maybe this weekend, drive to Felixstowe ferry at low water to recce the bar. Work out the minimum depth you expect over the bar in advance and have the crew call out the depths as you cross, get worried if the depth drops below expectation. You need to be confident in the reliability of your engine. I agree the best option would be to take an experienced crew. Sorry if some of this advice seems a bit basic but you did say you are inexperienced. Best wishes.
Click to expand...
 
Good luck David. I can't come myself, even if you'd have me after last year! On the other hand, you brought lovely weather, so you're obviously born under a lucky star.
 
I was at the Tide Mill last friday and I think the dredger pipe was across the entrance, it would worth checking if the entrance will be clear when you plan to arrive.
 
johnalison said:
Good luck David. I can't come myself, even if you'd have me after last year! On the other hand, you brought lovely weather, so you're obviously born under a lucky star.
Click to expand...

Hi John, your company would be appreciated at any time, however I feel my 23 footer might seem a little small to you ;)

Let's hope you're right about my luck with the weather!
 
debenbar said:
I was at the Tide Mill last friday and I think the dredger pipe was across the entrance, it would worth checking if the entrance will be clear when you plan to arrive.
Click to expand...

I was there last week and had a chat with Richard, they are hoping to have it clear by the weekend, but I'll double check on Friday. Otherwise it will be a muddy walk to the Anchor :eek:
 
LittleSister said:
Looks like it's going to be bloody cold next weekend. Wrap up warm!

Just looked at Met Office Harwich forecast - Sunny, max 4 degrees, feels like -3 degrees with wind chill, F5 gusting F7, easterly (will make bar 'interesting'!).

If it were me, I'd be postponing for more appealing weather.
Click to expand...

At the moment with that forecast I'm inclined to agree. :(

I'm crossing my fingers it will change!
 
dolabriform said:
At the moment with that forecast I'm inclined to agree. :(

I'm crossing my fingers it will change!
Click to expand...

It doesn't look good for either day!
Untitled-1.jpg
 
1m, 5s mean wave height just offshore from the east forecast for Saturday and Sunday, even with a recent chartlet it would be quite exciting on the bar, probably breaking.
 
I agree with all the posts above, about the entrance and the weather. Easterly 5 predicted, will be most uncomfortable offshore, together with breaking seas on the bar. Your trip to Woodbridge should be memorable for all the right reasons. In my humble opinion, this is not the weekend to do it. Enjoyment not endurance!
 
Debennut said:
I agree with all the posts above, about the entrance and the weather. Easterly 5 predicted, will be most uncomfortable offshore, together with breaking seas on the bar. Your trip to Woodbridge should be memorable for all the right reasons. In my humble opinion, this is not the weekend to do it. Enjoyment not endurance!
Click to expand...

I agree with this and all the posts above. Trip cancelled for this weekend... now hoping for better weather on the 3rd!

Thanks everyone
 
All looking good for tomorrow now. I had a chat with John on Saturday, and he said he was going to check the buoyage this morning. Sure enough he tweeted an update this morning.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Other threads that may be of interest

geem
First 6 months with no gas onboard
2 3
Replies
41
Views
1K
Baggywrinkle
Baggywrinkle

Share this page

Top