One of the best reasons for visiting Lowestoft is the clubhouse of its local sailing club, and there aren’t too many places of which you can say that. The Royal Norfolk and Suffolk Yacht Club has everything you would expect from such a sonorous title, a series of large and gracious rooms, an Edwardian sun lounge, even a series of sepia tinted photographs of the visit in the early 1900s of HRH The Prince of Wales. The Grade II listed building is a superb piece of Edwardiana whose facilities, including cocktails and dining, are available to visitors to the adjacent marina run by the club. I don’t remember whether there was a manservant to lay out my clothes after showering, but there certainly should have been.

The other good reason for visiting Lowestoft is that it provides problem-free access and perfect shelter on a part of the coast where such things are in short supply. Approach from the north should be via Lowestoft North Road about a mile offshore and inside Holm Sand until you can make a direct approach from the N Newcome buoy. From the south, stay a couple of miles out until you find the S Holm south cardinal buoy and then head in on about 345º until you are opposite the harbour entrance which is well marked by the small white light houses on either side. A large and conspicuous building is now under construction just to the north of the entrance. Before entering, call port control on VHF Ch14 (or T 01502 572286) and take heed of the traffic signals on the south pier-head.

Once inside, to use the RNSYC marina proceed through the outer harbour until you come to the entrance on your port side. Berthing for visitors is on the outside of the pontoons which surround the inner basin where club members keep their boats.

Since mid-2008 the yacht club has had some competition in the outer harbour with the opening of ABP’s facility in the Hamilton Dock. To use this alternative, turn to starboard as you enter the harbour and proceed through the Waveney Dock into the Hamilton.

ABP also has a marina at School Road in Lake Lothing through the Inner Harbour. To reach this you need to pass through the opening bridge giving the harbour authorities 20 minutes warning on VHF ch14 or T 01502 572286 (for times see marina website) and then proceed about 2km beyond to find the Haven Marina on your port side. The situation is a bit scruffy but the pontoons are in deep water and there are all facilities.

Almost opposite on the other bank is the Lowestoft Cruising Club which also sometimes has a spare berth. If you want to visit, the club recommends reserving a berth with the moorings officer in advance.

Beyond the opening rail and road bridges at the end of Lake Lothing is Mutford Lock leading to Oulton Broad and beyond. Determined souls wanting to pass through and access the Broads need to make a booking (T 01502 531778), pay £10 and be prepared to wait.

Before leaving the harbour, call port control again and take heed of the traffic signals at the RNSYC exit and again on the south pier-head of the harbour.

Lowestoft itself is a working town which has seen better times, but efforts are being made at renovation and it has a certain charm for those with a taste for such things. Benjamin Britten, the son of a local dentist, was born here in 1913 on the Feast of St Cecilia, patron saint of music.

© 2009 Yachtpilot