Wet feet

For the past few days the river Rhine has risen with rapid pace. Always this time of year the river is flooding, but because of the large amounts of rain in south of Germany, this time the rise is abundant and rather early in season. Though the Rhine used to be a "snow" (compared to the Maas that always has been a "rain" river), currently nature of Rhine also is changing into rain volatile. Below some pictures taken March 8, which seems to be the highest level for this moment (looking at the levels upstream, water will be going down again for the next few days). River twice as wide at Wijk bij Duurstede
Extending outside its borders

Our homeport in the middle of the water

Where is the parking lot?

No entrance to the clubhouse

mooring possible but no land connection

Wading through

Skipper habits that matter

This post is about generalizations. I know there are (a few) exceptions on these generalizations (you and me), so no offense. Being a Dutch skipper myself, let's start with the Dutch.

Unfortunately the Dutch are not very well known for politeness, not in general and not in traffic. No exception for the waterways. Basic rule when approaching a lock is, of course, waiting your turn. Even, if it is not possible to wait-in-line, it should be first come, first in. But do not be surprised, if you have been waiting some time, and someone passing the full convoy of ships waiting and simply entering first! We once were in the line with our English friends when such happened - frankly no surprise to us, but our British-skipper could not believe his eyes.

We ourselves rest our case, when such happens. But sometimes others go after, and make the lock a battleground. We would not advice. Being on the water should be relaxing, after all. Just take the next turn. Sometimes the impolite try the same trick, with commercial barges (by the rule, they should be entering first, as they have the right of priority). Watching this happen, can be great fun. Imagine what a large barge can do with its propeller to a small yacht, being in the same lock!

Another basic rule is, when arriving in a crowded harbour to moor, one should be allowed to moor next to another yacht. Asking permission is a good habit, giving permission obliged. Almost suddenly adults start playing "hide & seek". When a potential neighbour is arriving, just pretend you're not there, this sometimes seems to be name of the game. Helping hand to reach for the lines - yes it is the rule that gives the "community-feeling" on the water. But not for all skippers, unfortunately. On the other hand, it could be the case that someone is mooring next to you, steeling your view, even when plenty of space is available on the quay. Just keep laughing and start a chat about the weather, a famous Dutch hobby.

Speeding with Bayliners is only allowed on very few places, most of them on wide parts of the large rivers (Maas, Rhine). So, on those wide parts, pass as close as possible. Such offers the largest fun with the waves and the small dinghies just passed by. Sorry folks, quite a few have Dutch or German flag... Remember the Netherlands have strict speed limits on the highways, so as prudent fathers we go to the Autobahn of our neighbours to see (and show) how fast we can go. We have experienced only the Italian skippers in the Venice laguna can do better.

Waving to each other when encountering another ship is a nice and pleasant attitude. Frankly such is not done with a middle finger up (we could not detect a flag, so no nationality offended). What about the English skippers that more and more can be found on the Dutch waterways. They are very polite and recognized as such by there British flag. So, sometimes simply by showing this, they are given way by other skippers, lock keepers and bridge masters. I think such is not fair! And, by the way, not everything in life is negotiable!

On Dutch waterways we do not have much experience with French skippers. Maybe we are just lucky. We have in France - but that is where you best can do as the French do (with a hired ship, of course). Just pretend the quay is not there, the bump will not cause too much damage to the plastic.

The Americans - some hire ships in Europe - are ok. They do it by the rules. As we once noticed an American crew member saying when she was supposed to moor with the aft to quay: "but this not in the book!". The Australians - yes, they can be found on European waterways as well, enjoying our cold and wet climate (seriously!) when sun is heating their desert - are used to a lot of space. As we once noticed them taking full length of the quay to dry their wet laundry.

Glad we have given our ship the Spanish name Cómplice. Never met Spanish skippers on Dutch or other European waterways. Only know Columbus. So probably they are the best.

Don't be frightened - all this happens once in a while, but of course it is just a caricature. Sailing and motoring on Dutch waterways is just big fun.

Next: Wet feet

PS Sorry to have forgotten our Belgium neighbours. Thanks for your cheap red diesel!