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Great Yarmouth (River Yare)
Courtesy Flag
Flag, Red EnsignWaypoint
Entrance 52:34'.30 N 001:44'.70 ECharts
Admiralty 1543 Approach, 1534 DetailRules & Regulations
"Slow" Speed Limit, Maximum 7 knotsHazards
Narrow Harbour, Lots of Ship Activity, Outer Harbour works in progress.Tidal Data Times & Range
Haven Bridge Approx Dover -0200 Range Gorleston MHWS 2.4m, MHWN 2.1m, MLWN 1.0m, MLWS 0.5mThis site is designed for slower, roaming broadband connections, like you would get at sea, so it needs JavaScript enabled to expand the text. Click here to show the fully expanded version
General Description
Great Yarmouth is built on spit of land between the sea to the East and the narrow River Yare to the West. The port was based on the herring fishing industry but nowadays is very busy with commercial activity concerned with servicing and supplying offshore gas rigs and wind farm services. ... read more
Approach
This is another one of those places where you really will need up to date charts to tackle the entrance. Not only are changes going on regarding the new outer harbour, but the nearby sandbanks offshore are constantly on the move.
The Admiralty chart warns that in a 2004 survey drying heights of 0.3m are being recorded where previous charts showed depths of 12 m.
Approaches from the South will involve using the well marked Holm Channel, or perhaps if coming from Lowestoft using Corton Road and Gorleston Roads. Let the chart be your guide. Pilotage details: ... read more
Berthing, Mooring & Anchoring
It is a real shame that there are no more mooring facilities for the visiting yachtsman or motorboater below the bridge and near the town. What is available at present is a 50 m stretch of quayside just past the town hall on your starboard side and just before you get to Haven Bridge, which will need opening before you can pass under it. These berths lie about 2 miles upstream from the entrance.
A good look at the photos will show you that the quay consists of pilings and concrete, thus not being topside friendly. Fenderboards would be very useful.
The rise and fall of the tide is not that massive, little more than 1 m at neaps, and 2 m at Springs. The rate of flow however is considerable (4 Knts +) so any kind of lying alongside will need good spring ropes, and due care in the approach. If the tide is running hard under you beware of being swept into the lifting bridge. ... read more
Find local marine businessesYour Ratings & Comments
I confirm that stay at the bridge was for free.
I have transited GY twice, spending three nights there in the process. The first time I attempted to leave the
Broads system I was beaten back by heavy weather outside the harbour. I spent two nights on the wall
near the Haven Bridge and found it to be uncomfortable. The fender board I had was some 6 feet long but still
managed to catch on the piling.
The ladders up the wall are tricky and slippery.
There is a garage for petrol about a mile up the road to the east but it's a long walk back with a full outboard tank!
There is a Starbucks and a couple of fair pubs behind the Star Hotel. The Star Hotel itself was mediocre but I understand it is being refurbished.
The harbour staff and CG were very helpful and I wasn't charged at all. I believe this to be common practice for yachts entering or leaving the Broads system but may not apply to visitors.
My second attempt to leave the Broads meant another uncomfortable night on the wall but the trip to Wells was successful at second attempt.
Regards
Tony
