Sailing East England's Rivers – via North Sea from the Netherlands

The rivers of East England with its remote landscapes, picturesque villages, and rolling hills form a beautiful, if notorious cruising ground for sailors. On the passage sailing from Den Helder in the Netherlands to England via the North Sea, we experienced much stronger winds than predicted. After 132 miles, we arrived just right for the high water to enter River Blyth in Southwold. A few days later, we entered River Ore. The lower reaches pass through marsh land where birds live in a nature reserve. Next, we sailed to River Deben through its narrow entrance between shifting sandbanks. The beauty of river Orwell lies hidden behind the huge docks of Felixstowe’s container ship port. On a walk along the wide and shallow river, the occasional barge sailing up the river reminds of the centuries of trade via this route. The journey back over the North Sea from England to the Netherlands led via IJmuiden and the Nordzeekanaal to Amsterdam and the IJsselmeer.

00:36 Den Helder, Netherlands – North Sea
04:20 River Blyth, Southwold
05:56 River Ore
06:37 River Butley
08:00 River Deben
10:00 River Orwell
11:00 North Sea crossing from Harwich to IJmuiden

For expert content on East England's rivers:
– East Coast Pilot, published by Imray https://www.eastcoastpilot.com/
–‪@samingosailing‬, e.g.    • Sailing Solo 2024 The Thames Estuary ...  
– ‪@KeepTurningLeft‬, starting here:    • Suffolk Shallow Sailing Day 1  07.30 ...