Man considers, nature decides

August 22, 2007

Rhoon - Dordrecht: 3 hours

Our plan for today didn't work out. Basic idea was to leave early, in order to take advantage of the land inward current of the incoming tide. As well as to arrive early in Dordrecht to enjoy the historic inner city and shopping area. With force 7 to 8 blowing south west however, such would not have been very thought full. Departure wasn't the main issue, the arrival would be.

Entry where the fire fighter ship moors

On our way from Biesbosch to Rhoon, we had passed Dordrecht already, offering the opportunity to have a close look at the entrance of the recommended harbour for mooring in this city; the club harbour of KDZR - the Royal Sail & Row Association of Dordrecht. On the east bank of the Oude Maas in this city, there are several possibilities to drop the lines. But clearly, this one is the best, located next to the most famous and largest church in this city. Right in the city center. Entrance easy can be found: where the fire fighter ship is moored (if not on duty of course).

One has to pass a bridge (the Engelenburgerbrug), but this is rather close to the Oude Maas, with the waves of the passing barges pushing into the narrow entrance - so no waiting for the bridge here is advised. One better could wait for bridge opening by staying on the river - not very comfortable with strong wind on the tail. We waited full morning, watching TV teletext message every hour to see if we could find a pattern by noted wind force on several places in the country. Early afternoon we concluded that upon our estimated arrival time in Dordrecht, wind would have slowed down at force 5. So we departed, but with current on the bow now and wind on the aft. It took about one-and-a-half hour longer than our route in the other direction yesterday. Arriving in Dordrecht almost just-in-time for bridge opening (the bridge to the yachts club opens every half hour), so no long time uncomfortable waiting. Good timing makes the difference!


At this time of year, several places to chose from. Such can be quite different in high season, the harbour master explains. It can happen one can walk from one side to the other via the ships decks, he says. Don't know if he is exaggerating. As the bridge opens only between 08:00 am and 06:00 pm, no early departure and late arrival here anyhow.

A Linssen (hardly) never is alone. Also the French flagged l'Argonaute found this place for a stop

One easily can understand why it can be very busy here. Coming from the north or east, Dordrecht is an ideal place for a stop. The harbour has very good facilities, located right in the center, is safe with a fence around - and surrounded by little restaurants, galleries and speciality shops. Want to sniff some culture? Dordrecht is said to be the oldest city of Holland (which, by the way is not the same as the Netherlands!), obtained city rights in 1220. Name comes from Thuredrith - which means place at the river Thure - which place first was mentioned in 1049. It has over 1000 monuments, of which the Grote Kerk (big church) with its not-finished tower is one of the most appealing.

We selected a mooring place right after the bridge, close to the church. However, one needs to be aware that close to the entrance/exit of the harbour, the incoming swell of the passing barges might be perceived as less pleasant. Looking at the menus of the restaurants next to the harbour, a local passing by advised us to go to fish restaurant the "Stroper" http://www.destroper.nl/. Indeed, we finalized this day with a superb meal in a very nice environment.