Latest News Last Reviewed and updated 27th November 2023
Great Yarmouth - Herring Bridge Commencement of Operation (27th Nov 2023)
Herring Bridge was brought into operation today, Monday 27th November 2023. This will affect all vessels who wish to transit from seaward through to the berths to the North of the Herring Bridge and the Norfolk Broads; and in the opposite direction from the Norfolk Broads and berths to the North of the Herring Bridge, through to the South of the new bridge or to sea. Further information on the bridge, Scheme of Operation, opening procedure guidance, bookings and other useful guidance can be found on the Norfolk County Council Website:
https://www.norfolk.gov.uk/roads-an...hird-river-crossing/herring-bridge-operations
Note: The bridge will remain closed to road traffic.
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.
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’.
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.