All,
With school drawing to a close for the term, I am starting to look at my sailing plans. For the past 2 years, I have launched and stayed at Woolverstone Marina. I would like to keep launching there, as I usually launch alone and the slipway is nice and wide. I don't think I could confidently use the one at Suffolk Yacht Harbour the same way. It is much narrower and very steep.
I am considering mast-up storage somewhere over the summer (at least, during June and July) but it looks really expensive. I would also consider a mooring of some kind, but get a bit twitchy thinking about what can go wrong with that.
I am asking in general for opinions regarding the above and specifically for options around my preferred cruising ground. I do want to expand thought. I am based in Huntingdon and don't mind towing a bit further if it is worth my while.
Fire away!
David
David Claassen
"Logan's Run"
2006 26M
H David. You have two main options. Rivers or canals with mast down or sailing on the sea....or maybe the Broads. Talk to Rod Wassel about dry storage on the Avon where they put you in the water.
Towing is not a problem providing trailer is maintained. Once on the road you can go long distances easily so consider the Solent as plenty of short sails possible. Cardiff Bay inside the barrier in good for a safe start .
The slip at SYH is a bit steep but all the better if you are not using a strop. My memory is that they have a wire thing and a pulley so that you can have your pull vehicle on the flat. Why not ask them. Surely there are other slipways in that area? I'm pretty sure there was a slip at the lovely town near the top of the river Deben if not by the mouth.
Look up on website boatlaunch
Roly Simpson
Roly,
Thanks for all the informaiton. I have used the SYH slipway, but don't like the narrow steepness of it. I actually broke a winch strap coming off of it once. I want to stay in the East Anglia area mostly right now, but also really want to come down South for the MOA event.
David
David Claassen
"Logan's Run"
2006 26M
Hi David,
Roly is referring to Woodbridge at the navigable head of the Deben. Whilst TaiTai is at SYH on a berth, she was a Tide Mill Marina in Woodbridge for a while - I am sure they would offer mast up hard standing, but whilst are a discount (due to location) to SYH are still known as not cheap. The guys at SYH are very professional and might have a winch solution to use their slip as Roly says.
Up at Woodbridge at Robertson's boatyard is a slip I have used a couple of times. The angle of the slip is not too steep - both a blessing and a curse - great for the car, but you have to get the tide right and book your slot (not that they are that busy - but when you want it they are busy!) otherwise you have to drive into the river or put an extension rope from the trailer to the hitch on the car. Access to the yard is not the greatest and requires some skilled trailer skills.
Being at the navigable head of the Deben means that you have a couple of tidal gates being navigating the head of the river and getting the tide/conditions right at the exit to the sea where there is a bar. To go beyond the Deben is at least a two day trip, but the Deben itself is beautiful.
Either location with notice I should be able to give you a hand.
Best regards
Graham
Graham,
Thanks for the information. I just do not want to get into a rut with cruising grounds. Last summer, I did a bit of coastal sailing between Orwell and Deben...it was lovely. I am thinking of spending at least one night at Shotley's to be a bit closer to the sea.
I will certainly let you know when I am coming up. I really enjoyed sailing with you!
regards,
David
David Claassen
"Logan's Run"
2006 26M