4 Kidneys and a Wonky Leg

The River Deben has a very shallow sandbar at its entrance so we needed to have at least half tide to get in, which means sailing against the tidal stream to get there. Leaving at low tide also means having to follow all the channels making the journey longer, no cutting corners. On the plus side it was a following wind most of the way.

Off we went at 1100, a tad earlier than I’d planned but the water was getting a little shallow, and we were impatient to get on.

With just half a Genoa set, we sidled our way past Clacton, Gunfleet Wind farm and Walton on the Nase. Played dodgems with the commercial traffic at Harwich, and in a bit of a swell approached the River Deben. I was a little anxious about the amount of swell at the entrance so tried to get advice. Trying to get hold of the Harbour Master was a waste of time as he had switched off his phone. I eventually got hold of the assistant Harbour Master, and he happily answered all my questions, until I asked if there were any updates to the last published chart. He cheerfully replied he hadn’t actually looked recently as he’d retired last year! However he assured me it was quite safe to enter.

The entrance is only about 50 yards wide and at low water springs there is only 4 inches of water. We came in slow and careful.

Once in the river is wide and deep, a beautiful river. We picked up a bouy just off the Ramsholt Arms Pub

Trip 30 miles Total so far 251 miles.

We plan to stay here today to allow some strong winds to pass through. Hoping to move on to Lowestoft on Thursday.

The Wessex Kidney Patients Association is a charity that helps patients and their families deal with the upheaval caused by Kidney disease. If you enjoy reading our blog please consider giving to this cause . Many thanks Louise & Martin