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52°26'.2N ~ 001°43'.8E
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Notes For Mariners
All attempts have been made in this section to ensure the accuracy of information
that has been given. The Sea Safety Group UK Pakefield Coastwatch cannot accept
any responsibility for any loss, financial or otherwise, that might occur as a result of
using this information. We strongly recommend that the contacts shown in this section
are checked to ensure that information has not changed.
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This
part of East Anglia is very popular with sailors from all parts of the UK
and Europe.
To the south of our station is the picturesque port of Southwold located just south of the main town and which is one of the most popular stops for sailors in this part of the country. Home to the Southwold Sailing Club which is located next to the Harbour Inn pub and restaurant as well as the visitor's moorings. Good Adnams ale as well as excellent food can be had at the pub. The entrance is restricted and has moving sand bars. Up to date information should be obtained from the harbour master prior to entering. The River Blyth also ebbs and floods very strongly and it is recommended that you enter and leave as near to high water as is possible. Three red vertical flashing red lights indicate that the harbour is closed and you should contact the harbour master if these are visible. Do not enter under these circumstances. If the harbour master is not available then ask for advice and instruction from the Coastguard. Southwold Harbour Master: VHF Channel 12 Tel. +44(0)1502 724712 (0900 hrs to 1700 hrs LT). To the north of our station is the busy port of Lowestoft. There are a number of sand bars in the area together with some shallow water which can become even shallower in strong winds. unless you are familiar with these waters we recommend that you use the main marked channels and approaches. UKHO chart number 1536 covers this area. As well as being a busy commercial port it is also the gateway to the southern Norfolk Broads which can be accessed through the bridge and Mutford Lock. The port handles commercial traffic and is well dredged. Information on current water depths can be obtained from the port control. There are a number of inner harbours as well as a road bridge which has a restricted air draught. If you wish to go through the bridge then this should be booked with the port control. The times of opening for leisure craft is restricted and should also be obtained from the port control. A waiting quay is available in the trawl dock although there is no access from this to the shore. The port has a light signalling system which must be adhered to at all times unless told otherwise by the port control. As well as the harbour entrance it also operates in the inner harbours, the Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club and for passing through the bridge. It is best to check with the port control if you plan any movement in the harbour. When you enter the harbour you should call the port control on VHF channel 14 when you are approximately two cables from the entrance. Lowestoft Port Control: VHF Channel 14 or Tel. +44(0)1502 572286 (24 hour operation). For those who do not wish to wait for a bridge there is the Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club located in the outer harbour. The club is housed in a unique building that was built for the club in 1903 and this alone merits a visit to the club. Although it is a member's club there are a number of visitor's moorings and it is a popular venue for cruising clubs from the continent. The manager, David Schonhut, has many years experience in the marine industry and he and his staff will always try to help with a mooring or advice and practical help if you have a problem. In busy periods you will be expected to raft. Visitors have the use of the clubhouse which includes 24 hour toilets and showers, two bars, a sun lounge, TV lounge and restaurant. The Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club: VHF Channel 80 or Tel. +44(0)1502 566726 (during club hours) web site: www.rnsyc.org.uk Oulton Broad Yacht Station Oulton Broad Yacht Station is situated on the River Waveney and is just off the A146, Lowestoft to Norwich road. Oulton Broad forms part of the Broads network and is a gateway to the North Sea through Mutford Lock and Road Bridge. Facilities at Oulton Broad Yacht Station: In close proximity to Oulton Broad Yacht Station there are a range of restaurants, public houses, hotels, local shopping and a frequent train service that runs into the town centre and the award winning South Beach areas of Lowestoft. When are the Facilities Available? Oulton Broad Yacht Station is very busy during July and August, particularly for Oulton week in late August, and therefore advanced booking is strongly recommended during this period. How to Book? ( 01502 574946 (summer) ( 01502 523470 (winter). VHF channel 73. Lowestoft Haven Marina Tel: +44 (0) 1502 580300
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Aerial view of the entrance to Southwold harbour
The entrance to Southwold harbour
Aerial view of Lowestoft harbour entrance
Inside the harbour entrance
The Club House of the Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club
The new ABP Haven Marina at Lake Lothing, Lowestoft
A view in the village
Oulton Broad yacht Station
Relaxing on Oulton Broad
Mutford Lock, the gateway toThe Broads
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Pakefield Lighthouse as seen by passing vessels
Background reproduced from Admiralty Chart 1536 by permission of the Controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office and the UK Hydrographic Office (www.ukho.gov.uk)