Trade-off

October 12, 2007

Maurik - Ravenstein: 7 hours

To us, winterizing is making a number of trade-off's. Should we leave Cómplice in the water this winter, or let her take on-shore? Definitely the first is a lot cheaper, because we can leave her in our club harbour without extra costs. But the ship faces all weather influences, and though such hasn't been the case last winters, with severe frost the ice might damage the hull. Next trade-off is, if we have the ship out of water, shall we let her standing on the outside, or let her shelter in a hall-storage? The latter is twice as expensive as leaving on the outside. But leaving outside still nature does its work. Another trade-off: we have several possibilities near Maurik to store (both outside or inside), but do we trust them? Several do not have strict regulations about entrance & maintenance inside the halls - which means that one's ship could suffer welding, polishing or painting neighbouring ships. After all these trade-offs we concluded to go for the familiar experience of last year, and make the choice for winterizing inside at Van der Laan Yachting in Maasbracht. The ship came out super clean, same as we left her, and very nice and thrust worthy people. Plus, close to Linssen, which is convenient in case there might be some repairs and maintenance.

Sarantina and Cómplice waiting at St. Andries lock

Our friends Brian & Ruth (owners of Sarantina - a similar 299AC) and Brian & Alison (owners of Dirk - a GS 380) - both also with home base Maurik - coming to same conclusion. Ready to plan for a threesome, three day trip. We did not fancy to re-do what we did last year - going upstream the Waal - taking ages with the strong current, and nasty barges (almost) pushing you inside the river dams when overhauling. So we planned for the long(est) way: at Tiel going just a few miles downstream the Waal, entering the Maas at St Andries, and further go all the way east and south on the river Maas.

Got you!

With a summer behind that hasn't been always kind to us on the weather side, this time full of luck. One of the most beautiful weekends of the season! Leaving rather early Friday morning (after having taken care to transport our cars to Maasbracht before evening), still with some damp. Lucky on another side as well. The Waal had been closed for 24 hours a few days before, because a ships collision causing the loss of a few containers with sweetener, and one till Thursday could not be found.

Heading for Ravenstein club harbour. A rather small - and therefore cosy - mooring, we experienced earlier this year. And with another major advantage: adjacent to the nice village with good restaurants, and with a direct railway connection. So our (additional) guests could arrive there easily next morning.

First day of our mutual tour was about sort of "collecting the troops". Sarantina had to come from Culemborg (where they had collected their guests), Dirk crew had to departure somewhat later because still to arrive with the ferry from England. Sarantina and Cómplice met on the Amsterdam Rijn kanaal, Dirk one hour behind, but catching up close to Ravenstein. Upfront we had agreed on the communication conventions via the marine radio - so going to channel 77 for the private chats most of the time (except of course when a need for going to the lock channel).

Threesome in Ravenstein

A good, relaxing day - with also all the luck with us with the locks-passages, four for this day. Taking every opportunity to picture one-each-other, three Linssen's in full action. Not liking the idea that end of season had arrived, but the nice tour sweetened the nearing goodbye!

Would you believe coincidence, discovering (which I did during planning phase) the little town Ravenstein having an English restaurant http://www.oxfords.nl/? Day ended in a wonderfull meal and good company with our overwhelmingly British team (7 out of 9), a British cook, and a lot of laughter.