Sailing out of Ipswich docks on a summers day you can hardly fail but to be impressed by the surrounding construction and changing skyline. Your attention is first drawn to the array of apartments now sprawling their way along the docks mingled with areas of cargo. Most of the docks now seem to have been taken over by residential construction though the industrial past of Ipswich is still very much in evidence and some of the construction is now concerned with conversion of the buildings into loft type apartments.

Seeing Ipswich and the countryside from the river is an eye opening experience and one that has you trying to keep pace as you move through the water. My transport today has got to be among one the most pleasant vessels available for charter on the river to date. I talk of the Jeanneau Deck saloon which is one of the latest new designs from the well known French boat builder. A new local company Sailing Days has purchased one for charter out of Ipswich for day trips and longer for both Corporate and individuals who would like to experience the nautical theme but with a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. Today my trip started at 10.00 in the morning and concluded at early evening. With plenty of food provided during the trip and no shortage of nonalcoholic drinks I have to say they made me feel really well looked after.

This particular day we went out to sea and along the coast a short way taking in the views of Felixstowe and the entrance to the Ore. We had some really enjoyable sailing and for those who would like to you can even have a go at the helm. Returning through the lock gates at dusk can surprisingly feel rather romantic with the little lights of the numerous restaurants lighting the quays and the many windows of the tall apartments still absorbing the remainder of the evening sun. It might not exactly be the Cote D'azur or even our more humble Southwest but it certainly made me feel quite special and ready to book another trip. For more details or a brochure then contact Sailing Days - www.sailingdays.org.