An armada steaming up

19 May 2009

Part 2

Right after our depart from Woudsend this morning we pass Harfie, the St Jozef vlet of Theo and Ada Winnubst. They are registered as participants for the Waddentour as well, but have decided to moor for the night at one of the Marrekrites (instead of in a yachts harbour), so create a better opportunity for their dogs to have their morning run. We feel a bit relieved. Together with Harfie, we are the smallest Linssen's to cross the IJsselmeer and enter the Waddenzee. So if they can, we can. Sounds maybe odd, but we are still very aware - based on earlier experience - that one should not underestimate the nasty short waves of IJsselmeer, especially on the low (wind) side, we will be experiencing very soon. Though the wind is increasing, it is still no more than 4 Bft, but despite we start packing in crates all our 'loose stuff', from oranges & apples to the coffee machine and portraits around.

Very soon we enter the narrow canal through Workum, a pittoresk little town with its typical Friesian church tower, surrounded by six yacht harbours (mainly sailing ships) and quite some municipal mooring places along the sides. Amazing that the lock one has to pass before entering the IJsselmeer is as small as it is, just fitting our 2 Linssen's as it seems (on our return route, it is even more amazing how many more ships fit in!).

Harfie arriving in Hindeloopen

When we exit the canal Het Zool, just passing the dyke (pier), upon entering the IJsselmeer, with a view on our destination Hindeloopen, we suddenly have an amazing view on an armada coming. Our view through binocolars confirms: it is an armada of 6 Linssen's, steaming up! These are our participants taking the cross IJsselmeer route from Amsterdam. Almost together we arrive at Hindeloopen harbour, where have been made arrangements to find a mooring place close together. Most of us haven't met before, but sponteneously some bottles of wine arrive, as well as a beer tender. Linssen flag is put on top of the Smient of our tour leaders Sjouke Jan and Janny Dijkstra.

This afternoon we all have our walks through the tiny town of Hindeloopen, even visiting an old captains house, only to be used during his 'on shore/on leave' days. When at sea, his wife and family had to move to another, much smaller house at the outskirts of town. Those were the days!

Early drinks in Hindeloopen

By the end of afternoon we have our tour instructions and some (another) drinks. A very early rise tomorrow, taking advantage of the tidal streams. Walking back to Cómplice, the wind has increased to 5 Bft, and it looks like it will increase further. As a precaution we bring up the hood again.