MyLinssenExperience -Season 2012

Under control?

2012-02-19T14:53:00.001+01:00

February 2012

Quite a few of our Linssen friends from abroad (mainly from UK, Germany, Switzerland and France) and readers of this blog are (off course) floating around Dutch waterways in boating season only. You might not have a clue, whats going on on our rivers and canals in off-season period. Well, I can assure you that the water is still running from East to West, and from South to North.

A 90 tons drop

A lot of maintenance going on for locks & bridges, sometimes blocked during a few days. Obviously not all helps. For a long period, for instance, the Twentekanaal in the North was blocked. At Eefde lock one of the heavy, 90 tons lock doors (of type sliding up & down), decended unexpectedly. It just fell down due to a broken chain ! Fortunately without injuries and further damage, which is amazing because a barge just left the lock. Canal blocked and a few dozen of barges were stuck behind for more than 6 weeks, with indeed business damage for both skippers and factories (not being able to transport their products over the waterway).

Ice breaking on Markermeer

In January temperature felt like Spring and new boating season very near, as described in earlier post to this blog. But winter had a surprise, with a first 2 weeks of February being the coldest (for February month) since 1901! Which led, after one week of severe frost, to the national hobby of skating, and even to preparations for The most famous Skating Tour "Elf Stedentocht" (Eleven City Tour) in the province of Friesland. Due to this, canals were closed for all ships, especially in Friesland. For other shipping lanes, and even on the IJsselmeer, ice breakers were needed to keep the traffic going.

Culemborg: Where 's the water?

After two weeks of severe frost, another issue popped up. The threat that the ice would damage the locks and weirs in rivers (Neder)Rijn and Maas. After 10 days, such came to a decision to open the weirs (Driel, Amerongen, Hagestein) in the Neder Rijn and Lek. Can you imagine what happened? Early January water levels were rather high (see preceding post), but now the water run away to England (well, not quite, to the North Sea of course). At our homeport Maurik, and other harbours around (Wageningen, Vianen, Culemborg, etc) waterlevel dropped with about 2 meters compared to normal level. Ships still in harbour and not taken out the water, touching ground now, and damages to both ships (with ice around the hull) and the jetties which could not properly move up & down because of the ice.

Jump!

Preparations to do the same in the river Maas were made. One day before lifting the weir at Lith (lock Maxima), because of expected thaw, decision was cancelled. If not, water level at Grave was expected to drop with 4 meters.

Currently, now the frost is disappearing, several messages about ships sinking. Maybe because sealocks not properly made winter ready (so damaged because of the expanding water when defrosted).

No need to say, we're happy our Cómplice is high & dry in wintershed. Only 6 weeks to go before touching water again! I bet, by than, the frost will be under control.

Preparations

2012-01-11T15:28:00.002+01:00

January 2012

Though it hasn't even been really wintertime, we already are making preparations for this new season. Last year we had Summer in Spring, Fall in Summer, Spring during Fall, all time dry in November, all time wet in December, stormy in January. But no real Winter. So far...

Wet feet to step on the jetty

All sort of weather predictions for the new season, whatever they maybe worth. The most famous one in the Netherlands, the Enkhuizer Almanak, expects still some frost in February, but a very bright Spring and Summer season. We will have to take it as it comes.

We are already making our preparations for the new boating season. Less than 3 months to go before Cómplice will touch water again, according to planning. Before Easter, which is rather early this year. Hardly to imagine, looking at current waterway conditions in the Netherlands. Last week plenty of flood in the northern part of the country (provinces Groningen, Friesland) with forbidden ship movements, and closing of barriers. This week the turn is to the mid & southern part (provinces Limburg, Noord-Brabant, Gelderland), with high levels of Maas and Rhine. Closing of barriers too (even in the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal between Wijk bij Duurstede and Tiel), or the opposite opening of the barriers in the Rhine (for instance Amerongen). In the meantime some closings because of maintenance.

No parking today

Of course we had to have a look at our home port Maurik last weekend. Purely curiousity, because our Cómplice is "high & dry" in wintershed at Van der Laan in Maasbracht. Because of the flood, we couldn't even step on our jetty with dry feet! Skippers from abroad, boating in the Netherlands during season, hardly can imagine. All or most of the floods will be gone in a few weeks or months from now (depending how much rain & snow upstream Rhine and Maas, of course).

Because of early retirement, more time for longer boating this year. Not anything final yet, but we will take Cómplice to home port Maurik around Easter time. Planning and organising a month after the Linssen Owners tour, which will bring us to the borders of France (Charleville-Meziers). Such offers (at least) the opportinity to make the additional tour for the Maas-Moezel-Saar-Rijn circle. Preparations are part of the fun.

In this seventh season of this blog, we will keep you posted....

To be or not to be

2011-12-05T19:01:00.001+01:00

November 2011

With both our Linssen's we have visited quite a few harbors and yacht clubs around the Netherlands. Many times people ask us which ones we prefer, like we ask other crews. It is a bit 'dangerous' to answer the question, or to rely on advise of others. Of course, it all depends on what you are looking for, and even taking into account personal preference, some conditions change by the day. One day a mooring place is crowded and the weather is poor, the other day you will find a spacious place to moor under perfect weather conditions, which by itself creates a subjective assessment. In addition one needs to distinguish between the "purpose" of the mooring. Is the mooring for purpose of just "one night on the road" stop, or is the purpose to stay a bit longer and look/walk/cycle around?

Despite these 'blurring' conditions, I am tempted to provide our Season 2011 assessment as a summary of the blog contributions of this season. I have done so taking 5 criteria into account, and for now just looking at 'vacation mooring places' (which differs from the 'on the road ones'). These criteria are:

How welcome do you feel when calling the harbor master for a mooring place, and is he/she taking into account the dimensions of your yacht (don't be surprised, it isn't once we have directed to a mooring place to small for the width of our Cómplice, despite the fact that we clearly announce the 4.35 meters)
Is the mooring 'up to date', which means are facilities available which are convenient for today's yachts loaded with equipment (so, shore power with a max of 4A, and only one point of water intake are not; and, sorry for the word, only jetties with a load of duck sh... are not our preference)
Facilities like a supermarket and/ore nice restaurant(s)on walking distance or even as part of the harbor premises can be a plus; even if one uses board shower most of the times modern & clean harbor sanitary definitely is a plus (especially when having children around)
Which brings us to another criterium: child friendliness. Which means, is there a playground around, a safe beach, so they can play around by their own (of course under guidance) for some time (for a few weeks we our grandchildren Bram and Elise (3 & 5) joined our crew)
And last but not least, for 'vacation mooring places', one expects an environment worthwhile to walk or cycle around for (half) a day or so

Taking these criteria all together, one might ask the question: is value for money offered? Based on these criteria, our assessment for 11 yacht(club) harbors in and around the Zeeland area is as follows:

For third year in row Yacht club (WSV) Sint Annaland scores highest in our preference. It has modern facilities, part by part the older jetties are replaced by spacious new ones, a little beach adjacent for the children, an excellent fish restaurant at port (with superb view) and a supermarket on 5 minutes walk in the nice small town. Additional plus is the location just in between Grevelingen and Oosterschelde, which offers the opportunity to postpone the choice of your destination. One minus can be, when one stays during the 'fair week(s)' with noisy music in town reaching the nearby harbor premises. A tip: call the harbor master Kees (or one of his colleagues) before you arrive, so he has some time to see if your preferred place is available
The new Bruinisse harbour definitely is a close runner up, with brand new spacious jetties and mooring places, sanitary buildings, supermarket on harbor premises, childrens playing ground and safe swimming pool. Friendly and helpful people in the harbor master office add to the feeling of comfort. Despite it is a large port, it does not give the feeling of massive anonymity. Disadvantage: one needs to enter through Bruinisse lock into Grevelingen first before visiting, and it is not close to town
Yerseke and Veere are still recommended, especially when you are with adults only. But they have less to offer when you have small children with you. Of course one needs to visit mussle town Yerseke, and historic town Veere. But with the latter one, the high quays to climb, and most of the times 3-5 ships next to you, are a barrier for children

Mooring at Roompot Marina

To us, Roompot Marina, offered a very pleasant surprise. For the past years we ignored it. Partly because it is on the far west end of the Oosterschelde - which means you are not passing it, unless you exit to sea, so it is a vice-versa route - but also in our thoughts/perception it seemed to be too massive. Well it is large, but when you are lucky you can moor on the outside, guest jetty. We experienced a friendly welcome, it has a nice & safe adjacent beach and a supermarket on the premises
Burghsluis this year earned a downgrade. Though it is still attractive because it has preserved its old 'fisherman's style', the other side of the coin is that mooring facilities are average. Sanitary has improved (thanks to the renewals) but still this is no reason to make this harbor one the most expensive ones in Zeeland area
The most expensive harbor around the Zeeland area is Port Zeelande. Personally we don't think it worthwhile the price. It's massive, with cramped mooring places. It has all facilities, and a beach nearby. But an improvement of service mindedness of people around would make a change. We did not feel at ease
At Tholen we happened to arrive on the worst time of day. Which means with high winds, severe rain but above all on a moment which obviously wasn't very convenient for the harbor master. Such can be the only explanation why we were granted with the worst place for the size of our ship, despite we explained over and over it did not fit, and plenty of other places available

Mooring at Sint Annaland

Two other harbors - Hellevoetsluis and Middelharnis - are actually not in Zeeland, but in the province Zuid-Holland. Hellevoetsluis has a bundle of harbors - recommended is the starboard side one when you enter with modern jetties and good facilities - but a bit prison type gate closing, so not very free when you have children on board. Middelharnis is an old fisherman's harbour type mooring, worthwhile visiting, but can be fully loaded and if so, needing professional steering along the small canal

Of course, choice is yours, and even our choice can be different next time in Zeeland. Making the choice is a challenge, but even more so, it is a challenge for harbor teams to (further) improve.

Closing

2011-11-30T11:44:00.001+01:00

21 & 22 October 2012

Two weeks ago we have taken our Cómplice to Linssen Yachts for some aftercare and additions. Earlier this summer we had a new boiler but put adjacent to the old one (plenty of room in the engine room), the old one is taken out now. A Vetus bow & stern thrust modification done as proscribed by the manufacturer. Fixing a tap that got lose by use. Some spot repairs on the swimming platform. The anchor role needs some lubrication, as do the sidesteps on the railing. Also we like some protection of the side and stern steps with chrome strips. That kind of things.

A last night at Van der Laan

Now Cómplice is really ready for winter sleep. So we travel to Maasbracht, for the last few miles taking Cómplice from Linssen Yachts harbor to Van der Laan Yachting. Like earlier years, we feel a bit sad that season now really is over. After winterizing by Erwin Schuller, she will be craned by Harry van der Laan into the frost free shed. Though we can leave most of our belongings on board (last year not, because Cómplice stayed at Linssen for sometime in the showroom for the annual Boatshow), we again have our car fully loaded with things we like to keep at home.

Well, it's only for 5 or 6 months, but still... So we decide to stay for just one night. Nearly November, so outside temperature drops close to zero during the night. No issue at all, inside it feels comfortable enough. Final closing on Saturday morning. Goodbye!

Between brothers and sisters

End of November we have a quick look. We are in Maasbracht again for the Linssen Boat Show, and the Linssen Owners annual dinner. There she is, between her sisters and brothers, looking bright & shine, including her bottoms. Which need, by the way, some lick of anti-fouling on the nose on the place where she rests on the beach in Maurik. We will do so in March, before the new season starts.

For this season, just one contribution to this blog left. A summary of our preferred places in Season 2011. "To be or not to be".

Back to sleep

2011-11-24T14:03:00.001+01:00

7-9 October 2011

It's time to leave Maurik for winter sleep of Cómplice, frankly already a bit late in season. We will take 3 days for the journey to Maasbracht. Forecast expects a stormy, rainy and rather fresh weekend. Because we are steering inside not really an issue, but some sun would be nice.

For this journey we have company of Brian and Alison with their Dirk. They arrive this morning by ferry from England. The stormy weather prevents the ferry mooring in time this morning, so they arrive later than expected. At 11:00 AM the both of us leave Maurik. We take the Amsterdam-Rijn kanaal to Tiel, and than picking up the Maas via the Waal and St. Andries lock. Bernard Lock at Tiel is still open on both sides, and St. Andries lock opens right upon our call. So we have a prosperous first half of our tour. Till the Maxima lock at Lith. When we arrive the lock doors are open on our side. But when we call the lock keeper if we may enter, he... closes the doors. Obviously he has a sense of humor, which is not ours. Especially not, because the fierce wind doesn't make it easy to keep floating (which, by the way, some lock keepers don't like and direct you to the waiting jetty).

