Orford Haven

T

Tony Ryan

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Just entered Orford Haven in a 16 foot Winklebrig. Sailed up to Iken Cliffs and anchored opposite the church, no one else about and just enjoyed the solitude and the calls of the wading birds at dusk, magic! Entered at low water (neaps), so no nasty ebb, or so I thought. Discovered when I was on my way in, that the ebb was still running hard! Had everything up including topsail, and running my Honda 2.3 cranked up well, got through with a lot of bouncing about, but manageable, touched twice due to both boards being fully down, hairy but never felt threatened! Had to attempt entry at low water as I sailed with the tide from Ipswich.
The next day, on the way out decided to delay a little, went through at low water plus one hour, but still plenty of ebb roaring out! Had my bilge boards half down, and although a very rough ride, didn't touch bottom. The worst moment was near the Oxley red buoy, pushed sideways quite a bit, but more revs on the outboard brought me back in line! I would say that it's not for people of a nervous disposition, or those unable tighten their buttocks! Would I do it again? Not till next year 'cos the boat comes out next week!
TR
 
If you get the track right there is plenty of water, much more than the Deben. Had Thursday evening at Iken. Motored the last Half mile between the withes as early on the tide and the mud was showing.
It poors out of the entrance for a good hour after low water. The new flood prolongs this until the level in the sea has raised enough to turn the flow 180' to start forcing water back up river.
 
We've been moored in Aldeburgh for a couple of seasons but are moving elsewhere mainly because of the restrictions and compromises the bar imposes on passage planning.

It's way too rough for me in any strength of Easterly too - I've had a look from the Haven buoy and chickend out out twice this summer and gone back south into the Deben instead and add that to the buoys being seasonal it's not for us anymore.
 
i took some advice from a friend (i use that term loosley tee heee) and entered lw +2.5 on the flood, went aground on the shingle next to the beach, the channel was always very close to the beach, anyway it appears that i was well out of the channel, got off ok with a bit of ballast (wife and kids) shifting but it put the fear into me, i have always been through at closer to hw +/-2, think thats the way i am going to do it again, its a beautiful river and i usually enjoy going in and out but need to treat it with more respect no me thinks.
 
adamstjohn said:
i took some advice from a friend (i use that term loosley tee heee) and entered lw +2.5 on the flood, went aground on the shingle next to the beach, the channel was always very close to the beach, anyway it appears that i was well out of the channel, got off ok with a bit of ballast (wife and kids) shifting but it put the fear into me, i have always been through at closer to hw +/-2, think thats the way i am going to do it again, its a beautiful river and i usually enjoy going in and out but need to treat it with more respect no me thinks.
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I've grounded twice on the bar when the tide tables told me I shouldn't. It's not a happy thing to do sitting sideways with water sluicing past and wondering how long it will be before your rudder smashes itself to matchwood.

Needs great respect and perfect timing or a lot more engine power to cross against the stream than I've ever had.
 
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