Sunset over the Deben

We are very fortunate, those of us who sail in the waters around Essex and Suffolk, in that there are some beautiful rivers and estuaries to explore. Of all of them, the River Deben is possibly the most attractive; but in the same way that a beautiful rose has its thorns, the Deben does have a sting in its tail. The entrance from the sea is a confusion of bluffs, a very shallow bar and cross-currents which tend to change year on year. It is said that the ebb tide can reach up to six knots; last week we encountered a flood tide of more than three knots at the entrance. If one is unfortunate enough to go aground in such a strong current, the boat could easily be overwhelmed.

But having run the gauntlet of the entrance, the river is picturesque and charming. We sailed up to Woodbridge and picked up a buoy so that I could row ashore to buy supplies. The supermarket staff were entirely unperturbed when I arrived at the checkout with a pair of oars in my trolley…

We then sailed down the river and moored off the Ramsholt Arms, going ashore for a brief sherbet before enjoying a curry on board. The picture was taken as we luxuriated in post-dinner contemplation of the world.

Sunset over the Deben