Ipswich - Docking
The Ipswitch Haven marina (see the photo taken by SY Suwena) is accessed via a lock (see details re. locking through below). If the HW tide prediction is for more than 4.5m, these gates will be closed and it will not be possible to go in or out. During big spring tides, it is, therefore, advisable to contact Ipswich LockControl (VHF 68) if you plan to enter or leave near the top of the tide.
There is a waiting pontoon on the west side of the entrance if needed. When in the marina and intending to leave, most locals will request lock-out before leaving the dock: occasionally it takes a few minutes to cycle the locks. There is also a waiting pontoon to the west of the lock, but local workboats are tied up nearby and it might be hard to see.
There are a total of five marinas to choose from in the area, as well as several anchorages and buoys on the way up the river. But, beware, most of them dry and East Coast mud is notoriously sticky! The river is also home to the well-known “Butt and Oyster” pub at Pin Mill, as well as several traditional sailing barges.
All marinas except the Neptune Marina have 24 hr access.
Prince Philip Lock
VHF 68
Call the lock before passing under the Orwell Bridge to request permission to lock through.
This lock can be found in two very different states:
(1) with the lock pontoon in, or
(2) with the lock pontoon out.
Because large warships, container ships, and tall ships occasionally use this lock, there is a removable floating pontoon inside the lock. The pontoon is necessary for smaller craft or moderately-sized yachts to tie up inside the lock safely.
Last updated: April 2016
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Related to following destinations: East Coast (UK), Ipswich, United Kingdom
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Posted on behalf of SV Proteus – Comments on Marinas in Ipswich:
RE: Fox’s Marina. Great marina, but is usually completely full even in the middle of the winter. There is also a pub on site and a hotel directly across the road. While access is available at all tides, some larger yachts (>40ft) might find it difficult to manoeuvre while the tide is out.
RE: Suffolk Yacht Harbour: New dredging operations going on there this winter. Occasionally docks will be out of service or moved. They expect the dredging operations to be complete before Spring 2015 sailing season begins. There is also the venerable East Anglian Sea School on site, which might be worth mentioning.
Posted on behalf of SV Proteus – Prince Philip Lock details:
Because large warships, container ships, and tall ships occasionally use this lock, there is a removable floating pontoon inside the lock. The pontoon makes it very easy for smaller craft or moderately-sized yachts to tie up, which is VERY necessary due to the intense surge while locking through. If you must lock through while this pontoon is out, there is almost no way for a small-ish yacht to tie up to the wall beside the bare chains that normally hold the floating pontoon. I would advise a copious number offenders and hold on tight: the water entering the lock can make the boat shift violently.
In winter 2014 we were wintering in Ipswich and this place is perfect for keeping the boat overwinter in the UK. Ipswich is located ten miles up the river Orwell and this makes it well sheltered even during the most fierce winter storms. We stayed in Ipswich Haven Marina that is located near the city centre. The supermarkets and many restaurants/pubs are all within walking distance.
For boat repairs and upgrades, we were spoilt by choice. After all, both the Oyster Yachts and Fairline boats are commissioned in Ipswich. Any kind of imaginable boat service company is available and local vendors are more than happy to visit the boat or pick you up for getting the business. The easiest is probably just to ask the marina office for contacts. For repairs, we can warmly recommend Fox’s Marina. They really made a professional job for us. There is an excellent chandlery as well.
Andrus
S/Y Suwena – http://www.suwena.net