Fox’s Marina, Boatyard & Chandlery: River Orwell Gull’s Eye

This prime facility at Ipswich is more than just a marina, boatyard and chandlery, it has a glowing reputation that stretches far beyond the shores of the east coast, writes Sue Pelling.

There are few marinas in the Ipswich area of the east coast as welcoming and convenient as the independently run Fox’s Marina & Boatyard at the top of the picturesque River Orwell in Suffolk. As well as easy access at all states of the tide (no lock gates), 100 pontoon berths, and storage ashore for over 200 vessels, this marina has extensive on-site yacht repair, refit and maintenance facilities, and a skilled workforce, which makes it a viable option not only for permanent berth holders, but also for visitors. One of the other prime attractions that Fox’s offers is its highly popular chandlery, which has a known is for its extensive stock and good customer service. 

Established in 1927, this marina has grown into a globally respected facility with over 2,000 repeat customers enjoying the convenience and top-class services its renowned for. Its refit and repair boatyard, which is key supplier to some of the biggest names in British yacht building including Oyster Yachts, Spirit Yachts, plus it maintains various classic yachts, and specialises in race yacht preparation.

Another reason this marina continues to attract a good following, and is a clear indication of how the business is run in general, is its comprehensive/transparent, and user-friendly website that includes everything you need to know before you get there, including berthing rates. 

Shoreside accessibility with the A12 just a couple of miles away, Stansted airport located within an hours’ drive, and a mainline railway station just five minutes’ drive up the road, means if you are considering basing yourself on the east coast either as a visitor or berth holder Fox’s is a definite consideration. 

When you arrive by yacht, you’ll find the layout of the marina has been carefully designed to ensure everything, including the facilities (washrooms, reception, fuel bay, and boatyard lift out travel hoist stations) are within easy reach. The onsite Outlook bar is also home of Fox’s Marina Yacht Club, and is the central social hub and a great place to relax for a drink or coffee.

Another benefit is the fact Fox’s Marina is a TransEurope Marina, which means that if you are a berth-holder with a minimum six-month contract in one of the TransEurope member marinas, you can enjoy reciprocal berthing benefits when visiting one of the 84 TransEurope Marinas, located across 11 countries.

Passage planning to and from Fox’s Marina

The busy commercial port of Ipswich is just upstream from the marina, so it pays to be aware of the shipping movements when entering or leaving. You will also find that the deep-water channel on the way up the Orwell is relatively close to the shore. Navigating to the marina from the mouth of the river, however, is straightforward enough if you stick to the buoyed channel which has lit markers all the way up to Ipswich. It is recommended to keep to starboard of the buoyed channel, clear of commercial traffic as much as possible, and be careful not to exceed the speed limit (6kts).

Keep a sharp eye out for shipping however (ahead and astern) and remember not to veer off course because the edges of the channel shelve steeply and sudden drop in depth, particularly at low water springs, could be problematic. Also bear in mind there’ll be a certain amount of heavy wash from passing ships. 

Berthing is allocated by the harbourmaster (on VHF Ch80 or telephone +44 (0)7515 051439). On the final approach 0.5nm beyond the imposing Orwell Bridge, look for the red can buoy (No 12 on your port side), which marks the entrance to the marina at Ostrich Creek, then head to either the holding berth, or the berth allotted to you by the harbour master. The fuel berth is immediately to port as the entrance channel turns to starboard.

Cruising ground

Being in such a central position along the east coast means there are plenty cruising options for short or longer passages. Once you head out the River Orwell the River Stour is ‘just round the corner’ to the south, and the picturesque River Deben, River Ore, River Alde, and places like Southwold up the River Blyth, further north along the coast. A favourite short hop (approximately 2nm downriver towards the mouth of the Orwell) is Pin Mill, a Thames Barge beauty spot which is also the home of fine waterside watering hole – The Butt & Oyster. Here it is usually possible to pick up a mooring but to get ashore you’ll need a dinghy a good pair of wellies!

The River Deben is a delightful place to cruise to, and the mouth of the river (Woodbridge Haven) is just six nautical miles from the mouth of the Orwell. The river is only about nine miles long but is pretty, and is free from commercial traffic. The shingle bar at the entrance shifts around, and can be intimidating, so it’s important to obtain the latest navigation information before arrival. 

Once in the river, head for places like Ramsholt, Waldringfield, and finally the historic town of Woodbridge, with its iconic landmark – the tall, white-clad Tide Mill on the west bank. There are plenty of mooring options with Tide Mill Yacht Harbour one of the most convenient for access to the town. 

The River Ore, which turns into the River Alde, is also worth a visit with places like Orford (Orford Castle), and Snape at Aldeburgh which is at the top of navigable reach, and home to the world-famous Snape Maltings concert hall. Here it is possible to moor up alongside the quay, although beware it dries out at low tide.

Fox’s Marina

Postcode: IP2 8SA 

Website: foxsmarina.com

Email: foxs@foxsmarina.com

Tel: +44(0)1473 689111

VHF: Ch80

Harbourmaster: Tel: +44 (0) 1473 689111 

or +44 (0) 7515 051439

Fox’s Marina Berthing fees

Annual berth – £344.57 per metre

Visitors – £2.70 per metre/per day

Electricity

Berth holders – Per unit 

Visitors – from £2 per day

Wifi: Free of charge

Fuel: Diesel on site

Local services

Chandlery: Tel: +44(0)1473 688431

Boatyard services: In-house, on site

Marine engineers: In-house, on site

Marine electronics: In-house, on site

Riggers: In-house, on site

Places to eat and drink

The Outlook Bar – on site

The Freston Boot – Tel: +44 (0)1473 780722

Suffolk Food Hall – Tel: +44 (0)1473 786610

The Butt & Oyster – Tel: +44 (0)1473) 780764

The Last Anchor – Tel: +44 (0)1473 214763

The Waterfront Bar & Bistro – Tel: +44 (0)1473 226 082

Mariners Restaurant – Tel: +44 (0)1473 289748

Provisioning 

Nearest supermarket:  Tesco or Waitrose

Taxi

Avenue Taxis – Tel: +44 (0)1473 888 888

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