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Although pretty much at neap tides the flows are still fairly significant on this leg so we planned our departure for HW Dover +5hrs (1230) on the tail end of the north going stream which would give us around 8 hours of fair tide / slack(ish) water. Our route would take us down the Stanford Channel, keeping east of Newcome Sands then down the coast keeping well offshore to ensure that Dunwich and Sizewell Banks didn't come into play. We planned to keep 1½M off Orford Ness before going through the Sledway channel only moving inshore when passed the SW Whiting SCM. Passing inshore of the Cork Anchorage area we would then join the Recommended Yacht Track into Harwich berthing at either Shotley Marina or Halfpenny Pier at Harwich.
The route was pretty straightforward and the tidal strategy worked well. For much of the journey we had a NE / E F3 which was perfect for one of the longest spinnaker runs of the trip. Although entry through the Harwich Channel was busy, the journey was fine and we managed to sail pretty much the whole way up to the confluence of the Stour and Orwell rivers. We tried reaching Shotley marina on the VHF and mobile without success, however given we were only planning a short stay after a quick look we opted instead for Halfpenny Pier.
We arrived at 2100 and were rafted out on the ferry berth (requirement to vacate by 0930) so we didn't venture ashore or check out what facilities there were. The pilot book advised that water and power was available although we couldn't see any signs of either. The harbourmaster was very friendly and as we were only staying a short time he charged us a reduced rate of £5.