2012 Summer Cruise - day 2

Early morning tranquillity at North Fambridge

It was a very early start this morning with the kettle on at a quarter to five. That which revives to individual choice and taste duly drunk, we diced into the showers on the basis that we might not get another chance for some time.

Back on board, some final sorting out was sorted out, the water tank topped up and the shore power disconnected. We were under way by 7:15, an hour before high water but a little later than I'd intended.
Half an hour later we had the Genoa set followed ten minutes later by the main. With the engine off once clear of Burnham we sailed on downriver.

Wake shot!

It wasn't to last however and by the time we reached the Whitaker Channel the wind had died and it was on with the engine. We motored all the way up the Wallet with a couple of abortive attempts to get sailing again along the way.

Rik had an hour or so off watch for a nap and then knocked out a round of cheese sarnies for a late lunch. It now being nearly 3pm and with little sign of the forecast strengthening breeze from the South West, we discussed options and laid a course for the Pye End buoy heading for Hamford Water for the night.

Sure enough, the breeze now started to pick up leading to a rethink and the decision to put her back on course for Orford. By now we were motor sailing and once we'd crossed the Harwich shipping lane, having slowed down to pass behind the dredger which was heading out, it was off with the engine and some proper sailing at last.

Spot the pot markers

Although the breeze had picked up and now continued to strengthen, far from being the perfect South Westerly, it was somewhat East of South and with a roly quartering swell and a roly quartering shifty breeze it was an interesting and at times challenging sail.

It was made somewhat more interesting for a while as we strained our eyes to spot the plethora of grungy pot markers littered all over Felixstowe Ledge. Granted the fishermen need to make a living but they are putting people at risk. I'd hate to try and make my way over this leg of the route in the dark.

Orford Haven safe (ish!) water mark

We arrived off Orford Haven just past half past six, about forty five minutes before high water. Perfect timing in fact. Given the sea and wind conditions I decided discretion was the order if the day and we dropped the sails close to the safe water mark at the beginning of the entrance channel and motored in.

A couple of big rolls made life interesting as we entered the channel including one that would have sent the Nav table flying if I hadn't got a foot on it just in time!


 Once into the river we were astonished to see our speed over the ground hitting 8 knots. Even close to high water there was a fair old current running.

Abrahams Bosum anchorage at sunset

We dropped the anchor at half past seven in 8 metres of water around the back of Doveys island. Coffee and dinner ensued followed by an issue of beer to the crew.

A locker quarrying exercise put approximately 9 litres of fuel into the main tank. We were motoring for 7hrs11m so, allowing for the main tank having been slightly overfilled the other day, we used approx 1.4 litres per hour.

We're about to discuss plans for tomorrow over the last of the beer ration then it'll be an early night!

 Track log for the day ...