Heroic moments

June 29, 2007

Elburg - Huizen: 5 hours

The sheltered inner harbour of Elburg completely has hided a surprise we discover soon after we have passed the Elburg bridge. A strong blowing south-west wind, which gradually increases by the hour. As we listen to the daily weather news on VHF, they give force 7 for the nearby Lelystad. Though (or maybe even because) the Randmeren are rather shallow outside the shipping lane, the waves are terribly short but with increasing height. No problem for Cómplice, but once again the wipers have overtime for the remaining day.

On opposite site an increasing number of ancient botters with full sail passing by. They are on there way to historic botter days in Kampen, we have read about. It is a magnificent sight, to see them speeding with the wind on their stern.

At Bunschoten we see a large fleet coming, with a "kings ship". Despite I should stay at steering wheel, needing two hands with the strong wind, I grab the camera and can't stop shooting. In the middle of the botter fleet is the "Statenjacht Utrecht" leading the pack. As I learn later on this is a precise historical replica of an old VOC vessel http://www.statenjacht.nl/ The original dates from 1746, rebuilding it has taken 5 1/2 years as an educational & training project. The design of these "Statenjachten" - mainly used for luxury transport of VIPS in shallow Dutch waters - was based on the design of warships that conducted fierce battles during 80 year war against Spain. Quite some Dutch painters made their masterpieces, figuring those battles. Now I am just using my digital camera, and the approaching fleet still looks impressive!

We decide to be less heroic for today. With the strengthening wind and increasing waves, we decide not to follow our route to the Markermeer today - where we should take a route with side wind to enter Muiden - but to take shelter for tonight in Huizen. Like most other yachts.