Side by side in sleepy Ravenstein

Our goal for today is the little yachts club at Ravenstein. Such also because this little, fancy town has a railway station. Such has made it possible for Alison to bring their car to Maasbracht, and return by train where we meet again (I have already taken our car to Maasbracht last night). We arrive at 17:00 AM, which is exactly the 6 hours we had estimated for this stretch, and complete the day with a nice meal in a local restaurant.

Entering Leukermeer with some threat above

Next Saturday morning we leave at 10:00 sharp. As planned, though Brian needs to eat his bacon & eggs behind the stearing wheel. We are the only one at lock Grave, which opens right upon our arrival. We have a smooth journey to Leukermeer to stay for the night. Quite a different view compared to Springtime with most of the moorings occupied. Now we are (almost) the only ones. On adjacent campsite people are busy to breakdowns their summer caravan tents.

Leukermeer: Not very busy this time of year

Sunday morning we have an unexpected fog. We can't leave at the planned time, which means that we have to think about a plan B. On Sundays the Roermond lock closes at 17:00, so if we do not arrive there half an hour before, we will not be able to realize our plan A: stay in Nautilus harbour in Roermond. Slightly after 10:00 AM enough fog has disappeared so we can leave. But in order not to stress all the way, we decide to go for plan B from the start: near Roermond we will take the Lateraalkanaal Linnum-Buggenum, where the lock does not have a time limit. In such case our destination will be at Van der Laan Yachting, winter sleeping place of Dirk and Cómplice. Though we have a prosperous journey with hardly any waiting time at the several Maas locks we have to pass, it is slightly after 5 in the afternoon when we moor at our destination for today. We have earned a good meal, which we enjoy at the Kolentip , with a view on the dark Maasbracht lock.

Monday morning Dirk stays at Van der Laan for winterizing. We take the few miles to Linssen Yachts for some aftercare of Cómplice. Before we fuel up at the bunker station, 335 liters at € 1,30/liter which is abouts 15 cts/liter cheaper than in Maurik. A quick calculation shows that with 450 engine hours on the meter, since inception of our ship the engine has taken 5 liter per engine hour. Which is not too bad, taken into account this season we have taken a sea route twice, and upstream river courses several times.

Season Final

2011-11-22T11:02:00.001+01:00

29 September 2011

From a climate perspective, season 2011 has been confusing, to say the least. Spring (April/May) behaved like Summer. Summer (July) behaved like Fall. And now, the forthcoming first weekend of October, forecast with 25C is promising Summer again. We don't mind the expected revival of Summer. Coming weekend we have organized and planned the Season Final for the Linssen Owners Group (I founded) in Woudrichem. Nearly 40 members to be expected. A dozen arriving by their Linssen, the others by other means of transport.

With the excellent weather forecast, we have rearranged our agenda's, to make the weekend longer lasting. Though we can easily make Maurik-Woudrichem in one day, we already leave this Thursday. Bright & shine, hardly no wind, but busy commercial traffic. We don't know our destination for today yet, but we take the route via Amsterdam-Rijn kanaal and the Waal via St. Andries lock to the Maas, and decide from there. Because of the busy commercial traffic, we expect quite some waiting time when entering the Waal at Tiel. But to our surprise, both doors of the Prins Bernard lock are open, we just can pass through without any waiting time. We're lucky at St. Andries as well, right away opening upon our arrival.

Earlier than expected, we have to decide where to go for tonight. Let's try Kerkdriel this time. We haven't been there since the early 90's, with a hired ship. We didn't like it too much by than (too large, too busy with speedboats, not our piece of cake), but it might have been changed. Circling around the 4 yacht harbours there, we feel it's not. we don't feel comfortable. Plenty of time to make another decision. Sounds a bit boring, but we decide to go to the familiar. So let's take Heusden, again, for the third time this season. It feels like coming home, pleasant welcome, and granted with a mooring place at the same jetty at the entrance of WV Heusden yachtclub. Nice evening on the aft deck, walk through the town with plenty of terraces.

Next Friday morning we leave at a decent 10:00 AM. It indeed feels like mid summer, with temperature going up to nearly 25C. More expected to come for the next days. Now we take the Afgedamde Maas up north. Our Linssen Owners weekend destination normally will take less than 2 hours. But now luck runs out. The Wilhelmina lock is closed for a few hours for testing the barrier (used for emergency, high floods, the lock has additional moving doors). So we have to wait for a good test result, and take our time to have our lunch on the sunny aft deck.

Relaxed navigating on the Afgedamde Maas

When we arrive early afternoon in the historic harbour of Woudrichem, we are still the first one of the Linssen pack. So we hurry to raise the club and Linssen flag at the reserved jetty. Soon others arrive, good to see our friends and share each other season experience. So we do the next day, with lunch on the outside at the restaurant 't Oude Raedthuis in historic town centre, a visit to the castle Slot Loevestein, and a dinner (again outside in the inner garden) at the excellent restaurant Kruiden en Jasmijn. It is October, but indeed feels like mid-Summer!

The Linssen pack in Woudrichem

On Sunday morning upon our leave, it indeed proofs to be Fall. A very dense fog prevents us to enter the Merwede/Waal - always busy with commercial traffic. So we are leaving a bit late for the planned one day tour to home port. We plan to return by the Merwede kanaal, but when arriving at Grote Merwede sluis at Gorkum, the lock keeper asks by radio if we are aware that the Vianen lock (where we have to exit the Merwedekanaal) is out of order, and will be for the full next week. No, we were not aware. There is no alternative for us, than to return and go all the way upstream the Waal to Tiel again. Normally not a very pleasant choice, with pushy barges also going upstream and taking far starboard side. But because of the quiet weather and water on this sunny Sunday after the disappeared fog, this time it is not a punishment to take this route.

A very relaxing nearly end of season.

Retirement & Lemonade

2011-11-17T15:46:00.001+01:00

23 September 2011

Though everywhere in Europe discussions evolve around late retirement - extending to age 67 - I am of the post war generation entitled to early retirement. So, by the end of this year I stop working with Ernst & Young. At age 63, so a bit too young to stop working completely. Hence, I started my own company, but that's a different story.

Today we are on our way to the Limonadefabriek ("Lemonade Factory") which is not what the name says. It is a famous restaurant (http://www.limonadefabriek.nl) east of Rotterdam, on the shore of (or even "in") the river Lek. A floating restaurant, which we have chosen to celebrate my retirement with the management team I form part of. Seemed a good idea to show my colleagues a bit of our future - which is, amongst others, taking more time with our Cómplice, and wave to say goodbye. After all, "old sailors never say goodbye, they just sail away", paraphrasing the familair saying about old soldiers.

It takes us about six hours from home port Maurik to Lemonade Factory restaurant. We are lucky. Weather is fine, sun & clouds, hardly wind, temperature ok. So we can continue with our plan to have drinks on board, have a brief tour on the river with the team of 12 (including partners of partners), and dinner afterwards in the restaurant.

Just before our arrival, at Schoonhoven, we see the new Lemonade Factory. The new floating restaurant is finished there on a shipyard, and will be transported completely ready (including even the restaurant tables and kitchen) to its place a few miles downstream. Amazing design and a lot bigger than the current restaurant, which will take another place and owner.

No lemonade on board

Of course I have made arrangements with the young owners. So we are allowed to tighten our Cómplice to the 'old' restaurant. As some dark clouds show up at the horizon, we raise the bimini, so in case rain arrives we will drink the prosecco without umbrella. Soon the team arrives, and the program unfolds exactly as planned. With good care of the restaurant owners we enjoy our drinks and appetizers on board, and make a brief tour on the river. No rain, sun shining, perfect views, nice chats. And afterwards we enjoy an excellent dinner and nice speeches, of course with a lot of 'captains language' mixed with the special occasion language.

The 'old' Lemonade Factory restaurant

After the dinner we stay in Streefkerk, tight to the restaurant. So we don't have to drink lemonade, but enjoy the excellent whine instead. Next morning, a Saturday, we even more so enjoy the way back home on a very quite river Lek with the sun coming up from the south, shining through a bit of mist. A symbolic way to end a lifetime career, together with our "mate" Cómplice. Same day we celebrate the new generation, the fifth anniversary of our grandson Bram. The combination will stick in our memory.

And the new one on its way

Home

2011-11-13T19:53:00.001+01:00

26 August 2011

After one-and-a-half hour this morning, our 2011 Granddad Zeeland tour comes to an end. This is the time it takes from Culemborg to our home port Maurik. Our tour ends with weather conditions that more or less have dominated summer season 2011. Which means, some sun but also with (threatening) rain bursts. We're not complaining - overall this summer hasn't been like the marvelous 2010 summer, but not too bad either.

We very much enjoyed our 4 weeks salty Zeeland, partly with our grandchildren. Cómplice's Volvo Penta has made 77 engine hours during this period, without any hesitation or issue, and asking almost exactly an average of 5 liters diesel per hour. Not bad for moving 20 tons displacement on the main rivers and sea.

But now the horse and her owners are "smelling the stable". We want to go home, curious if everything ok, back to the usual (work) life. With the usual routine, we moor Cómplice in her box in Maurik, our neighbors ready to take the lines and listen to our stories - until the rain burst starts again. Well, it's part of the experience.

Only the grass around our car on the parking lot reveals that we have been away longer than just a few days. But for the remaining - all seems to be as usual. Even at home, after the half hour ride from home port. Even our 20 year old cat welcoming us as if we only went out for a one hour shopping. But the lawn tells a different story.

Two ladies harbour

2011-11-08T20:53:00.004+01:00

25 August 2011

After a nice chat with "little David" crew (see earlier post), we leave Woudrichem around 10 AM this morning for the remaining miles to our home port. We easily could make this last stretch today, but decide for one last stop to stretch our ending holiday a bit. We will spend another night on board in Culemborg, just one-and-a-half hour away from homeport Maurik.

Our course for today is an easy one, crossing the Merwede, entering the Merwedekanaal at Gorkum, all the way up to Lek, and than just follow the Lek going east. The Merwedekanaal can take some time because of the many bridges that need opening. But today we are lucky again, with a barge in front of us, followed by a convoy of 6 yachts (us being the last). Bridge keepers tend to open the bridges way earlier for commercial barges than for recreational vessels, so everytime we arrive the bridges are opened so we can pass rightaway.

Even the lock at Vianen is open when we arrive, though the barge stays in Vianen and doesn't pass the lock. We are a bit surprised by the fast service, so we need to lower the mast in a hurry. The bridge just before the lock measures 3,70, just leaving a decimeter which I think to be a too high risk to give it a try. A dozen yachts collecting in the lock, before the doors close. For the crew of one of those, obviously such takes too long to wait for lunch (at least that's what we think), so the elderly couple disappears into the cabin. They are called back by screaming of the crews of all other yachts, when the ship hangs itself. A narrow escape, with the help of a sharp knife!

Culemborg yacht harbour - mind the narrow entrance

To make sure that we can spend the last night of this tour in Culemborg, earlier we have called the harbour master. Which means, one of the two ladies Fatima or Wilma who form a shift to fullfill this role. Today Wilma is on duty, and she promised to put the reservation sign right away for us on the quai. Not many places in Culemborg for guests, and it is a popular stop for yachts on their way east. When we arrive we see the sign for us, but still the place is occupied by another yacht. With some flexibility we find a another place at the quai. But still, we don't understand why people just have the brutality to ignore a simple sign, and neither does Wilma.

Once we are settled, we have a chat with the crew of the Lemara, a Linssen Classic Sturdy of Jan & Nigel van Someren with a British flag, also moored in Culemborg for a few days. It happens to be they are not from England, but originate from the Channel Islands, and are making an European tour with their fully equiped Linssen. They tell to have everything spare on board, even a spare mast, and equiped with every accessory one can imagine. Custom build to the limit. Listening to their experience, with our 15 years of experience on European waterways, compared to their sea experience, we're just beginners, that's for sure.

It makes a difference

2011-11-03T21:56:00.002+01:00

24 August 2011

We leave Vissershang Biesbosch harbour this morning with a cloudy sky. Again lots of rain this night. One advantage: it keeps the mosquitos away. And besides, hardly any other ships on the Steurgat we take up north. That's an advantage too, as the Biesbosch lock we have to take to leave the Biesbosch isn't very large, it can create quite some waiting time in high season. Not today, we're the only one and are allowed to enter rightaway.

Just after the lock, we fuel up. Diesel is quite cheap here, compared for instance to our home port station in Maurik 20 eurocents/liter less. We fill up with 384 liters. Which means that since 'inception' of Cómplice an average of 5,01 liters per engine hour. Not bad, considering that especially on the sea (both in June leaving Flanders through Oostende, and this August Zeeland tour from Roompot to Stellendam) the turbocharge had to do its work.

