THE LOCAL PILOT
The river entrance changes every year and depths can be shallow. The annual Trinity House survey takes place in March and it is essential to download the most recent chartlet along with notes from the East Coast Pilot site (www.eastcoastpilot.com); to arrive not more than two hours before high water and be ready to abort mission in strong onshore winds.
The entrance is well marked by the Orford Haven buoy (Lfl.10s) (though not lit) and is buoyed April to October.
Exiting the river against the flood can be especially challenging when passing the gap between the shoals off North Weir point where the tide pours through. A good engine is needed or calm conditions. Alternatively you could wait until the tide is slack. Exiting on the ebb is not advised.
Don’t anchor in the first stretch of the river Ore as tides run strongly. It’s also a water-skiing area.
When you reach the south cardinal buoy marking Dove Point (the end of Havergate Island) turn to port to anchor either in the Lower Gull or in Abraham’s Bosom (the deep water to the north of Dove Point).
The entrance to the Butley River is marked by a withy which should be left to port.
Once inside the river, the deeper water is to the west side. Shallow draught boats can stay afloat in the stretch beneath Boyton Dock.
Further up the river the water becomes increasingly shallow and is best explored on the flood or by dinghy.
Caution must be taken here in order to avoid disturbing the oyster beds.
MARINE FACILITIES ORFORD
Anchoring is possible in the Short Gull at the north end of Havergate Island but not allowed within the moorings. Visitors’ moorings are to the south of the quay. Apply to the Orford harbourmaster (07528092635/ VHF Ch08 call sign ‘Chantry’). There is water on the quay and provisions within walking distance but no fuel. Landing just north of the quay is firm though muddy. The Orford Sailing Club (www. orfordsail.org.uk) is mainly active for racing at weekends and midweek during the summer. The pontoon can be useful outside of those times.
ALDEBURGH
Visitors’ moorings are available on the east side of the river, just below the Aldeburgh Yacht Club (www. aldeburghyc.org.uk/01728 452562), where there may also be space to anchor. Contact Upson’s Boatyard (01728-453047) or Aldeburgh Boatyard (01728 452019) for advice on mooring or other services, including diesel. Nearest petrol is available out of town from the Co-op at Saxmundham Road. Aldeburgh Yacht Club is open 0900-1700 during the season and offers facilities for visiting yachtsmen including a bar, showers and a landing pontoon. The friendly Slaughden Sailing Club (01728454335) is volunteer-run with limited opening hours.
Beyond Aldeburgh the river meanders and is mainly marked by withies. It’s possible to anchor between Cob Island and Old Brick Dock and the sandy beach at Little Japan (north side of river) is a popular picnic spot, though tide bound. There’s a pool under Iken Cliff where medium draught yachts can stay afloat at low water. Access to shore is limited. There are no facilities other than the pontoon owned by Iken Canoes (07979 517186) which is accessible to their customers at all states of the tide.
SNAPE
Shallow draught boats can moor against the quay at Snape Maltings though space is limited. Rafting up is fine when lying afloat but not recommended if drying-out. There are plenty of restaurants, pubs and other attractions. If desperate for fuel or provisions there is Church Garage (01728 688327) which has a mini-market 1.5 miles away.
CHARTS AND GUIDES
East Coast Pilot, by Jarman, Holness and Cooper, 5th edition (£23.50, Imray) www.eastcoastpilot. com for river Ore chartlet update East Coast Rivers Cruising Companion, by Janet Harber, 20th edition (£34.99, Fernhurst).
Imray chart Y2 Admiralty charts 2695, SC5607