Where can you liveaboard on/near the Orwell?

[MrCramp]

A retired mate of mine who has a 30+ft yacht on the Humber wants to move further South for a year pending a trip off through the French canals. Boat is a tidy steel job with a wheelhouse. He is fed up of not getting enough sailing in due to the conditions around the Humber.

He will liveaboard most of the time. Are liveaboards allowed in Ipswich at the Haven, at Fox's, Shotley or Levington? I do understand that he may have to keep his "head down" a bit but he is not the sort to draw attention to himself. Any suggestions appreciated. We are visiting likely marinas over the weekend.

 

[Tradewinds]

I think Levington (SYH) is too far out in the sticks unless he has his own transport.

There are people who have lived aboard over the winter at SYH - don't know what the official policy is.

 

[sailorman]

A retired mate of mine who has a 30+ft yacht on the Humber wants to move further South for a year pending a trip off through the French canals. Boat is a tidy steel job with a wheelhouse. He is fed up of not getting enough sailing in due to the conditions around the Humber.

He will liveaboard most of the time. Are liveaboards allowed in Ipswich at the Haven, at Fox's, Shotley or Levington? I do understand that he may have to keep his "head down" a bit but he is not the sort to draw attention to himself. Any suggestions appreciated. We are visiting likely marinas over the weekend.

a few in Fox`s some are forumites to boot

 

[Victoria Sponge]

There are liveaboards in Ipswich Haven. Good place to be as all amenities are within easy walking distance. There are also good marina facilities, including washing machines/dryers.

Easily the most convenient location of the marinas mentioned.

 

[Colvic Watson]

Plenty at the Tidemill in Woodbridge and further up the river at the Granary

 

[MrCramp]

Thanks for the replies. We will visit Fox's and Haven Friday/Saturday. My mate wants to be able to go sailing at short notuce, when the weather is right and he gets the urge so he doesn't want any tidal restraints at all. He is also paranoid about going aground and falling over when the tide goes out so I wonder if I will ever get him to visit me on the Deben.
Thanks all.

 

[Stork_III]

No problem at Shotley, provided boat leaves marina minimum of twice/year.

 

[Koeketiene]

No problem at Shotley.

On the down-side: you're stuck in Shotley.

If I were to be liveaboard in this area, I would prefer to be somewhat more sheltered and closer to civilisation. Ipswich Haven would be a good choice.

 

[BAtoo]

If I were to be liveaboard in this area, I would prefer to be somewhat more sheltered and closer to civilisation. Ipswich Haven would be a good choice.

Apart from the locking in and out most of the time, and several miles from the sea for a decent sail.......

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

On the down-side: you're stuck in Shotley.

If I were to be liveaboard in this area, I would prefer to be somewhat more sheltered and closer to civilisation. Ipswich Haven would be a good choice.

Although Shotley based myself, I have to agree with Guapa... as a liveaboard, the Haven would be a better option.

 

[MrCramp]

Just leaving home so we will have a look around. Weather looking good for this weekend. Thanks all.

 

[Victoria Sponge]

Apart from the locking in and out most of the time, and several miles from the sea for a decent sail.......

You can get a decent sail on The Orwell. Sometimes when the weather's not that good you're better on a river than at sea IMHO.

 

[Colvic Watson]

I agree, in the winter the Orwell will be much less busy and a fun place to sail - better than the open sea. In the summer the Orwell is very very busy

 

[Leighb]

I agree, in the winter the Orwell will be much less busy and a fun place to sail - better than the open sea. In the summer the Orwell is very very busy

The Orwell is a desert compared to the South Coast, I agree it can get a bit busy at weekends, but during the week it is pretty quiet, and if you go round the corner into the Stour you may see few other yachts.

 

[Colvic Watson]

I've never sailed on the south coast; nothing wrong with a busy river, just surprised at how busy it was.

 

[sailorman]

I've never sailed on the south coast; nothing wrong with a busy river, just surprised at how busy it was.

Lotsa Mt moorings on the Orwell this w/e so some folk have laid-up already

 

[Leighb]

Lotsa Mt moorings on the Orwell this w/e so some folk have laid-up already

They were probably never occupied! Almost all of those near Levington on the Northside of the channel have been vacant this year, and MDL at Woolverstone had a lot empty.

Wards moorings however at Pin Mill have been almost 100% occupied, they must have been offering far better value for money.

 

[DoubleEnder]

Haven

For liveaboard, especially over the winter, go to Ipswich. It is sheltered, it is decent value, it is about 15 minutes waljkto a main line station, and you have all the amenities of....Ipswich. But seriously, youve got shops, cinema, bars, service providers like banks, err lawyers, dentist, doctor, engineers, B&Q. It is just a proper working urban community.
The lock has a longish free flow so getting in and out is cool
The staff are/were very nice friendly and professional

Definitely best on the Orwell. I dont know about Burnham, or maybe Essex Marina?

 

[MrCramp]

Well we had a good look around over the weekend.

I got a rollocking from my mate who pointed out that he is not a true liveaboard as he is now back home cutting hedges and doing routine maintenance, but he does spend more time on his boat than off it!

Got good receptions at Fox's, Shotley, Debage and Levington but we were made exceptionally welcome at Haven Marina.

I would prefer Haven but my mate wants to sail most days of the week so he fancied Levington, because of the easy access with no locks and he will be able to have his sails up in no time. I suspect he will berth on a monthly basis and see how he finds our spot on the East Coast.

Thanks for all the info.

 

[wingdiver]

But seriously, youve got shops, cinema, bars, service providers like banks, err lawyers, dentist, doctor, engineers, B&Q. ?

And accountants!!!
http://www.highfieldstrand.com