News Update
General Topics
- Representatives of HASA, the RYA and local Clubs attend half yearly meetings
with Harwich Harbour Authority and Ipswich Port. These act as a conduit
for local problems to be discussed and are most useful. It is encouraging
to note that incidents involving leisure vessels and commercial shipping
are few. The main problems are those of speeding by motor vessels particularly
in the Orwell, together with the use of jetskis and water skiing for which
there is a designated are below Levington. The speed limit of 6 knots is
often exceeded without heed to the needs of navigation. Incidents within
Harwich Harbour Area are very few according to the latest reports
- Damage to moored boats. There have been numerous reports of damage to
moored yachts. This has been particularly prevalent on all rivers including
the Orwell and Deben. If you see an incident where damage has occurred you
should take steps to note the time, nature and details of the offender and
let either Deben Watch
or the Ipswich Port or Harwich Harbour authority know. Some damage is
of course accidental but still entails cost to put right. Alternatively,
our web site lists the representatives of the many Yacht and Sailing Clubs
in the HASA area ( Aldeburgh to Walton). An email to the nearest Club giving
information would be most helpful.
Harwich Harbour, Orwell and Stour
- After an approach by HASA and due to the generosity of the Harwich Haven
Authority, the Deputy Harbourmaster has agreed to lay a new seasonal yellow
pillar lighted yacht racing marker buoy, named Shotley Horse which is north-west
of the main Shotley Spit navigation cardinal mark in position: 51º57’.32N;
01º17’.46E (WGS 84) FL (4) Y 10
This is particularly for the use of yacht clubs who stage racesfrom the
Orwell to the Stour and vice versa but is also to be used as a leisure
vessel navigation mark to keep yachts out of the deep water channel.
HASA is grateful for this additional seasonal mark which will enhance
the provision of yacht racing within the two rivers but also hopefully
prove to be an additional safety factor for cruising yachts
- Halfpenny Pier is only available for visiting yachts from April to October.
See Notice
to Mariners for the latest news.
- Yachts are asked to report jet skis and water skiing infringing the Orwell
and the Stour unless they are using the designated area off Collimer point
near Levington. The speed limit in the Orwell is SIX KNOTS
and the Harbour Master Ipswich has posted signs at the Lock and at neighbouring
Marinas.
- The Maritime Coastguard Agency (MCA) are getting involved
in the monitoring of fishing gear in shipping channels and the RYA has recently
published a very good article concerning incidents involving yachts and
fishing gear. Further information along with an incident report form can
be viewed on the RYA website at
www.rya.org.uk/cruising
Deben, Alde and Ore
- There have been several instances of dinghies, RIBS, trailers, outboards
and equipment being stolen from various locations on the Alde, Ore and Deben.
Yacht and dinghy owners are reminded that their hulls and equipment should
both be locked and marked. Yachts can be 'implanted' with an identification
'chip' to assist in identifying stolen vessels. Further information on Deben
Watch can be found at debenwatch.co.uk
- Ramsholt - after a formal application to the East of EnglandRegional Government
Office, the rights of leisure sailorsto use the Hard at Ramsholt have now
been confirmed and the local estate cannot now apply charges as previously
threatened.
- River Deben Speed Limit - Suffolk Coastal
District Council have recently re-published their 'Water Recreation Guidelines'
including a very useful diagram showing the speed limit for the various
sections of the river. To download a copy of the speed limit diagram click
here
NOTE:
To view the diagram and to download any of the other documents referred
to on this site, Adobe Acrobat Reader is required. If you do not have a
copy, click on the Adobe Acrobat Reader logo to download a free copy of
the software

A new website has been set up providing up to date information
on the Deben and Ore entrances. Further information can be found at www.eastcoastrivers.com
Cruising to the Near Continent - 'Schengen Agreement'
- There are some simple rules to follow when sailing to the near continent.
Spot checks are increasingly being carried out and you can be fined for
non-compliance. Click
here for further information.
Wind Farms