NavList:

Brian Walton you wrote:  “Eventually, one misty night, he decided to go. Visibility, darkness, no stars, made no difference to him. He did it all by the sound of the waves. Approaching Bandar Abbas in darkness, I went forward to watch the arrival. The Captain was in the bow, listening to the waves splashing on either side of the entrance, and giving helm orders using his camel stick. Of course, the entry was perfect.”

Would that be the flood lapping against the mud/sand?  The tidal range near Bandar Abbas must be around 3-4m.  I experienced something similar myself going into the unlit Wintering Haven in the Upper Humber one still dark night.  I knew where the muddy spur was, and I could hear the flood lapping, but I’m afraid I dare not risk it.  I turned about and anchored off until daylight.  

What about waterfowl?  Were there any of those in the reeds to help locate him?  Between South Ferriby and Winteringham in similar conditions in failing daylight, you could sail up the gap (before it eventually was lost) between Reed’s Island and the mainland aided greatly by the disturbed calls of the waterfowl in the reeds to port while there were non to starboard.  DaveP