To Titchmarsh Marina via the River Stour

Day 1 - Mon 10 June 2013

Set off from Fox's at 10.00 am. Motored up to Woolverstone and called ahead to pick up fuel. As Woolverstone was having problems with their fuel bowser carried on up Levington. Into Levington about 12.00 am and took on 25 litres of fuel. Departed 12.30 pm, sailed up around Shotley Spit and across to Harwich Pier to take a look and then sailed off up the Stour. Picked up a bouy at Wrabness and enjoyed a late lunch. Had the Genoa out, but not for long! After a relaxed lunch sailed back up to Shotley. Entered the marina via the lock and had to initially reverse back from the lock entrance when we found it to be full. Berthed at 5.30 pm. Paid the marina fees and then settled down in the "Shipwreck" for an evening of good beer and food!

Engine hrs: 5.5


Day 2 - Tues 11 June 2013

Departed Shotley marina about 11.00 (waiting for the tide) and headed out of the Orwell/Stour estuary past Landguard Point and into the open sea. Reasonable wind from the east so hoisted the mainsail for the first time and shook out the genoa. Sailed across Pennyhole Bay towards The Walton Backwaters. Picked up the safe water mark and port and stbd markers without difficulty. Dropped the sails and followed a smaller yacht past Island Point NCM and up the tortuous channel around Stone Point. Straightforward after we got into the Walton Channel and sailed between the moored yachts. Entrance to Titchmarsh Marina is reputaedly the shallowest part but we didn't see less than 4 metres of water on a rising tide. Moored up in the marina and went to pay dues of about £20. Tested dingy out before going for a meal in the Harbour Lights restaurant on site. Went for a walk down by the river after meal and witnessed a fabulous sunset.

Engine hours: 1


Day 3 - Wed 12 June 2013

Waited for tide to reach 3m at marina entrance before leaving at 11.10 am (HW 14.51). Winds were building with forecast F5/F6 with F7 later! Minimum depth at Stone Point 3m. Flew back across Pye Sands at up to 7.5 kts as unable to reef genoa (winding drum kept slipping). Passed Levington at 1300 and back to Fox's by 1430.