Our destination for today is Woudrichem. As soon as we Boven Merwede, stream up, it starts raining dogs & cats again, with hardly any sight. So let's put the navigation lights on, and keep starboard as much as possible. The barges taking over, also going upstream, push anyway to take advantage of the counter current between the cribs. Not a very pleasant experience.

Spacious mooring at Woudrichem historic harbour

We arrive around noon in Woudrichem. Just a few ship moored there, plenty of place to chose from. We take the afternoon for a walk around the restaurants we already have made reservations for the Linssen Owners Group Season Final in October (we are organizing). We talk with owners of 'Het Oude Raedthuis" and "Kruiden & Jasmijn" to make further arrangements. Besides we have an extensive meeting with Erick, the harbour master, and make reservation for a dozen Linssens.

At the end of afternoon just a few boats arrive. Amongst them a very small one, mooring just next to us on the other side of the jetty. What a difference does it make! Of course not only in size, but also from a diesel/gasoline perspective. We and the owners have a chat and a laugh. Nice young people. I don't know who is laughing louder.

David & Goliath

Attack!

2011-11-01T21:04:00.003+01:00

23 August 2011

Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms this night, continuing this morning. We decide to wait till some improvement of these severe weather conditions. We discover some water leakage via the slot on the hatch of the aft deck, take pictures and inform Linssen. No big issue and no reason to worry. They will repair during winter season.

Awaiting for better times this morning, we are surprised by a large barge passing by on this small river. Though it doesn't seem possible, it even passes the nearby railway bridge after quite some waiting time. Such obviously also because passing the bridge for the barge takes more time than the average yacht, and such should fit in the train schedules.

We leave at 12:30, still raining but the worst is over. Another yacht also leaves, but we or to late to follow the same opening of the railway bridge, and have to wait quite a while. In the meantime heavy rain starting again. A pity because this is a very nice part of the river.

We are on our way to the Biesbosch to spend the night. When we near Oosterhout, it stops raining, and when we pass Geertruidenberg -where we will cross the Amer to enter the Biesbosch - even the sun is back again. We hesitate where to moor. It could be one of the free moorings in Aakvlaai (the new Biesbosch) where we have moored several times before, or the yacht harbour Vissershang. Our curiousity (try something new) brings us to Vissershang. A very pleasant reception, nice people (later we learn they have earned the Harbour Master price 2011, granted by the KNMC (= Royal Dutch Motorboat Club).

Yachtclub Vissershang in the Biesbosch

Less pleasant are the may mosquitoes, as we discover very soon. They are in full attack mode this time of year, and of course especially after the rainy days. We should have been wiser, but are reminded again: indeed the Biesbosch is not our favorite choice in August. The harbour itself is a bit of disappointment as well. Not many people around for a chat and sharing experience, and a bit worn out. Next time we take Aakvlaai or another mooring again. But not in August.

Country side

2011-10-30T17:05:00.002+01:00

22 August 2011

After close to 4 weeks since we left our home port Maurik, this Monday it is time to head east, return to the roots. Work is waiting. We plan to be back in home port on Friday, so plenty of time to take a slow return route. We will take a "country side" route, via the Haringvliet and Volkerak locks, enter the Dintel at Dinteloord, and than take the Mark to Oosterhout, entering the Amer at Geertruidenberg.

We leave Middelharnis at 09:15 this morning. A quit day, no wind and a bit of morning mist over the mirror flat Haringvliet. Just one motoryacht going in parallel, but at the distance of the other side of the Haringvliet going into same direction. We meet at the Volkerak lock, they moor next to us and we have the chat. They are interested in our opening roof, and take pictures. Like to make similar in their (older) ship. Asking where the come from, we find out their homeport is just next to ours in Maurik! How small a world can be.

Not very busy at the Volkerak sluizen any more. Our next lock, the Mandersluis at Dinteloord, even stands open. But we are not lucky. Just before us, a large barge leaves quai, enters the (open) lock, and stays there! Not knowing what's going on, I call the lock channel. To learn, that the skipper wants to unload his car, and is preparing to do so - in the lock. We fix Cómplice at the waiting jetty, have lunch and wait.

After about half an hour, the car is unloaded, and the barge reverses from the lock, so we can pass. Very soon after the lock, the Prinsenland bridge opens even before we arrive. No further barriers. In a slow pace we follow the Dintel river, enjoying the country side. Apart from some small sloops, no further traffic.

At 14:00 we arrive in 't Lamgat, a very small private harbour in the country side. Just between a pedestrian bridge and a railway bridge. On one of our earlier routes, we have noticed it, and we want to give it a try. We like it. Good facilities, quite, nice people. We find a place on the outside jetty. We ask on of the other guests there to move 1 meter, so such might be easier for us. He is not planning to. Well, fine, we fit with only inches left, fix the lines, and take our bikes to visit the nearby town Zevenbergen. When we return after a few hours, thunder and rain starts.

Lazy day

2011-10-27T21:27:00.000+02:00

21 August 2011

After the 8 hour sea tour of yesterday, today only a short, one hour fresh water trip for today. We leave Hellevoetsluis (too noisy with the fair associated with the festivity week) to cross the Haringvliet to the south side. The nice town of Middelharnis is our destination. Our aim is to have a place at the quai, as close as possible near town center.

We are lucky. Upon our arrival at 12:30, the quai is free because just some large ships left. We have nice walk through the town on this lightly clouded Sunday, and take the occasion to make a reservation for our favorite restaurant Vingerling (http://www.brasserievingerling.nl/) at the quai. Hopefully we can dine outside tonight. And yes, we can. Perfect evening, nice meal, pleasant people.

At the quai of Middelharnis

In 2 weeks time we will be here again, but not with Cómplice. Our friends Theo and Michel will return with their sailing yacht Faya Lobi, after a world sailing tour of 10 years and 2 months (!). Middelharnis is their homeport. We will sail them in with a dozen of sailing yachts of the Middelharnis club (watersportvereniging Flacquee). Looking forward to meet them again!

Let's go!

2011-10-24T21:55:00.003+02:00

20 August 2011

All conditions are in favor. Bft 3 southwest, waves not higher than 1 meter. Let's go for it! Our 2nd seatour this year, but now without convoy, on our own. According to the tide table, most efficient would be to enter sea going north at around 11:00 AM. But as we see from our mooring place, as early as 10:00 AM sailing vessels are already compile in the waiting lot before the Roompot lock at around 10:00. So we decide to join them.

Our route from Roompot lock to Stellendam lock looks quite simple. But do not underestimate, and we don't. As the KNRM (the Royal Dutch Rescue organization) writes in their magazine "De Reddingsboot": "A yacht should not be there at BFT > 5, especially not with northwest winds for consecutive days. Both at our exit place Roompot, but even more at Stellendam, sandbanks cause a blurred sea (ground sea). With the wrong wind for a longer period, even the sandbanks might have moved and even the buoys marking the sometimes very narrow navigation path might no longer be on the right place. In case of doubt KNRM suggests to call channel 25 (Post Ouddorp) to ask for guidance.

No problem with todays weather conditions, as for a few days now wind has been southwest and BFT 4 at max. Still, when we exit Roompot the sea is blurred, and Cómplice is rolling around for the first miles, before we can turn starboard following the coast. We do not mind, we know what is happening, and all our belongings are safely stored. After a mile or so outside the coast, just behind our stern a seal raises its head, even for a minute or so. Do I see disapproval in his or her eyes? Who tells. Unfortunately too short and too blurry to go for the camera and take a shot.

As learned, I am consistenly taking notes of our position every half hour or so. Just in case our GPS might fail and we would need help because for instance engine failure. Not that I expect, but better safe than sorry. At 11:00 AM we pass buoy OR6, at 11:30 buoy GB9. At 11:55 we pass GB4, from where we can take an almost straight line for the next few hours in comfort zone. Wind and waves behind, sun shining, auto pilot doing most of the work. Cómplice surfing the 0,5-1 meter waves.

We arrive at SG2 at 14.:35. For the past few hours we have really enjoyed the relaxing journey. Now we need full concentration again. As said before, the entrance through the Slijkgat is rather narrow. Curving, and one most certainly has to stay within the buoyd line. Today, a Saturday with excellent weather, also quite busy with sailing yachts.

Unfortunately the lock at Stellendam takes quite some waiting time, both before and inside the lock. No one knows why, it is what it is. At 17:50 we arrive in Hellevoetsluis, and are granted with a nice, spacious place in the new harbour of WV Hellevoetsluis (starboard side when entering). Because of festivities going on this week in this town, the day is closed with fireworks. We celebrate our experience. Salty but satisfied.

A spacious place at Hellevoetsluis

Pleasant surprise

2011-10-23T19:13:00.004+02:00

19 August 2011

On this Friday, weather forecast for our planned seatour on Saturday still looks in favor. So we decide to go more west, to the far end of Oosterschelde. In Roompot Marina we are close to the exit locks. Because of the good forecast we expect that on Saturday morning it will be quite busy at the lock, so we like to be there to exit as soon as tide favorable.

In all years we've been in Zeeland (also with our former Cómplice) we've never been at Roompot Marina. Such because of our perception, this port is a bit similar as Port Zeelande. Massive and not quite with the pleasant atmosphere and chats we like. We're wrong, Roompot Marina proofs to be a pleasant surprise.

From Colijnsplaat to Roompot Marina only takes an hour. We take our time, so on this lightly clouded day, we first take a detour to Neeltje Jans, the former work island on which now houses a permanent exhibition how the Zeeland barrier (stormvloedkering) is build. We don't go ashore, just curiosity to navigate around, hoping to see some seals or porpoises. Unfortunately not.

Mooring with nice view on Oosterschelde

We arrive slightly after noon in Roompot Marina. Plenty of places available alongside the wide jetty at the entering area of this port for receiving guests, and we are allowed to stay there. If we wish, we can have a box as well. But we stay were we are, with a nice view on the Oosterschelde. Pleasant reception, pleasant atmosphere, perfect facilities. Relaxed, though a vast site with holiday houses also forms part of the area, with the advantage that accomodation (playing grounds for children, a nice beach, supermarket, etcetera) are included.

Mooring at outside jetty with 2 Linssens. Right hand Cómplice, left hand Weer 'n Wind

Later this afternoon another Linssen arrives on the same jetty. A German flagged Grand Sturdy with name Weer 'n Wind, with Papenburg on the stern as port of registry. I have a chat with the skipper, who explains the ship actually stays in Port Zeelande. And, by the way, he knows me, but I don't know him so I question how? Well, a reader of your blog, he explains. Another pleasant surprise!

Afternoon and evening we keep on checking the weather forecast and gribfiles. They stay favorable for the seatour tomorrow. Let's go for it.

No complaints

Soaked

2011-10-19T20:58:00.001+02:00

18 August 2011

No nautical miles yesterday. Our friends Cees and Thea paid a visit. They own a holiday home nearby, and happened to be around. We have taken advantage of the possibility to collect fresh bakery on board of the "Onrust", the excursion vessel that has Burghsluis as homeport. Quite convinient. Write your order on a little paper bag, leave the precise money in the bag, and post it in the box at the mooring place of the Onrust. Early morning your order is ready to collect. Of course we have ordered, some croissants as well as Zeeuwse bolussen, the famous province delicacy.

After 2 nights we leave Burghsluis this morning, heading for the south side of the Oosterschelde. This Thursday tension is growing. It looks like that our plan for return route has a chance. Exit the Oosterschelde, and going north by the sea, planning to enter inland again at the Haringvliet. We keep on watching all possible weather forecasts, mostly studying the gribfiles of UGrib because they are most accurate. Another helpful source of information is Windguru. Coming Saturday seems to be favorite for crossing, with wind expected to be around 3 BFT and wave height of 1 meter.

Our move to Colijnsplaat on the southside of the Oosterschelde is about halfway to our exit route. If we go for Roompot harbour tomorrow, we are close to the lock that provides us exit at a convinient (tidal) moment.

Modern, large scale harbour

Our first stop Colijnsplaat offers a harbour we have been several times before. It is one of the modern, larger harbours full of sailing ships - and by itself not very cosy. But the small town offers a convinient supermarket on 10 mts walking distance from harbour, and we are not sure our next stop has the same facility.

We arrive about lunchtime in Colijnsplaat. Not a mooring place as nice as last year, but it will do for the moment. We decide to use our bikes again, going south along the Oosterschelde, to have a look at another port we've never been: Marina Kats. Just 10 mts underway, its getting darker, and within no time a thunderstorm explodes. Fortunately we find shelter under the Zeelandbrug. Same thunderstorm caused casualties at the nearby popfestival Pukkelpop in Belgium.

