Wells next the sea

[Trevor144]

Anyone out there able to help with some info regarding the depths in the harbour at Wells. The charts, internet and pilot books do not offer much information about the actual harbour some good info about re entry but once in I want to stay afloat and draw 1.8m. I am planning a passage up the east coast mid September from Harwich to the Humber and would like to break the passage at Lowestoft and Wells quite flexible on dates so I can plan around springs and neaps which ever might be better all round.

If cannot stay afloat its the long sail from Lowestoft to Grimsby!

Any advice appriciated

 

[Spuddy]

Try a phone to the harbourmaster. May get answering machine but he phones back

 

[Trevor144]

Tried phoning friday morning spoke to admin who said would get HM to return call, still waiting for the call back! Tried email no response.

Got plenty of time will try again next week, thanks for the reply.

 

[MrCramp]

You just have to keep ringing the Harbour Master at Wells. You'll wait for the rest of your life for them to ring you back. Best ask what time is the best time to catch him in the office. Been there, got the T shirt!!

 

[leomagill]

Deepest water at wells is down at the south end of the pontoons, you will probably be pushing it for 1.8 metres though.
Well worth a visit as it's a lovely harbour.

 

[fergie_mac66]

thread here

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=259406&highlight=wells

not been in for 2 years or so but unless there has been a huge change there's nowhere in there with 1.8 at low water .

 

[DipperToo]

I went there last year and was moored at the end of the pontoon (town end). Mid way between neaps and springs and we had 0.8m and just touched at times with our keel fully retracted. Harbourmaster was very helpful for the entrance and mentioned that we had the deepest part of the pontoon!

Not sure what depth there is alongside the Albatross but I think same issue.

What about the newer outer harbour? Anyone know about depths there?

 

[Jomo]

We draw 1.45m, always grounded at low water, first visit against the albatross, she settles first then you follow, hopefully leaning slightly inwards. Second time on the pontoon, townend, outside of Habebty, still touching slightly but no probs.

1.8m you will be on the ground at some point, I'd plump for alongside the Albatross.

Don't know about the new harbour, think it's just commercial stuff in there

 

[chinita]

I called in to the HM office last week and asked if I would float at 1.52m - nope!

 

[Trevor144]

Harbour Master Reply

Got the following email from the harbourmasters office seems ok to moor up but will not float. Thanks for all the replies will proably give it a try close to neaps providing I can get in but I think as long as you stick close to high water will be ok

"Unfortunately we cannot guarantee that you will staty afloat. Fin keel
yachts are regularly moored alongside the vessel "Albatross" with 1.9/2metre
drafts. If you touch the bottom, your vessel will sink in enough to allow
the vessel to sit safely."

 

[alexrunic]

As previously mentioned plenty of deep draft yachts do moor safely at wells. An alternative but a little out the way would be Fossdyke yacht haven I'm sure if you spoke to David he would find you a sutible berth. One more option might be the waiting ponton at the cross keys swing bridge would be worth a call to wisbeach yacht harbour