Stick to your course

24 May 2009

When we wake up this morning, the Serious Pleasure of André Suntjens already has left the municipal quay of Workum, where we together with 3 Linssen's remaining from our Waddentour pack have spend the night. André still has a long way to go to Roermond in the far south, but we have plenty of time with still a week ahead for our return to home base in the center of the Netherlands.

Beluga, Serious Pleasure and Cómplice at Workum

At 10:00 AM we release our lines, taking the opportunity of the opening slot of the bridge ahead of us, on a beautiful sunny and cloudless Sunday. We aim for the Marrekrite opposite Joure, where we spend a night a few years ago as well. Already this early morning it is rather busy with waiting lines before the bridges that all need to open before exiting Workum. Because of the long weekend and the beautiful weather conditions, it looks like everyone with something floating has taken the opportunity to start the season (if not done before). Obviously, some also need to recap the basic navigational rules. Especially in the small canals with manoeuvring sailing ships, one really need to stick to course. Though a basic rule is that a motorboat is required to give way to a sailing ship, such is not the case when a motorboat stays starboard and stick to its course. But not all sailing boat captains seem to know, or do not wish to know, so one better be prepared.

Especially the Johan Friso kanaal (an important connection between the lakes) is a mess, eyes needed on all sides, even though situation has improved with a brand new aquaduct (the Jeltesleat Aquaduct). Past years there used to be a bridge there, with quite long waiting lines in the small canal. Bet you some shouting and collisions on this particular spot.

But as said, we take our time, no hurry. With a calm pace, enjoying every minute, we arrive at 12:00 in Joure. Unfortunately no comfortable place at this Marrekrite. We expect however that later this Sunday, some ships will leave, so we find a temp place awaiting our chance. Within a few hours, we have, and enjoy Sunsett on our aftdeck on this quiet place.

Marrekrite Joure