With pittoresk town nearby

Once most of the thunder has passed by, we return to port, soaked to the bone. It looks like the rain will stay for the next few hours. Tomorrow will be better. Let's have dinner in the club restaurant. It's ok, but frankly no competition for the club restaurant in St. Annaland.

Efficient mooring

2011-10-17T21:14:00.002+02:00

16 August 2011

After 2 excellent days in Yerseke, we leave this morning around 10:00 AM. Heading for Burghsluis, at the far west (north) side of the Oosterschelde. For the past 2 years, we have been there as well, and we like the traditional 'look & feel' of this small harbour. No fishing boats around anymore, but still the feeling around. Nearest town (including supermarket) Burgh-Haamstede is about 5 km away. So, for shopping a bike is needed, which can be borrowed for free for max. 1 hour (additional time to be paid for).

We take our time to cross the Oosterschelde, at a convinient pace. The weather is calm & sunny, and we enjoy the superb views and wideness, looking around if any seals or porpoises to be seen. Unfortunately we don't see any. Might be the tide is not in favour. A few kilometers before Burghsluis we are taken over (we see him coming a long time before) by a fast going yacht, not only making speed but also impressive waves. Passing close by. There is no railway around, so catching a train cannot be an excuse for this undecent behaviour... Let him be first in Burghsluis, I am not tempted by a contest.

We arrive in Burghsluis at 13:00 hrs, plenty of mooring places available, also on our prefered spot, alongside the north quai. Two sailing ships over there are rather inefficiently moored, with over 2 meters between them. Harbour master hasn't spoken to the owners yet, but he wishes them to move these few meters, so a place for another ship comes available. When the owner arrives, a discussion unfolds. Another undecent behaviour, not watersports like, for which no excuse can be found. Fortunately these are exceptions.

Later on this afternoon we enjoy some walking in the surroundings & alongside the Oosterschelde, and catch up reading. One another Linssen in Burghsluis port, the Octavia (GS 29.9) of Mike & Dorothea with home port Goes. We know them, and share our season experiences. Another lazy day.

Easy life

2011-10-15T17:06:00.002+02:00

15 August 2011

Yesterday we have taken the opportunity to take a "trial run" on our new folding bykes. Plenty of room to store them in the plenty of space below our aft deck. Of course we fix them with spanners, for which I screwed hooks on several places (we do the same for the deckchairs).

For our cycle tour we have chosen Wemeldinge as destination, less than 10 km away. Some people we met have recommended Wemeldinge yachtclub to go to. But frankly we do not see why, compared to Yerseke and most of the other ports we know in Zeeland. All facilities, but nothing special.

The easy life

And by the way, why leave Yerseke today? Bright weather today, and we are first row to watch fishing boats going out and coming in, both the commercial as the recreational ones. So after having done the neceassary shopping in the supermarket in town, we stay on board, reading the newspaper, drink a cup of coffee, and watch others to arrive in harbour. During the day it gets busier and busier. The quitness of other harbours this season in Zeeland, does not count for Yerseke obviously.

Later on we discover why, or at least have one explanation. Today is a banking holiday in Belgium, so because of the long weekend them many have taking the opportunity to come to mussel town Yerseke. After all it is high season to enjoy such a fresh meal. Such also clarifies the many cars with Belgian license plates on the parking lot at the harbour.

But not easy to find the buoys

Even at the darkness of night plenty to watch, with the full moon shining over the Oosterschelde. And again some ships getting grounded just before harbour entrance. One of them taking so long to get loose, that someone with a dinghy leaves port to guide him, and of course many on the dyke to watch.

Fisherman's friend

2011-10-12T21:30:00.000+02:00

14 August 2011

Only a few of the fisherman's towns in Zeeland are still in use as such. One of them is Yerseke, our destination for today.

As a town, Yerseke does not have many sightworthy buildings (in fact we don't know any), but we very much like the view of the fisherman's ships going out early morning, and return end of the day for unloading their mussels (Yerseke is mussel town, supplying most of Europe), and cleaning the ships near-shore. And, of course, having a fresh-of-the-day mussel meal in one of the many restaurants.

We leave Tholen close to 10:00 am this morning, after lots of rain last night. Still cloudy, and some dripping rain as we enter the Bergse Diepsluis. Everytime we enter this lock - giving entrance to the Oosterschelde - we are amazed how small this lock is with its length of 36 meters, and width of only 6 meters. Just 2 Linssen's fit, as we experienced during our Flamish tour in June. This time we are together with a sailing yacht, the only other ship around on this dark Sunday morning. No sophisticated mixing of fresh & salt in this lock (like in the Krammer lock), so taking care with lines on bow and stern that Cómplice does not wag her tail.

Our route from Tholen to Yerseke today only takes approximately 2 hours. Such can be considerably more due to waiting time at the small lock. But not today. We arrive in Yerseke at noon sharp and call the harbour master just before, to make sure we can take a preferred place. And yes, we are allowed to moor on a first row seat, just behind the dyke. With the flood coming in, the water level comes at even a meter below that dyke, so we have an excellent view on the Oosterschelde (and the ships going in & out).

First row seat in Yerseke, just behind the dyke

Take care that entrance of Yerseke harbour is confusing, because of some crossing lanes and a curving entrance lane just before the harbour entrance. So be sure to watch your GPS-location on the chart, and your depth meter all the time. During our stay, several ships get grounded! No need to say, that if such happens when the low tide is coming in, speedy action needs to be taken. Still, even at the darkness of night (and no lighted buyos!), some ships arrive. One of them gets grounded, reverses, tries again and again, and than decides to give up. With many bystanders on the dyke, of course, shouting, but in vain. The large sailing ship finally frees its bottom, and disappears in the darkness. Probably to puts its anchor out somewhere near.

Not my day

2011-10-12T09:17:00.000+02:00

13 August 2011

Obviously we are more exhausted by our grandchildren than we want to confess. This morning we oversleep and it is far past nine in the morning before we wake up. No issue, we have all the time of the day. Take our time for breakfast, walk into the town of Willemstad to replace our empty gaz bottle, and a newspaper in the well equiped chandlery on the quai of innerport Willemstad.

We have decided to take a different route into Zeeland this time. Leaving shortly before noon, and having a very smooth pass of the Volkerak locks - amazing, high season and hardly any recreational traffic on the water - we enter the 'Schelde-Rijn verbinding' into direction of Tholen, our destination for today. A cloudy day, and upon entrance of the canal that offers the access from Volkerak to Antwerp (busy commercial traffic!), a dripping rain starts that seems to last for ever.

Tholen is our destination for today. We have been there before with our former Cómplice, and even lived for slightly less than a year in this former fisherman's town. So we know our favorite and less favorite mooring place in Jachthaven De Kogge. Besides the continuing rain, a nasty south wind enforces our preference for a place that offers some shelter.

Tholen Yachtclub De Kogge

Upon our arrival we call harbour master. First by marine radio, but no answer. Than by mobile phone. Plenty of empty places, several that fit our purpose and preference. But harbour master is very decisive. He directs us to one of the few places least attractive. And, by the way, he has a break this moment. We take it as it is. It is too late now to continue our way to a next station, for which we have to enter and cross the Oosterschelde. Despite the harbourmaster said the other places are reserved, all stay unoccupied.

We go for a short walk into town, but because of the continuing rain, such doesn't last long. So we return to Cómplice and enjoy some reading, and have an early dinner in the club restaurant. Not really a punishment, it's part of the experience.

Magic Five

2011-10-06T20:06:00.002+02:00

12 August 2011

Five. That's the number of seals our grandson Bram has counted during the 2-week trip with our (grand)children on-board. The number seems to be magic to him. In a few weeks time, his fifth anniversary occurs, and he takes every occasion to explain he is nearly five. But indeed, we have seen 5 seals as well.

Today we will return to Strijensas, where our additional crew will disembark. We're on the brink of leaving salt water, and so sorry, we haven't seen any dolphins these 2 weeks. Last years, any year we were in Zeeland, at least once each vacation, porpoises (the small species of dolphin) accompanied our Cómplice for a short while. This time not, so some disappointment.

We leave St. Annaland shortly before nine am. It is cloudy, but temperature is ok. Short stretch to the Krammer locks. Awaiting the lock to be opened, suddenly there they are! Two porpoises with their tails waving us goodbye! Amazing! What an excellent final of our crew's "granddad tour"!

What an excellent final!

We arrive in Strijensas just after lunchtime in good mood. On the way to, we wave to Frans and Liliane with their Beluga, a Grand Sturdy 410, traveling the opposite way on the Haringvliet. Disembarkment is without disappointment. Bram and Elise, though they liked the 2 weeks on-board, like to go home and tell stories to their friends.

After disembarkement, we ourselves decide not to stay in Strijensas this time, and leave for Willemstad to do some shopping in the nearby supermarket there. We moor next to a sparkling white Elling cruiser. Tomorrow, the two of us will start another Zeeland tour. Let's take a different route this time.

Hanging around

2011-10-03T21:15:00.001+02:00

11 August 2011

A lazy day for Cómplice today, no engine hours. We stay in St. Annaland, take our time for breakfast on the aft deck, do some shopping, and pay a visit to the childrens playground in the town (just behind the church).

Breakfast on the aft deck

The latter is a recommendation when small children on board. Nice and safe playing equipment, and the playground is fenced and guarded for an entrance fee of only 50 eurocents. Unfortunately on the way back to harbour, Elise hurts her chin again, so needs another stitching. Harbour master Kees and even the restaurant crew search their first aid kit to find suitable plaster to do the trick, so we don't have to pay visit the hospital for the 3rd time.

Though still on the salt water, we also take time to undo Cómplice from her salt blanket, taken by the abundant bow showers, as St. Annaland harbour offers convinient fresh water on the jetties to do so.

But cycling on the quai

At night we enjoy another fish meal at the harbour restaurant "Buutengaets", some of us taking lobster instead of the mussles. Perfect again, though this time it starts raining, so no terrace dinner this night.

A brand new day

2011-09-25T18:53:00.002+02:00

10 August 2011

A brand new day, new opportunities, new chances. Patient (almost) recovered, sun shining and a modest wind. We have to think about our return route, as our guest crew will have to disembark at Strijensas (where their car is) within a few days. As increasing wind in forthcoming days is expected - depending on which of the forecasters to believe up to BFT 5 or 6 - we think it wise to take advantage of the comfortable weather slot of today to pass the Oosterschelde.

We make the choice to go to St. Annaland. Comfortable harbour, facilities to do some clean up and playground for the children. We leave Veere at around 11:00. As we are at the quai now, with 3 ships aside, we have to wait till everyone is ready to relocate. All in good harmony, and making jokes. Alexander Jonkers - the Zeeland Linssen dealer - not aside but in the row before us, is disappointed. As he was one of the instructors for the female navigating course of the Linssen Owners Group, he shouts to be disappointed the not my first mate is navigating Cómplice out of the bulk. Well Alex, next time, outside your instructors eyes!

Moviestars at Veerse Meer

We have a nice tour crossing the Veere lake. Modest soutwest wind behind, most of the crew enjoying the lake sitting on the sheltered front deck. Our grandchildren playing movie star with their sunglasses. Also a beautifull day to cross Oosterschelde, though the wind increases. Which gives some turmoil when we exit the Brabantse Water, entering the Keeten. This is where the full soutwest wind comes from the Oosterschelde, and the waves hitting us aside. Just in front of us the smallest Linssen 25.9, taking a wise course and crossing like a sailship (so taking the waves on bow or on stern). They are waving bravely, so don't bother the water coming over.

Favorite place at St. Annaland

Just before noon, I call St. Annaland harbour master, to see if he's got a place for us on our preferred jetty. He recognises us, and yes our favorite mooring place available. So, no need to hurry. Upon our arrival we can go directly to our mooring place, no waiting because of lunchtime of harbour master.

At night, our daughter in law Sandra prepares for a delicious meal on board.

Again

2011-09-22T21:09:00.003+02:00

9 August 2011

Not a pleasant night this time. First mate gets ill, and no improvement. Need to see a doctor first thing in the morning, fortunately available right away, close to the Veere harbour. He think it wise to go to hospital for further investigation. After Elise's chin accident, this is the 2nd time in a week we need to visit a hospital. Nearest hospital in Goes, some 25 km away. Not really easy to get a cab, but 3rd attempt success. Cab needs to come from Middelburg.

Investigation shows a gall stone is causing the issue, and with some help of medicin and pain killers, situation improves.

Upon our return end of morning, Cómplice is relocated. The motoryacht next to the quay wanted to leave, so our son Gerben has done the trick!

