Ore Entrance

[Trident160]

Looking for a bit of advice regarding the Ore entrance this year. Our yacht is based at Aldeburgh and we're planning to go out through the entrance for the first time a week tomorrow and down to Harwich, going out at approximately 1-2 hours after low water. Boat is a triple keel Trident 24 with draft of 0.7m, should we be okay? Hopefully will have some local knowledge on board, is this a must? An exit near low water seems to make more sense with the tide helping us south, especially as our boat is no rocket ship, as long as we will have enough depth over the bar. Any advice would be really appreciated, as well as any tips for going down the coast to Harwich. Plan to explore the Orwell and Stour for a few days, any places we mustn't miss? Thanks in advance!

 

[Cantata]

I presume you've seen the chartlet from this year's survey? Available at www.eastcoastpilot.com/downloads.html

 

[Leighb]

We haven't been in the Ore this year, but have been past, Southwold to the Deben, only bit of advice is that the crab pots seem more prolific than ever this year, especially around the Deben area. Some of them are very well marked - no problem - BUT in between some of those are others presumably in the same line with nothing more than a small dirty ball or an empty milk bottle. A very sharp lookout is advised. We nearly got too close to one of the bad ones as I was focussed on the ones I could see clearly.

 

[Seashoreman]

Looking for a bit of advice regarding the Ore entrance this year. Our yacht is based at Aldeburgh and we're planning to go out through the entrance for the first time a week tomorrow and down to Harwich, going out at approximately 1-2 hours after low water. Boat is a triple keel Trident 24 with draft of 0.7m, should we be okay? Hopefully will have some local knowledge on board, is this a must? An exit near low water seems to make more sense with the tide helping us south, especially as our boat is no rocket ship, as long as we will have enough depth over the bar. Any advice would be really appreciated, as well as any tips for going down the coast to Harwich. Plan to explore the Orwell and Stour for a few days, any places we mustn't miss? Thanks in advance!

I am wondering what sort of advice you are after? I have been in and out of river a few times recently( moored at Slaughden, have a Leisure 23sl Sea Sharp with approx. 1 metre draft ). Keep to the middle of the river as a rough guide, the excitement starts near the banks off Ness Point, just hold your course, follow the Weir and Oxley bouys, looking back regularly to keep a straight course and turn south mid-way to Haven.
Head for Woodbridge Haven bouy keeping eyes open for lobster pots. Then head for Recommended Crossing Track for Yachts which you should have on a chart (between Rolling Ground and Platters) keep away from shipping and you will find yourself in Harwich. I would suggest approx. 5 hours.
It is always worth getting hold of a copy of Yachting Guide to Harwich Harbour and its Rivers published by Harwich Haven Authority and distributed free of charge.
If you are unsure of anything please PM me and we can talk. I am no expert but have sailed the area single-handed for many a year. I can recommend a few pubs?
Malcolm

 

[ianc1200]

My question would be what engine power you have? I similarly went out about 2hrs after LW early August last year, in a 24' Cornish Crabber, with a new Yanmar 2cyl 14hp engine; at times I thought we were virtually stationary, and it did take ages (perhaps 2hrs) to get from the Butley River out to sea, by the time we got to Felixstowe to go up the Orwell the tide was turning. I think about 2hrs before LW for next time I try it.

 

[Trident160]

Thanks everybody for the quick replies. Yes, have downloaded chartlet and everything for entering Harwich. Malcolm I believe we are moored very close to you at Aldeburgh, (our boat is Millie, dark hull, maroon sail covers). The Butt and Oyster is a definite, any others pubs worth a visit? We have a Yanmar 1GM10, will probably err on the side of 1 hour after LW, chartlet and tide tables suggest there should be enough water and should make more progress.