First row seat

June 28, 2007

Vollenhove - Elburg

When leaving Vollenhove we note that the water level must be about 1 meter higher than normal, as shores are flooded. Must be the abundant rain throughout Europe flooding into the IJsselmeer via the rivers, and the strong west wind blowing the water into the Zwartewater. At least our entry into the Ganzediep - our way to Kampen - will not create a depth issue. The first kilometers of this waterway through the Kampereiland can be rather shallow. However, once entered we face another issue - which makes me think whether this route has been a wise decision. The first stretch is only a narrow shipping lane on the low wind (east) side of the Zwartemeer. With the strong west wind blowing, it requires all attention and steering in order not to be blown on the shore. But we manage and arrive via the curving Ganzediep about noon in Kampen. There we drop our guest crew at the "stop & shop" quay next to the railway station.

We're on the IJssel again, following our route downstream, and face another exciting experience. With strong west wind on the bow and high current on the stern, the water in these few kilometers before the IJssel enters into the IJsselmeer is rather turbulent. I estimate the waves to be 1-1 1/2 meter high. Cómplice seems to enjoy, taking a dive every minute, and so do we, only the wipers have overtime with the bow spray showering the ship from bow to stern. This is only first exercise as we later on discover. My only concern is an article I recently have read about a skipper who had engine failure on virtually the same spot. Such because the turbulence mixed the diesel in his tank with some (condense)water in the tank - as he later discovered. I haven't looked whether my tank is clean since Cómplice was delivered last year, so I better do as soon as I have the opportunity!

In Elburg we go of course for a place in the inner harbour, but in vain - all places are occupied. So we return and moor at the long stretched quay alongside the entry canal to Elburg. There we see suddenly Prince Arthur again, at the brokers quay on opposite side. Our present Linssen flag proudly waving... However, we do not like this place to moor for the night. On our side of the water a busy motorway causes too much noise. Better we go outside again and search for a place somewhere outside, but let's just make sure and see again if we can't find a place in the inner harbour. When doing so, the harbour master is waving. He has a VIP-place for us, a first row seat, adjacent (or even partly amidst) the historic botters. Cómplice doesn't deserve less!