Latest News Last Reviewed and updated 26th September 2023
Havengore Bridge cannot open (26th September 2023)
Once again Qinetic, who manage this whole area, have announced that the Havengore Bridge cannot be opened to marine traffic, this time following vehicle damage to its safety barrier. No timeframe for repair and restoration of normal service has been given.
Thames Barrier Test Closures (22nd September 2023)
You can access the latest schedule of test closures of the Thames Barrier, covering November 2023 to April 2024, on our Downloads page.
Deben - Ramsholt Harbourmaster changed again (5th September 2023)
In August we noted that George Collins, long-serving HM at Ramsholt, was in hospital and had retired from the HM job. His replacement was Richard Clarke. However it seems this was temporary and visitors needing a temporary mooring should now contact Ian Moore. Contact details for him are shown in our list of updates, via the Book Updates page. I'm told that new mobile number will now stay with the job no matter who does it. By the way, George is now out of hospital (Sept 2023).
Tollesbury Marina (4th Sept 2023)
If you are heading for Tollesbury and needing a visitor berth, it's best to call them on the phone, as we understand they are not able to handle VHF calls at the moment.
Raysand Channel (14th July 2023)
The marked Raysand route across the shallows north of the Crouch has been revised, with changes to buoys and to their positions. The details are shown in our Book Updates download, which is available from the Book Updates page.
North Foreland - beware pots (5th July 2023)
In ECP we do warn of badly-marked pots inshore around the North Foreland, but we have heard there are more than usual, especially near the Long Nose - so, beware!
Halfpenny Pier - 2023 hours (7th April 2023)
The hours when the Pier is manned during this summer (April-October) have changed - 0800-1100, and 1300-1800, with no difference during school holidays. These details are also added to the Book Updates listing.
Deben and Ore Entrances - new 2023 chartlets (28th March 2023)
The Deben and Ore entrance buoys have been moved to new positions, which are shown on our new chartlets available from the Downloads page of this website. The buoyed Deben entrance has moved north from the 2022 position, so the situation has completely changed. At the Ore entrance, little has changed from last year.
Suffolk Yacht Harbour (26th July 2022, updated 20th March 2023)
Further to the words below, we understand that many people have complained to SYH about the closing of the store in the chandlery, and that as a result a service will be restored in the near future. More details here when they are available.
Original posting - A number of readers have expressed disappointment at the closure of the small general store within the chandlery at Suffolk Yacht Harbour. Good news: visiting yachtsmen can pre-order food deliveries from Jen at the Harbourside Kitchen, the new cafe established on site by the gate. If orders are placed before 1500 hrs they’ll be available for collection from the cafe after 0930 the following morning. If you know when you’re arriving and want a food box ready for your arrival you can call Jen on 07786935472, or email her at info@harboursidekitchen.co.uk. Butchery products are prepared Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and all staples such as bread and milk are delivered daily.
Bradwell Marina - entrance channel tide gauge (3rd May 2022)
Thank you to an ECP reader who informed us that the tide gauge on the pole at the river end of the entrance channel is missing. We’ve been in touch with the marina who tell us it was knocked off by a passing boat and will eventually be replaced.
Canvey - available chartlets and diagrams updated (3rd Feb 2022)
The incredibly detailed and useful chartlets and diagrams of Benfleet Creek and the Rays have been updated again by Phil Bostock. As usual they are available on the Benfleet YC website.
Middle Sunk - warning (6th Dec 2021)
We don’t cover cross-estuary short cuts in any detail, leaving that to Roger Gaspar and his ‘Crossing the Thames Estuary’. He warns this week that the Middle Sunk crossing looks no longer viable unless extreme care is taken. Details at https://www.crossingthethamesestuary.com/page9.html, under ‘Week 50’.
Thames - Gallions Point Marina (2nd Oct 2021)
We are sorry to report that Gallions Point Marina is no longer trading. It was a family business, established and run for many years but the landowners intend now to redevelop the area. It was a very ‘different’ boating facility, not a place that would appeal to everybody, but it had its own character and merits.
Lowestoft - new Gull Wing Bridge construction (28th July 2021)
Mariners and Port Users are advised that construction work and marine plant activities related to the new Gull Wing Bridge are under way on the South side of Lake Lothing.
All vessels are requested to navigate with extreme caution when transiting this area, and to pass the construction site at slow speed to reduce the effects of vessel wash.
Please contact Lowestoft Port Control on VHF Ch14, Tel. 01502 572286, if further information is required.