Veere inner harbour

For us, no historical market today. But our (grand)children enjoy. We stay on board, taking some rest and reading. Tomorrow will be better.

Confession

2011-09-20T20:50:00.001+02:00

8 August 2011

Summer behaves like the normal routine of this year. After a windy but sunny yesterday, last night lots & lots of rain. Such has stopped this morning - off and on. Still some heavy showers. Though normally Zierikzee can be quite busy with tourists in high season, so not yesterday (Sunday), with almost empty terraces.

After having visited the nearby supermarket, at 10:30 we leave for Veere for visiting the historic market, which in high is organized every Tuesday. Market stands, crafts work, children activities. We off course cross the Oosterschelde to the other side in a way that gives the least waves from the side, and taking into account the sand banks in between.

The lock entering the long stretched and curving Veere lake isn't very busy either. It can be, what I call "a fighting lock", but not today. We have a first turn, and all waiting yachts fit easily. At lock exit we are surprised by the larger number yachts going into the other direction. Such might be the case, because later this week increasing wind expected, and crews might want to take the temporily low wind slot to pass Oosterschelde. Plenty of free mooring places - which can be found alongside the Veere lake, comparable with the Marrekrites in Friesland - available, but our goal is Veere inner harbour.

The real Goudplaat, horses no cars

The younger part of our crew lives in a part of Hoofddorp, where streetnames refer to Zeeland islands & areas. Nearing Veere, we pass Goudplaat, the name of the street where they live. So here is the real thing, with some horses running around (instead of cars!).

Upon our arrival, Veere inner harbour is busier than we expected based on the quitness of the lake itself. Just a few places left. The friendly harbourmaster directs us to a place as 3rd in row. Though we think that left passing lane already is rather narrow, he announces that a 4th large motor yacht is to be expected next to us. Indeed, a few hours later, a Grand Banks of same length as Cómplice shows up, and we bring out an extra line (of course) to shore.

By end of afternoon, on quai we encounter Alexander Jonkers, the Linssen Zeeland dealer. We haven't seen another Linssen, where is she?. He confesses his sin rightaway. His ship is moored just in front of us. Not a Linssen, but a very nice, fast sailing yacht. We forgive him.

Facing the Unexpected

2011-09-18T20:37:00.000+02:00

7 August 2011

We have planned to leave the Grevelingen today, and head for the Oosterschelde. After the heavy rainfall of last night, the wind has increased considerably. The gribfiles show 5 BFT on certain places on the Oosterschelde and our planned route. Not an issue for our Linssen, but how will the children experience? After considerations, we decide according our plans, but head for the sheltered harbour of Zierikzee first.

But first, the children like to experience (again) a facility of Bruinisse harbour that can be found on some other up-to-date mooring facilities as well: the family bathroom. So, while we prepare for a bumpy road onboard, the young family enjoy their splashy adventure. At least, that's what we think. Unfortunately, our grand-daughter Elise is a bit too adventureous. She falls on the wet floor on her chin, bleeding like a fountain. Needs to be stitched, but on this Sunday morning no doctor in Bruinisse available. A very friendly lady of the Bruinisse harbour team offers to bring them to the Zierikzee hospital, about 15 km away. What a service!

End of morning, Elise and her parents return, Elise, very proud with and showing her stitches to everyone who wants to see. We look at the gribfiles again, no difference, so we decide to take off after having secured all the objects on board that might want to give it a try to start flying.

A splashy experience

We have seen and expected that the worst part would be the Zijpe, Mastgat and Keeten, which together form the connection between Grevelingen and Oosterschelde. This is where the southwest wind blows fully on the bow, fighting with the current. Still, it comes unexpected. The sun is shining, we have an easy passage of lock Bruinisse. Even so easy, that Bram and his mother have taken position on the front deck.

Upon our starboard turn into the Zijpe, the not so unexpected happens. Cómplice takes a dive and hits the first wave very gracious but with a full splashy load. Bram, of course with his lifevest on, only frowns for a few seconds. Before he has returned to the cabin, he is laughing loudly. Both he and mother Sandra are soaked from top to toe. From now on, Cómplice has a new functionality: the "boeg douche" (bow shower)!

Till the Zeelandbrug near Zierikzee, Cómplice catches a lot of salty shower, hardly managed by the wipers. But it is fun (as long as we stay inside). We enter the canal to Zierikzee at around 3 this afternoon, and find a mooring next to another motoryacht on a sheltered place. The sun is shining, so we have earned a cup of tea on the aftdeck.

Not a Triple 7

2011-09-17T13:46:00.004+02:00

6 August 2011

We leave Mosselplaat rather early this morning, for just half an hour to Bruinisse yacht harbour (Aqua Delta) This is where we will meet the friends of our (grand) children Ingrid, Remco and Eva. Upon our arrival, in a positive way, we are surprised by this brand new harbour. We have seen it under construction past years when visited the Grevelingen, and by than we it didn't look very cosy to us. But now it is ready, just marvelous. Spacious, many facilities, shops (chandlery, supermarket), restaurants and a nice pond and playground for the children.

This early morning we have plenty of mooring place to choose from, alongside or in box. Because changing weather and wind expected for tonight, we prefer a box, so we might change direction (bow the wind), when the expected turn from east to westwind takes place (and our aft deck remains in shelter).

Spacious new harbour Bruinisse

The children amuse themselves in and around the pond, we pay a visit to the chandlery (summersale!) and enjoy an extended lunch on the aft deck, as long a weather permits. In the course of afternoon, we make a small round on the Grevelingen with Cómplice, so Remco (a KLM pilot) can experience the difference between steering a Boeing Triple 7 and a Linssen Grand Sturdy 40.9.

Than it starts raining. Not just a bit, but a never ending waterfall. Happenly, reservation is made to have an early dinner in the Sailors Inn restaurant, because many now wish to have this shelter. Of course, in Bruinisse, one has to eat mussles, and most of us do. So does our grandson Bram, who loves them, and has his mussles meal served in a special children's mussles pan.

Hello again!

2011-09-15T20:24:00.002+02:00

5 August 2011

A cloudy sky this morning, but fortunately rain has stopped. Being close to town centre of Brouwershaven, we decide to take our time to fill up our supplies. Which means a visit to the nearby supermarket, and the well stocked marine equipment shop. Amongst others we need new cobstones for our Cobb BBQ, optimists as we are presuming the summer still will arrive.

Once we are ready to leave after a cup of coffee with the famous "Zeeuwse bolussen" (a candy from Zeeland), we have to wait till an adjacent sailing ship moves from her box, because I can't leave ours without. They are shopping as well, and take some more time than us... Never mind, it's a holiday.

The 2 islands of Mosselplaat with beach on east side

Upon our leave a bleak sun is trying to cut the clouds. We decide to go to another island at the Grevelingen. Tomorrow some friends of our son & daughter-in-law together with their daughter (a friend of our grand daughter Elise) will pay visit in Bruinisse, and arrive rather early. So we go to the island Mosselplaat, opposite Bruinisse. Earlier years we have been there before, but never noticed that on the east side of Mosselplaat a nice beach is available. But now we had a look on Google Earth, and noticed. With the southwest wind, the beach is sheltered, and upon our arrival with a a sun that has won the battle, it is even warm.

Surprisingly, later on that afternoon, our grandchildren friends arrive as well. Hello again! So another water pleasure day, digging and running with their body boards.

Trial runs

2011-09-14T20:33:00.000+02:00

4 August 2011

As the summer rhytm goes, after a rainy yesterday today abundant sunshine. We decide to return to Archipel island in the Grevelingen lake. The grandchildren look forward to see their new friends again, and play with the sand. Besides, we managed to buy a so called "body board" for Bram (his friends had one), so he can give it a trial run.

Of course not sure if we would be lucky with finding a suitable mooring place again on the tiny island, and even less sure if the children's friends are still there, but on both we are lucky. Probably because of the poor weather yesterday, it is less busy and we directly find a place at the jetty, no side moorings this day.

Body board trial run

By end of afternoon, weather conditions change. More wind, and rain expected. We decide not to stay for the night, and leave for Brouwershaven. Upon our arrival it starts pooring rain like a waterfall. (Of course) Just before we have fixed the lines. Never mind, it's part of our navigating on (Dutch) waterways.

To be on walking distance of the centre of this nice little town offers another advantage. No cooking tonight, let's pay a visit to the local Chinese restaurant and buy good take-away food which we enjoy on board, listening to the falling water flood.

Summer rhythm

2011-09-11T17:02:00.001+02:00

3 August 2011

Summer 2011 has a peculiar rhythm. Nice weather for one day, max two, and than fall back into Fall type of weather. So after a nice day at Archipel island, last night it started raining and the wind increased in such a way, that we had to secure with extra lines (we are 3rd next to two sailing ships, with next to us at the other side a motoryacht - so first one has the burden of a guessed 40 tons).

We leave Archipel at around 10:00 am. We have to do some shopping anyhow, and we decide to visit Scharendijke. We know they have a "shopping quay" (boodschappensteiger) overthere, with a supermarket on walking distance. Upon arrival we experience we are not the only one with the same plans, the quay is fully occupied. We are allowed however, for a few hours, to moor next to a divers ship.

Whilst the others go ashore, I stay on board to do so maintenance and clean-up. Whilst doing so I see a dog swimming in the harbour. Why does it have a herring in his mouth? It is not a dog, it is a seal. It swims around and keeps on fishing, so upon their return, our family catches a glimp as well - otherwise they might have thought I touched the booz meanwhile.

This is where we have to go to, grandma

Because the weather stays so so, and Scharendijke doesn't offer a lot for the children, we decide to go to nearby Port Zeelande harbour for the night - which seems to have plenty facilities and children play gear. We arrive at 14:00, and the sky clears up. Indeed, the very large port has all kind of facilities - too many, too large - and hence is the most expensive harbour we so far have experienced in Zeeland. To us, not worth the money for "not our piece of cake".

Crossing a barrier

2011-09-08T21:34:00.002+02:00

2 August 2011

So far it seems that Summer 2011 took place in April-May. We're not complaining, but it hasn't been real swimming weather, so far. Today almost suddenly Summer seems to have arrived. Beautifull weather, almost no wind, air temperatuur 25C. And though the water temperature to me doesn't really feel comfortable at slightly over 20C, it is doable to take a dive.

Crossing a barrier

We decide to stay today at little Grevelingen island Archipel, with the grandchildren having fun with their new found friends, our grandson Bram making us proud to cross a barrier. We and his parents regard it very important the (grand)children learning to swim as soon as possible. So Bram with age 4 started to learn as soon as his age permitted (which is 4), at early stage making them "water prone".

Today he shows he is able to cross the anxiety barrier. Our Cómplice is just 50 meters away from the little shore, and he dares - with the help of some floating additions around his arms - to swim to the swimming platform. Not once, but several times. Though Grevelingen has clear water, the dark sandy bottom is quite a difference compared to a inside swimming pool. Now of course grandfather is required to test the coldisch water too, and swim together with his grandson.

Drying rack

After this excellent day with wet towels and swimming gear, of course Cómplice looks like a drying rack. We don't mind - this is how Summer should look like.

Island hopping

2011-09-06T21:04:00.004+02:00

1 August 2011

We leave this morning at a not-so-early 10:30. Not before after having enjoyed our breakfast on the aft deck in a sunny & calm St. Annaland harbour. In this 2 week tour with our (grand)children, we have planned to do both the Grevelingen and Oosterschelde, each for approximately 1 week. Forthcoming week promises sunshine and good temperature, which makes the Grevelingen best choice. Such because the (artificial) islands with their little beaches in Grevelingen offer best opportunity for swimming and sand digging by our grandchildren. On the opposite, the Oosterschelde offers a better opportunity for visiting nice little towns, which fits better when the weather is less comfortable.

Just before our arrival, we see the Bruinisse lock doors closing, so we have to wait for another turn. Doesn't take very long, and plenty of space for the dozen ships that collect before we are allowed to enter. Immediately after the lock, we buy a week ticket at € 12 at the yachtsclub Bruinisse, which allows us to moor for the night at the mooring places around the Grevelingen meer (the ticket can be bought in most harbours at Grevelingen, as well as the tourist office in the towns around).

Hardly any waiting time at Bruinisse lock

Our first aim is Archipel, the smallest island. According to our experience in former years, this is the nicest island with children, but also the busiest one. So we are not sure we can find a place. We are not too concerned about this, as it is normal routine in high season Zeeland to moor next to another ship. Upon our arrival at 14:00 we find a nice place as 3rd ship next to 2 sailing ships, both with children. Our Bram and Elise make friends immediately! Later this day, another motoryacht moors next to us as 4th. No issue at all, but don't forget to comply with the basic rule that the 3rd ship fixes extra direct lines to shore! So we do.

