### Pilotage Plan: Harwich, GB to Woodbridge, GB#### OverviewEmbarking on a journey from Harwich to Woodbridge offers a delightful glimpse of the East Coast of England. This route is not only scenic but brimming with history, coastal character, and accessible ports of call, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned boaters looking for a charming cruise amidst natural beauty. ---#### Departure from HarwichHarwich serves as an excellent starting point, equipped with ample facilities for fuel and provisions. Before setting sail, ensure to check the tide times as the River Stour where Harwich is situated can experience significant tidal influences, impacting navigation through the estuary.**Day 1: Harwich to Felixstowe**- **Distance:** Approximately 7 nautical miles.- **Estimated Duration:** 1 to 1.5 hours.##### Points of Interest:1. **Harwich Harbour:** A bustling port with rich maritime history. As you depart, pass by the historic Harwich Redoubt and the old lighthouse.2. **Felixstowe:** Known for its extensive sandy beaches, this is a great place to drop anchor. You can find the leisure facilities like the Felixstowe Sea Front and the award-winning Gardens.##### Shelters and Hazards:Felixstowe provides a safe haven with its marina and harbor entrance. Be mindful of the shipping traffic, as this area is heavily frequented by larger vessels heading in and out of the Port of Felixstowe.---**Day 2: Felixstowe to Bawdsey**- **Distance:** About 5 nautical miles.- **Estimated Duration:** 1 hour.##### Points of Interest:1. **Bawdsey Manor:** Historic Bawdsey Manor overlooks the estuary and resembles a scene from a novel.2. **Bawdsey Quay:** An ideal spot for a picnic with views across the Deben.##### Hazards:While navigating this stretch, be aware of shallow waters as you approach Bawdsey Quay. Always keep an eye on your chart and depth sounder to avoid grounding.---**Day 3: Bawdsey to Woodbridge via the River Deben**- **Distance:** Roughly 6 nautical miles.- **Estimated Duration:** 1.5 to 2 hours.##### Points of Interest:1. **Deben Peninsula:** Beautiful views and an ideal spot for bird watching.2. **Woodbridge:** A charming town with historic architecture, the famous Tide Mill, and an array of shops and restaurants that welcome boaters.---#### Navigational Aids & Regulations- Be attentive to the **Green and Red buoys** marking the navigation channel in the River Deben, particularly as you close in on Woodbridge.- **Tidal Range:** The Deben experiences notable tidal variations. Knowing the tides will assist in planning your approach to the rivers and marinas to avoid any grounding.- **Local Regulations:** The area enforces no-wake zones in marinas and around sensitive wildlife areas. Observe all signage, especially when near residential zones.---#### Ports of Call and Shelter Stops- If bad weather should set in, Felixstowe Marina is an excellent shelter, along with Bawdsey’s quaint quayside.- Always have a contingency plan. The River Deben can provide shelter within, with options to find calm waters should the North Sea swell unexpectedly.#### Recommended AppsFor planning your trip and ensuring safety, consider utilizing:- **Savvy Navvy:** A fantastic app for marine navigation with up-to-date charts and features designed specifically for boaters.- **Navionics:** Great for real-time updates on navigational conditions.- **Weather Apps:** Having a reliable weather forecasting app on hand (like Windy or Met Office) is invaluable for keeping a continuous watch on weather changes.---#### ConclusionThis proposed pilotage route from Harwich to Woodbridge is perfect for leisure boaters, with inviting stopovers and sufficient navigational aids leading the way. Whether enjoying the sandy shores of Felixstowe or exploring the historic charm of Woodbridge, safety will always lead your experience on the water, ensuring a memorable adventure awaits just across the waves. Enjoy your trip and steer clear to safe harbor!