DOWNLOADABLE SKETCH CHARTS by Jan Harber
Here we are at the beginning of the sailing season and as ever East Coast cruising sailors will be wondering whether those two tricky entrances, The Deben and The Ore have changed much over the winter.
Until a few years ago we relied on the Alde and Ore Association and Aldeburgh YC to produce their annual Guidelines and plan of the Ore entrance based on surveys done by John Pryor. For the Deben entrance we waited for the Small Craft Deliveries sketch plan (based on soundings done by John White and local fishermen at Felixstowe Ferry) to become available at chandleries and yacht clubs.
However, more recently much improved laminated sketch charts and aerial photos of both entrances have been produced and distributed through clubs, chandleries and marinas. And thanks to the efforts of Chris Woods and his eastcoastrivers.com website, these are now downloadable.
For the 2008 season the range of information available on this admirable website has been extended to include the approaches to The Walton Backwaters and, coming soon, Southwold Harbour.
Another fascinating new feature this year are the 3D views of the Ore entrance, including the illusive shoal patch inside North Weir Point, which seems to appear in some years and not others.
The website is well worth checking out particularly for the discussion group where much useful information sharing goes on.
Thank you for your kind comments, positive feedback on eastcoastrivers.com is always appreciated.
Wishing you great success with East Coast Rivers Cruising Companion.
Posted by: Chris Woods | June 04, 2008 at 10:30 AM