Making friends rightaway

We are just 50 meters away from the little beach, with a good sight on it. Ideal playground for our grandchildren, which offers the additional relaxing advantage for their (grand)parents with the comfort of a fridge and a cool drink nearby!

Testing the crew

2011-09-04T20:02:00.000+02:00

31 July 2011

Today is testing day of our fresh crew. So we raise very early (for a Sunday morning!) to depart our Strijensas harbour at 07:30 am. With children of 3 & 4 years young, sleeping in the same cabin, not really a major effort. They are awake very early anyhow.

The real reason to leave that early is because for our destination for today, St. Annaland on the former island of Tholen, we have to pass 2 locks: the Volkerak sluizen and the Krammer sluizen. Both can be very busy in high season (which it still is), and especially at the smaller lock Krammer, the waiting time can be considerable. Such also because this is the place where the mix of fresh & salt takes place, asking for additional time in the lock. We count that if we leave very early, we will be there before the full pack arrives, also those who leave Willemstad, half an hour nearer to the locks than us.

Indeed, upon our arrival at Volkerak, just a handfull of yachts waiting for their turn. As this locks can house dozens of yachts (one time we counted 40 to find a place), we have a first turn very soon. Even at the Krammer sluizen, 2 hours later, we have a first turn and all waiting yachts fit in.

Because of our smooth journey, we expect to arrive at lunchtime of harbourmaster in Annaland. In order to prevent waiting time for allocation of a mooring place, I call him in advance. Such also, because we have a preferred mooring place. Still available and granted.

We arrive at 12:30 in a sunny St Annaland, directly heading for our mooring place. Plenty of time to go for a discovery tour for our crew, and for the children to fish the abundant little crabs with a simple line and a piece of beacon on a clip.

St Annaland club restaurant with superb view

This night we celebrate with our crew passing the first day test. If course we do so in the excellent club restaurant Buutengaets with superb view on the Krabbenkreek, with a good fish or mussles meal. Unexpected, we even can do so on the outside terrace.

Hunting

2011-09-01T20:40:00.001+02:00

30 July 2011

Today we stay in Strijensas. Halfway morning our additional crew of 4 arrives. Of course upon their arrival and before a single step of the jetty, our grandchildren take their lifejackets on. They know, and don't complain. It is part of a usual habit, and it stays that way during the 2 weeks with them on board. They run to their 'own' cabin as soon as setting step on Cómplice, and take position and possession in good harmony between brother and sister. With 2 adults and 2 children extra on board, quite some re-arrangements to make, but as soon as all the belongings are stored, we celebrate their arrival with coffee, lemonade and cake.

This afternoon the girls take the car to Strijen, to explore the X-size AH supermarket for proviand for the forthcoming days. The boys go hunting, of course. Which means we go cycling around the wetlands around the Strijensas harbour, with quite some cycle paths.

Sometimes even passing meadows with lazy sheep, using the cyclepath asfalt to take their afternoon nap, and more... Upon our return it takes quite some time to clean the bicycle tires of sheep manure!

Early evening we have dinner in the cosy club restaurant 'De Batterij' full of old ship miniatures, remains and parts. Of course, though not in Zeeland yet, most of us take fish or mussles. Though plenty of sheep to count and no matter how exhausted they look, it takes a few hours before our grandchildren fall asleep in their new environment.

The quiet lane

2011-08-30T22:07:00.000+02:00

29 July 2011

At 09:00 am sharp we leave Heusden yachtclub, for a straightforward route to Strijensas. The calm, lightly clouded atmosphere adds to the feeling that our vacation really has started. Hardly any other ships - neither yachts or commercial - on our route, so steering on the aft deck with remote autopilot. This is serious pleasure! We are looking forward to have our grandchildren on board, but are very well aware that forthcoming weeks will not be as quiet as today. So let's take the relaxing moments and spare the energy for the coming weeks. I love the quiet sound of Cómplice's Volvo Penta, at less than 2000 RPM running a smoothly > 11 km/h, and the singing propellor.

Before lunchtime, at 12:30 we arrive at Strijensas harbour. Again, same place as in June at the far end side of the harbour available. A convinient place with some sight on the Hollandsche Diep with a continues stream of barges passing by. Later that afternoon we unfold our new bicycles, to explore the surroundings and the town of Strijen, some 5 km from harbour, with good shopping facilities, including a brand new AH supermarket. But postpone buying our food supplies till tomorrow when our young crew will arrive. They might have preferences we are not aware off!

Special tour

2011-08-29T21:06:00.000+02:00

28 July 2011

We are ready to go this Friday. At 10:15 we cut loose in home port Maurik. For a special tour: "granddad's tour". Special not so much because of our planned destinations. But mainly because in the first two weeks of our tour, our grandchilderen Bram (4, nearly 5 as he says) and Elise (3) will be part of our crew, together with their parents. A bit special too, because the planned 4 weeks period on board is twice as long we experienced before. So we have taken all precautions at home (cat, garden, supervision) as well as on board to bridge the lengthy period. Upon our leave, the meter shows 327 engine hours.

Our plan is to pick up our (grand)children at Strijensas, at the Hollandse Diep. Because of the age of our grandchildren we wish to prevent long navigating days. By picking them up on a location near Zeeland area, we will be already close to the area we wish to explore with them: the Grevelingen with its small beaches on the islands, and the Oosterschelde with the nice (historic) towns. In addition, Strijensas Yachtclub offers a convinient and secure possibility to park their car for the 2 weeks to come.

Our aim for today is Heusden. At our start we pass a windless and somewhat misty Lake Maurik, and turn port side after Wijk bij Duurstede on the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal. Our first lock (Bernard lock at Tiel, which gives entrance to the Waal) is open on our side upon our arrival, and we are the only ship for this turn. On the Waal (busy with commercial traffic as ever), sun is breaking through the thin clouds, adding to our vacation feeling. At lock St Andries, where we leave the Waal for entering the Maas, we only have to wait for 10 minutes, before the lock doors open.

For the past few years, a lot of communication is done to arrange a safe 'living together' of the barges and yachts, especially in locks. When we exit St Andries lock we meet a large barge which obviously hardly can wait to enter from the other side. It almost already is entering the lock, hardly giving us room to exit, and still moving forward. And at the sametime using its bowthrust to the max. The little, light boat exiting before us is thrown to the side, nearly hitting the waiting jetty. I am warned by this manouvre and give some extra power. Obviously a barge skipper that has missed any of the 'living together' communications, or just feels the pleasure of playing around with "yachties".

Apart from this somewhat unpleasant experience, the remaining part of our stretch is relaxing. The straightforward Maas on this part makes it possible to steer from the aftdeck with the remote control of the autopilot. We arrive around 15:00 near Heusden, enough time to fuel up at Legerstee bunkership with diesel about 13cts/liter cheaper than at our homeport Maurik. I fuel up with 420 liters and make a fast calculation. Since we navigate with new Cómplice, overall we have tanked now 1609 liters on 331 engine hours, which makes 4,86 liters/engine hour. Not bad at all, as such includes our sea tour from Oostende to Breskens in June, when the engine had to do some hard work.

We moor at 16:00 at exactly the same place in June, by than on our way to Flanders. Time for an early drink on the sunny aft deck.

Boulevard of floating dreams

2011-07-17T20:34:00.006+02:00

12 June 2011

Weekend is not over yet, this Monday is a banking holiday in the Netherlands (2nd Pentacost day). But for us, our Flanders tour will come to an end. A last stretch to go to our home port Maurik. We are not very eager to leave Heukelum at the Linge. Weather is perfect, having breakfast on our sunny aft deck, and from our mooring place we can oversee the bending small river on both sides a long way. We decide not to hurry, we have a secure place at home port so it doesn't matter how late we will arrive (though daylight preferred).

As the morning hours progress, it gets busier by the hour with passing ships, all looking for a nice place to moor. It looks like Regent Street on a busy shopping day, but in this case a "boulevard of floating dreams". Whilst we have the crew of "Kantje Boord" - the other Linssen in Heukelum - for morning coffee on board, at a distance we see a familiar other Linssen 'face' coming. It is the bow of sister ship Gemmax, also on their return route from the Flanders tour. As they hold aside us, we agree that in case they can't find a place further on, they will return and take our place. And so it happens.

We leave at 13:30, the Gemmax taking our place. Leaving the Linge at Arkel, going north the Merwedekanaal to Vianen, turn east on the Lek. All bridges open without almost any waiting time, and the lock at Vianen has its doors opened on our site when we arrive, closing right after we have entered. At lock Hagestein only 15 minutes waiting time.

Home port Maurik

Around 19:00 this night we arrive in home port Maurik. Since we left on 27 May, the engine made 73 hours for this Flanders tour. For the next few months we will stay around Maurik, work is waiting. But we don't complain.

Hello-weekend

2011-07-16T17:26:00.004+02:00

11 June 2011

After a rainy and windy night in Strijensas, we leave at 08:30 this morning, further heading home. When we exit Strijensas yachtsclub and enter the Hollandsche Diep, we see at a distance a familiar silhouette. It is the Victoria, a Linssen GS 500 of Jos & Elly, also participants in our Flanders Tour. They are heading for their homeport Warmond, south of Amsterdam, and take the Dordtse Kil, going north.

We decide however to go further east, and take north up via the Biesbosch. It is a chilly, rainy morning but forecast promises improvement. Our plan for today is to go to the Linge, and try to find a place despite this is banking holiday weekend (including Monday) in the Netherlands and the promised weather improvement. Normally this Pentacost weekend, when the weather is fine, is rather busy on the waterways, quite some yachts taking their first course. Not so for us, since early April Cómplice touched water after wintershed, our engine made a 110 hours.

Quiet at The Linge

First half of this day it stays rainy, and not a lot of yachts on their way. Even the Biesbosch and the main route we take to pass (Steurgat) is rather quite, not a lot of mooring places occupied. We are on our own entering the small Werkendam lock where we exit the Biesbosch, normally rather busy and causing some waiting time. We are hopefull that we will find a nice place on the Linge.

Mooring at Heukelum

We enter the Merwedekanaal going north now, going starboard in Gorkum, taking the Gekanaliseerde Linge. At Arkel, where the Linge itself starts, sun starts shining and within minutes it gets busier on the water. Arriving at Heukelum, a few kilometers before Leersum, a nice place where Cómplice just fits, is taken by a yacht just before us. But on the other side, we see 3 familiar ships, coming from our former home port in Maurik. They make some more room, so we fit there, and have drinks on our aft deck. Doing so, another familiar ship arrives, Kantje Boord, the Linssen 29.9 AC of Wijnand en Gertrud, also Linssen Owners Group member. This is going to be a real hello weekend!

Surprises

2011-07-11T21:10:00.005+02:00

10 June 2011

At 10:00 this morning we leave St. Annaland. My display shows 306 engine hours, so since we left our homeport Maurik on May 27, we have made 60 hours for our Flanders tour. As we enter the Krabbekreek, first surprise at a distance: the sistership Gemmax surprises us second time to pass just at a moment we exit a harbour. Our call via marine radio learns they have left Zierikzee this morning. They are heading direction Krammer sluis, and so our we. But as we near this lock, they were lucky to be the last for the turn, and we are not and have to wait for another turn. Which takes quite a while, because this lock takes time for mixing the salt & fresh water.

Weather so far is fine. Quite sunny and hardly no wind. But as we approach next locks, the Volkerak sluizen, dark clouds form behind us. We reconsider our plans. Our planned destination for today is Dordrecht city harbour, and we could easily make so. But would we favor a thunderstorm on Hollandse Diep? Willemstad is an option to stop & stay for the night, but obviously others think of the same. Many of the ships exiting the Volkerak lock think the same. As from the other side a club fleet also enters Willemstad, we think it not a wise idea to stop there as well.

The typical lighthouse stand of Strijensas yachtsharbour entrance

As thunderstorm & wind & rain approaching fast now, we decide to make the choice for Strijensas yachtsclub. We have past the little lighthouse with the stoney piers just above the waterlevel many times on the north bank of the Hollandse Diep, but never been there. Some say the approach is not very deep, and the small entrance doesn't look very inviting. Especially with southwest winds, such requires precise steering.

A call with harbour master before we enter reveals they have an easy place for us available, immediately at entrance of harbour. Maybe the entrance is dredges lately, I don't have any depth warnings on my meter and don't experience any difficulties entering the small entrance. We indeed have a nice place on the outskirts of the harbour with a nice view on Hollandse Diep. As soon as we have landed and fixed, it starts pooring loads of rain.

