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C r o s s i n g F


rom the the famously treacherous Doom Bar at the mouth of the River Camel in Cornwall, to the shifting sands at the entrance to the River Deben in Suffolk, bars are a feature of most coastal waters, so learning to negotiate them safely is essential. Often referred to as ‘river bars’, a bar may be found at the entrance of any relatively shallow river or estuary. They’re formed by a build-up of sand, silt, mud or other material deposited at the river or estuary mouth as a result of water coming downstream, the tidal ebb or a combination of the two. The build-up of deposits creates an area of shallower water where steep and dangerous waves can develop from even a gentle swell.


do your homework


A crucial part of passage planning is to research any port you intend to visit and to use pilot books or other resources to determine whether it’s safe to enter (or exit) in the prevailing conditions. Some of the factors to consider when deciding


whether or not to attempt an entry across a bar include: OIs the depth at the bar suitable for your vessel, particularly when considering the rise and fall caused by wave action? Remember the depth of water will increase on the wave crest but will decrease in the trough. You will need a greater safety margin under your keel than you might for entering a still water harbour.


Crossing a bar can be a hazardous part of any open-water expedition. Richard Falk, RYA’s Director of


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