The River Deben, or Woodbridge Haven as it is also known, offers around 9 miles of navigable water for any sailor intrepid enough to tackle the somewhat intimidating entrance. The River has no commercial traffic so could make a nice change when anchoring, not having to worry about passing ships..

There are historic towns and villages to be explored, several boatyards and many clubs. There are places where you can lie to your own anchor, pick up a mooring buoy, or one Marina at Woodbridge where the yachtsman or motorboater can remain afloat. For those able to take the ground there are untold places for drying out. There is much boating expertise in the area and plenty of marine specialists of all varieties. ... read more

There are gloomy warnings on the charts about the approaches to the Deben, with it's shifting shingle banks and bar.

The area should not be approached in conditions of strong onshore winds or heavy seas, as it is a mass of breakers. Even in benign conditions the ebb can obtain rates of 6 kn out of the entrance making entry impossible. It is futile to give any firm directions about the passage through the shingle banks and over the bar, as virtually every winter storm changes things (sometimes dramatically).

Thankfully things are not quite as bad as they may seem, and help is on hand from two directions. Pilotage Details: ... read more

As you enter the River and clear Horse Shoal you will notice on the other side of the river some moorings, fishing huts and boatyard. This area is called Felixstowe Ferry and once past the red can Horse Sand buoy, you can turn back on yourself leaving Horse Sand on your port side and approach these facilities from the North.

The boatyard at Felixstowe Ferry (01394 282173) may be able to find you a short-term vacant mooring where you can lay afloat. Alternatively it may be possible to find an anchorage to the north well clear of the moorings. ... read more