Google Earth view of Strijensas harbour

Later on that night, nature provides another surprise. A beaver swimming alongside us with a big branche in his mouth, unloading at the bank opposite, just about 25 meters from us. Standing up, showing off. Unfortunately to dark to take pictures now. So we have to make believe.

Separation

2011-07-06T20:41:00.002+02:00

9 June 2011

Last night, in the cosy club restaurant of Breskens, we have memorized our sea adventures of the day with the crews of the fleet. Not only the sea tour, but all ten days with the Linssen Owners fleet provided a lot to talk about, without exception experienced as a positive 'adventure'. Now we have to separate, time flies.

Very early this morning, at 06:00 AM, to take advantage of the incoming flood current, we leave Breskens with 5 ships, going westward on the Westerschelde, taking the Kanaal door Zuid-Beveland to Oosterschelde. Several stay behind and are lucky to postpone their home tour. Later on we hear one of the ships, Gemmax, entered sea again, rounding Walcheren to enter the Roompot lock. A part of the tour we had to cancel because of the rough sea. On his own blog, skipper Max informs us about his experience with this rounding, which sounds not to be eligble for re-doing (rough sea, sand banks, etc.).

Excellent fish catch in St Annaland

Our own first stretch of home tour doesn't take very long. The five pass Hansweert lock very smoothly. In the Mastgat we enter the Krabbekreek to our destination. By marine radio we say goodbye to the others, they are going further east. For today our destination is St. Annaland, a favorite place to stay for us, not the least because of the excellent fish restaurant. Harbour master grants us the nearest place to the restaurant. Our Flanders tour ends with an excellent fish plate this night.

Surfing with 20 tons

2011-07-02T21:04:00.004+02:00

8 June 2011

After the message that our next destination is Breskens by the sea, we have less than 30 minutes to leave quai. Precisely at planned time Oostende harbour master in his dinghy starts to untighten the lines to buyos, by which each of us is lined to the bow.

Fortunately early this morning we already made our preparations for sea course. We have already stowed away everything we could think of. Using crates and cushions to fix them. One should not think lightly about doing so. After the sea tour, once arrived in Breskens, we learned that on board of one of the fleet, a flat screen tried flying and failed - causing quite some damage to the interior. As we already did the preparation work, in the 30 minutes left we can concentrate on the real thing. Starting and checking engine, marine radios, navigation equipment, fixing life line, etc. As soon as we're loose from the quai, we also take away the fenders and stow them as well. On sea, they would be in the way.

Leaving Oostende just after turn

Oostende yachtsharbour is adjacent to the piers, so when leaving its exit, the sea is right in front. As long as the convoy is between the piers, the long waves coming in create a first tempting sensation. Let'm come, nice! But nearing and passing the end of the piers, it gets rough. Because we still have the bow in the breaking waves, it adds to the excitement (for some of the crew). The real thing however, still has to come. Wind and waves are coming from southwest. Going out, we go west, so bow in right direction. But for Breskens we have to go north (east), following the coast. So sooner or later we have to take a turn to starboard. Looking at the convoy ships in front of us, we do not need much imagination about what is going to happen to us. Ready? Steady? Go! For 2 minutes we have the 1-2 meter waves on the side, we're in a roller coaster, needing hands and feets to get ourselves fixed. Fortunately no flying objects, other than ourselves.

In a roller coaster

After this 2 roller coaster minutes, and another 5 minutes to get used, situation starts stabilizing. We now have the waves at our stern, somewhat on port side. I put the autopilot on, so Cómplice is doing the work herself. And it is hard working for the hydraulics to keep course, I see at the rudder indicator. Nearing Zeebrugge, the height of the waves increase to 2 meters. It's fascinating to see the wall coming to our low sedan deck, and than lifting the ship, surfing 20 tons after the top of the waves has passed! Going on for the next 4 hours to come.

After we have passed Zeebrugge in a few hours, we are a bit more on lee side, so the waves return to expected 1 meter size. We now experience this as piece of cake, so we even find the opportunity to take some coffee (we have made in advance, of course). Still, keep the cup in both hands, and stow it away immediately after use!

Shipping lane near Westerschelde

At 16:30 we arrive in Breskens with an experience I wouldn't want to have missed. Let's do this again. It was only for rehearsal, my dear.

Windy Apps

2011-06-29T21:15:00.001+02:00

8 June 2011

Amazing how many "Apps" are available to predict windforce. Last night, at captain & crew dinner in Oostende restaurant "Le Grillon" many smart phones with their Apps like "Wind Guru" came above the table to discuss the predicted wind force for tomorrow (= today). For many of the Linssen fleet, like ourselves planned to be first time at sea. But of course, only when wind and waves allowed a safe crossing. All of our participating ships are build for B-category, so force 8 Bft and waves of a few meters would do. But almost neither of our crews would want to give such a try. Earlier decision was made to limit our excercise to 4-5 Bft and waves of 1-2 meters. Downside.

Finalizing discussions and the diversity of Apps forecast as well as the various interpretations, a wise decison made to form - yes, typical Dutch - a committee of wise 3 man, who would take the go/no go decision, and do so this D-Day morning around 10:30 at a group coffee break.

You dirty, noisy creature!

We woke up this morning very early. Not by nervousness, but by shouting seagulls around and above us. We discover to be moored next to a fish reception area, where the incoming fishermans ships unload their fresh catch. The seagulls flying above and even sitting on our Cómplice, very soon require a fresh water hose to clean the dirt. Whilst cleaning up, still rather early, our neighboring crew talks with a sailor around, coming forward with the message that force Bft 6 to 8 is expected. Later on we figure that such just must have been bluff poker or a joke.

At coffee break, the committee comes with its verdict. Force 4-5 is expected, wave height 1-2 meters. With that expectation the party is on! But with the restriction we will not go all the originally planned way. We will not go to Roompot, which requires rounding an area with quite some sandbanks and hence causing nasty short breaking waves. Our destination will be Breskens instead, at the entrance of Westerschelde. Let's go for it!

Competition

2011-06-28T21:05:00.000+02:00

7 June 2011

Leaving Brugge this morning at 08:30 takes quite some time. Such because of the many bridges (7) on the Ringvaart that need opening to let the convoy pass. Such competing with rush hour traffic, sometimes in a traffic jam on the bridge. Some very peculiar bridges, with an amazing balancing act, like the new Scheepsdale brug. Please keep your balance, at least till we have past,

Please keep your balance

At the same bridge, we encounter other 'competition'. A barge is splitting the convoy apart. We ourselves have to let go the barge first pass the bridge, others are ahead. We are the first behind the barge, and right after the bridge I note by the amount of mud coming up, that the deep loaded barge probably touches the bottom of the canal. I warn the other to keep distance, don't want to damage my impeller, though we have new spares now, picked up very early this morning by Max at a nearby Volvo dealer.

Also in the Ringvaart around Brugge we have to take a peculiar ellips shaped lock, with hardly any possibilities to fix the lines other than traffic signs. For one of the fleet, a hanging comes close, line need to be cut through.

Further route to Oostende continues in slow pace. Sometimes with a view on the agricultural lands besides the canal, and partly with a view on the dykes only. Another peculiar bridge to open, the Stalhille pedestrian bridge which opens like a catwalk.

Nearing Oostende, we allready smell the salt. But before touching, we need to pass another lock - the sluis Demey. With a large dredging workship just before is. It takes quite some measurement and manoeuvring, but after all we all fit in one turn.

It fits in Sluis Demey. Just.

Now the sea is open for us, but still have to wait till tomorrow. First tonight we have our captains/crew dinner.

Horse power

2011-06-27T21:52:00.000+02:00

6 June 2011

Today is Brugge visiting day. Unfortunately a fuzzy rain during most of the day, which is even better than during the night when tons of water unloaded. Like most of our group, we walk around like soaked cats in this beautifull city, crowded with tourists probably any time of year. Like I wrote before, personally because of this we feel Gent to be more authentic.

Lazy in a rainy Brugge Coupure haven

Some of us even take on the boat rides through the canals, or one of the many carriages with the click-clack of the horses to be heard everywhere in the narrow streets. We take our time, even some time to read a newspaper or book. Tomorrow, navigation starts again.

Borrowing

2011-06-26T19:24:00.000+02:00

5 June 2011

We want to take advantage of the hourly opening time of the Meulestede Railway bridge, so the armada is floating before the bridge at 09:00 AM, when Gemmax announcing an engine cooling issue, need to shut down the engine. In order not to loose the hourly slot, Gemmax is taken aside and towed by Amphritite passing the bridge as soon it is opened. After the bridge, a quick investigation whilst the convoy is waiting, shows a complete breakdown of the impeller. So many sizes of impellers, and unfortunately the spare of Gemmax itself doesn't fit. Our spare does - we have the same engine as Gemmax - so another advantage of going abroad with a team.

Lock Evergem - you want to copy a Linssen?

On a slow pace, the fleet continues its way to Brugge via the Ringvaart and the Kanaal van Gent naar Oostende, whilst Amphritite and Gemmax stay behind to mount the new impeller. They will catch up at lock Evergem, where we have to wait sometime anyhow, to pick up our Flanders licenses. Smart business for the Flanders waterways authorities - the licenses cost € 50 each for half a year, ending next month (1 July)!

Whilst waiting in the lock, someone shouting above us. A Belgian chap asks to see our Cómplice. You're welcome. Climbed down the ladder, he tells us he is renovating an old inspection vessel, and he likes to see the lay-out and design of our interior, he wants to copy cat once seen and thoroughly investigated, making notes. Well, we don't mind. So, if you see an inspection vessel with a Linssen like interior, you know where it comes from.

Steaming armada in Kanaal Gent-Oostende

At around 16:30 we arrive in Coupure haven in Brugge, to celebrate the birthday of one of the crew members on one of the many terraces around.

Guest house

2011-06-25T10:45:00.002+02:00

4 June 2011

When I wake up this morning, I find 2 empty Jupiler beer cans on the aft deck. Well, I don't drink beer, but if I would, the Belgian beer is not a bad choice (when in Rome do as the Romans do). Later on this morning Bep of the MS Elisabeth crew, our neighbours for this night, tells us she had seen leaving a young couple our aft deck very early this morning. Doing what? Well, drinking beer of course! So our aft deck has been a guest house for this night. At least they have left it properly...

Tourleader André inspecting the troups in Gent

Today is Gent visiting day, with a guided excursion. Very nice city, personally we think it even nicer than Brugge which is nice as well but more touristic. It is a warm day, maybe even a bit too walk around, but good conditions for one of the many terraces. A lazy day.

A few weeks ago I visited Gent as well for business. So I asked one of my colleagues which restaurant of the many Belgians themselves would chose. He recommends the restaurant Pakhuis, so early in the morning we make a reservation. Already fully booked, but with some nice chat we manage to have a place for 2. It's great and a bit outside the main tourist walking line, which comes as a relief. Don't spread the word!

Early rise

2011-06-24T16:24:00.001+02:00

3 June 2011

Holiday starts this morning with a very, very early rise. At first opening time of the bridges to exit Willemsdok (06:15 AM) the convoy is floating for the first Londenbrug, opening timely. Right behind us the large (Dutch) Red Cross ship Henri Dunant is leaving Willemsdok as well. No one of us overslept, though later we hear that on some ships part of the crew continued the night cap.

We need to be that early in order to take advantage of the low tide current on the (Wester)schelde, we enter after passing the Royersluis. Passing this lock takes some discussion with the lock keeper, because he argues that we (at least some of us) do not have the required FD number. But the discussion ends with a good mutual laugh, and off we go, heading for Terneuzen where we will take the canal Terneuzen Gent.

Follow me

For some of us a first experience with the large seaships passing by or encountering us. Indeed such is exciting but no one experiences the tense that might rise when reading horror stories. Good concentration, taking the waves they create on the bow, and take course just outside the buyod shipping lane. That's it.

At Terneuzen we take the canal to Gent, and face another long waiting time at the Terneuzen lock, because the heavy commercial traffic but even more so because one of 3 locks being out of order. After having passed, the canal itself - well let's forget. It is boring, though amazing how much industry can be concentrated on such a long stretch.

Time for a drink

We arrive at around 18:00 in Portus Ganda, so another long (12 hours) engine day. But have nice places reserved alongside the quai, the sun is shining abundant, so let's have drinks on the aft deck.

V-shape

2011-06-23T21:02:00.000+02:00

2 June 2011

Same as yesterday, our 13 ships convoy leaves sharp at planned time. Unfortunately because illness we miss one ship. Our destination for today is Temse at the Schelde, southwest of Antwerp. Our first task is to take some pictures of the convoy passing the Zeelandbrug. We go ahead to do so. Plan is the convoy forms a V-shape so all the ships to be seen. Obviously such sounds easier than it is. So skipper Max of the Gemmax - a former submarine commander - basses over marine radio: 'Get a 45o angle to your front runner!' Is it a V-shape? Well, not quite. After all, Linssen's are no submarines, and we have some nice pictures!

