After a dismal 3-0 defeat at the hands of Wolves, we abandoned play off hopes for Norwich City and turned our full attention to the summer's cruise. We would now be free to follow our schedule without having to plan around the football! The forecast for the next two days was fine and calm, and having spent much of Monday on passage planning we new that we could make the 50 mile trip all the way to Ipswich, arriving near high water. We decided to skip Southwold and Woodbridge this time - we would have other opportunities to visit these nearby ports at a later date. Our first challenge was to make our way down river from Brundall to start our passage, negotiating Reedham and Somerleyton swing bridges. Somerleyton had been having problems for several days, claiming that it was "stuck due to the heat" - as this was still only April we wondered how they would cope in some real warm weather. Today was no exception, and so instead of our planned exit from Lowestoft, we diverted to Great Yarmouth and made our way out to sea from there.

By 11am we were clear of the harbour and on our way south. Passing Southwold soon afterwards, we were joined by the Coastal Voyager, a RIB taking passengers on sea and river trips. They made good use of our wash to liven up the ride! As we approached the busy ports of Harwich and Felixstowe we crossed the deep water channel at the recommended crossing point and followed the small craft passage into the harbour. Once into the River Orwell we followed the clearly marked buoyed channel up to Ipswich, although we had programmed waypoints into the GPS as a back up.

There are several choices of mooring spots in the Orwell, from Shotley Point marina at the mouth of the Orwell and the Stour, and including Suffolk Yacht Harbour, Woolverstone Marina and the popular Pin Mill. Being lovers of civilisation and mod cons we headed for Neptune Marina which is in the converted Wet Dock in the centre of Ipswich, and surrounded by the ubiquitous marina-view apartments and waterfront bars and restaurants!

The entrance to the marina is through the Prince Philip lock which is on the starboard side of the channel as you head up river. The lock opened for us as if by magic as we approached but we noted a nearby waiting pontoon was available.

The marina staff were very accommodating providing a map of the area, and restaurant recommendations. We chose Mortimers Seafood Restaurant, sited in the "Old Sub Station" just next to the dockside.