As we near Wemeldinge, according to plan to enter the Kanaal door Zd Beveland to go from Oosterschelde to Westerschelde, the marine radio messages no pass through is possible today. No easy solution, we need to go through Bergse Diepsluis for leaving Oosterschelde. Well, this is a lock with length 34 meter, so only fits 2 Linssens at a time with a slow working speed (mixing salt & fresh). It takes more than 3 hours to have the convoy passed. Now we are on the Schelde-Rijn Kanaal, heading direction Antwerp. The Kreekkrak sluizen we need to take ask - though large & multiple parallel locks another 2 hours because of the busy commercial traffic.

Is it a V-shape? Well, not quite

By the time we have passed and calculating the time needed for arriving in Antwerp, the flood stream on the Schelde will have changed into low tide stream, which means we will never make Temse. Tourleader André makes overtime to arrange a place for 12 in Antwerp, and to see how we get the required FD number which is required for entering the docks of Antwerp, and to find our way through the docks to find the Willemsdok where eventually place for the dozen is made available.

At 19:30 we moor in the shadow of the new, peculiar Antwerp museum MAS (Museum Aan de Schelde), just in time to take some pictures before darkness. It has been a long, 11 engine hours day, but lots to talk about. Even more so, because later on that night, we need to rescue someone from drowning. But that's a different story.

Moored at the foot of MAS

Ducks in a row

2011-06-22T21:02:00.000+02:00

1 June 2011

At 10:00 AM sharp we leave Willemstad this morning with 11 other Linssen's, heading for Zierikzee where we expect a few other ships for our Flanders convoy. Personally I think the discipline is amazing. During our tour we will experience the same every morning, even when we occasionally have to leave at 06:00 AM (!) to take advantage of the tidal current. No reminders needed for the timing for leave as announced during meeting drinks yesterday. In business unfortunately it happens too often people arrive too late for meetings. At 5 tot 10 all the crews start the engines, loose the lines, and take off like ducks in a row.

Ducks in a row leaving Willemstad

Passing the Volkerak sluizen is piece of cake and a smooth operation. No busy season yet, and the 12 Linssens together with a handfull other yachts fit easily in the first turn of this large lock. The second lock, the Krammer sluis, is a different piece of cake. Unfortunately one the 2 locks for recreational purpose is under repair, the locks are smaller there, and mixing the fresh with the salt water there takes more time. A question to the lock keeper by our tour leader André Suntjens to let the convoy make use of the parallel lock for commercial barges is denied. No clue why. So we have our patience for waiting, and live with a split in 2 turns.

Leaving the Krammer we're on the salt water now we very much like. The color, clarity and smell, huge difference. Even in this early season, the Haringvliet water we have just left already is starting to turn into "green soup" in low wind side areas.

Zierikzee where we arrive around 15:30 (which means half of the convoy, because of the lock the other half follow some time later) is already waiting for us. So are 2 other Linssen crews with their ships. A prominent place reserved for the pack, close to inner town and adjacent to the terrace of pub "De Biet", where we will have our "steigerborrel" (jetty drinks) to make an official start of the tour. To make sure, we have the instructions (palaver) first. Tomorrow we need an early leave (08:30 AM) in order to flow with the tidal stream of the Westerschelde.

First row seating in Zierikzee

Collecting

2011-06-21T21:30:00.000+02:00

31 May 2011

Today Cómplice behaves like a sitting duck. And so do we, having a lazy day. We take our time to add to our supplies by visiting the supermarket and well provided shipshandler/shop. Let's not forget the Belgium guest flag! We watch the other Linssens coming in and welcome their crews. Look out for a good location and take time to take some nice pictures.

Sitting ducks

By the end of the afternoon 12 Linssens have arrived. Some more to join in Zierikzee. Jos & Joke Kempers are generous as ever, and invite all crews on board of their GS500 Amphritite for welcome drinks. We know most of the crews, and have a lot of our past and pre-season adventures and experiences to share. Excellent opportunity also to hand-over the Linssen Owners flag to the Tour Leader André Suntjens, who hurries to raise the flag on his Serious Pleasure.

Inner harbour Willemstad gets filled with Linssen's

After a few days of rather fresh, wet and windy days, the sky clears up. The convoy is ready to go. Well, tomorrow.

Teaming up

2011-06-19T20:46:00.002+02:00

30 May 2011

Ultimately tomorrow we need to be in Willemstad, where the Linssen fleet will team up for the Flanders Tour. Today the weather has improved in such a way, that we we intent to take another intermediate step, and take a last night on our own in free nature. The Biesbosch we will pass halfway, offers excellent opportunity to do so. This time of year it will not be overcrowded yet - like it will be in high season. And with overcrowded I mean not just other yachts, but also flies and musquitos which can spoil the fun in August (like we experienced before).

We leave at 10:30, expecting to arrive in Biesbosch a few hours later. Plenty time to look out for a nice anchoring place, maybe in Aakvlaai, the new part of the Biesbosch. This part of the Maas is piece of cake and canalized. Which means hardly to none curves, and not busy at all. Most of time I sit on the aft deck and steering with remote control on the autopilot. Cómplice working for herself.

At the moment we pass the Biesbosch to enter the Spijkerboor entrance opposite the Amer Centrale (energy plant) we receive a call of those already arrived in Willemstad. They are already with four Linssen's there, and invite us to join the fun. Well, change of plans, always nice to have a pre-party with good friends. So we head on, give some extra power, and arrive in Willemstad at around 15:00. Harbour master is expecting us, waving us to the inner harbour. We more next to the Vivente (a 40.9 AC) of our friends Jan en Joke, and have a heartly welcome by all Linssen's crew as soon as our lines are fixed. Altogether we have a welcome drink on the terrace of the Wapen van Willemstad, with a nice view on the ships coming in. Tomorrow most of the other Linssen's will arrive, but already now some nice pictures to take.

Teaming up in Willemstad

Your attention please

2011-06-19T12:14:00.000+02:00

29 May 2011

At 08:00 AM sharp, the church bells of the Sint Martinus church dominating the skyline of Woudrichem start with what they are made for. And they keep on doing so at least for half an hour. No way to evade, so if you are a lazy riser on Sunday mornings, be prepared. We do not mind and take our time for Sunday morning breakfast. No reason to hurry, even more so because the nearby lock Wilhelminasluis on the Afgedamde Maas on Sundays only makes its first turn at 10:00.

Our destiny for today is Heusden, only a few hours away, we take the bending river in nice surroundings in slow pace. Heavy clouds and with 5-6 Bft quite some wind, but no rain. Though not strictly needed, we plan to fuel up at Legerstee, on the east side (Stapelloop haven) of Heusden. According to plan, we do so at an empty gas station. In high season there can be a waiting row here, but not today. Shopkeeper is complaining - the poor weather doesn't help him.

Leaving the Stapelloophaven, confusion hits. I have a message on the marine radio of a familiar voice. At the same time I see on starboard "sister ship" the Gemmax (also a 40.9 sedan) of Max and Gemmie Buskens approaching, so I think they call me on the radio. But they are not. The call in the marine radio is coming from another ship with name M&M, our neighbours at homeport Maurik, they are behind us, moored in Stapelloophaven for some repairs. So we call Gemmax on the mobile, having a chat with multiple communication channels for a while. Gemmax is on its way to the Linssen Owners Flanders tour as well. For now they plan to head for Biesbosch, we wish to stay in Heusden for this moment.

A nice place at Heusden club harbour

We have a warm welcome at Heusden club harbour (WV Heusden), homeport of several Linssen's and members of our owners group, and granted with a nice place at the outside skirts of harbour, with a nice view on town as well as on the ships coming in from the Maas. And having drinks to enhance the club feeling with René and Monique Thijssen, who have homebase in Heusden with their Dutch Sturdy Panta Rhei. Weather improves, so at night we take a walk to adjacent harbour to see if other members of our club with their GS 29.9 Kantje Boord are on board, but they are not. In the meantime we have a chat with an English couple, traveling around with their Linssen named Kairos as well. The extended Linssen family is around everywhere.

Follow me

2011-06-18T21:48:00.002+02:00

28 May 2011

We leave Vianen at a decent 10:00. No need to hurry, destiny Woudrichem will take only half a day. Upon our arrival at Vianen lock, where we enter the Merwedekanaal, we're the only one around. Though it is not high season yet, normaly one would expect more yachts, because this is a popular track for yachts coming from the Hollandse IJssel, and heading for the Linge or further south. The quiteness must be caused by the low water level. We have noted that the threshold at Koninginnesluis at Vreeswijk - an important feeder for this recreational route - shows a threshold of 1.2 meters on a matrix sign. I wouldn't dare to go there at low tide!

The lock keeper opens the doors on our side rather soon, but as we are in, for some time nothing happens. The marine radio informs why - a barge is expected, still quite some distance away. Anyhow, we have the time, also to lower our mast for the bridge just after the lock. Though the bridge will have to open for the expected barge, I would want to have the choice to leave the lock first, so without the bridge needed to be opened for me. It happens to be a good choice. Indeed the barge skipper wants us to leave the lock first, because he needs room to manouvre in the ellips formed lock.

However, as soon as possible after the lock, I go aside to let him pass. I do not want to be pushed all the way to Gorkum on this rather narrow Merwede canal. Another good choice. With the barge in front of us, all the many bridges that need opening on the route we take, open immediately. Because of the narrow and bendy canal, the barge is traveling a decent 11 km/h, so no issue to keep up.

At 13:00 we arrive at the Grote Merwedesluis in Gorkum, following the barge all the way, so not taking the detour at Arkel, where the entrance to the Linge is. We arrive in a rather empty Woudrichem historic harbour at around 14:00 hours. Plenty of time for a nap, some lengthy conversations with the familiar harbour master, and a walk-around in the nice fortress town, and make a reservation for evening dinner in the restaurant 'De Gevangenpoort" (Prisoners Gate).

Prisoners Gate in Woudrichem, now a cosy restaurant

Uncovered area

2011-06-16T21:22:00.003+02:00

27 May 2011

We are on our way. On our way to Flanders, to participate in the Linssen Owners Flanders tour. The tour as such will start in Willemstad, and bring us to Antwerp, Gent, Brugge and Oostende, with a return route by sea. Such with a partipation of 14 Linssen's and their crews, most of them well known to us as co-members of the Linssen Owners Group L*O*G, I founded a few years ago. Like us, most of participants took part in earlier tours, like to the Frisian Islands and to Sail Amsterdam 2010. We are very much looking forward to meet again, and taking the experience to take Cómplice abroad and to sea.

Before such is the case, we take the time for our route to the starting point. Our destination for today is only a planned 3 hours to Vianen at the club harbour The Peiler, west of town alongside the borders of the Lek. So we we can free our minds of daily business, and take the time to prepare ourselves and the ship for a longer tour. She has to work, we take the laziness.

We set of at our homeport Maurik at around noon this Friday, with 247 engine hours on the meter. So, since our Cómplice touched water early April, we have already traveled a near 50 hours. April and most of May provided superb Summerlike weather conditions, but today it seems Fall has come, with showers and quite some north-west wind (5-6 Bft), and associated temperature of 17 oC. It is part of the game, and we do not really mind.

Vianen De Peiler club harbour

With these weather conditions we know our prefered mooring place at Vianen destiny, which frankly is not the usual place for guests. Instead on the outside row of the jetties, we prefer to be on the innerside which provides some shelter for the coldisch wind as well as for incoming waves of the barges passing nearby on the Lek river. So we ask the harbour master to do us such a favour upon our arrival at 15:30, and being able to sip our glass of wine to celebrate start of our holiday on our aft deck, sheltered by the cabin. No problem. Which means for half an hour.

As soon as we are set and fixed, and sit down to touch our glasses, harbour master comes with a nasty message. The vessel that belongs to the box we're in, will return this night, so we have to move. We don't complain, it's part of the game, but the harbour master herself excuses over and over, offering us alternatives by an array of too many choices. Frankly, making the choice takes more time than relocating Cómplice. Still, we have one minor point for the club harbour the Peiler. They have changed the lock on the outside gate in such a way one needs a plastic entry card which requires a bail of € 20. They have to change this, because such creates a conflict between going our for dinner at night and an early leave next morning (making it impossible to have the bail returned). So we have to stay and have our first tour meal on board this night, which we do not perceive as punishment.

Green of a kind

2011-05-23T21:18:00.000+02:00

21 May 2011

A few posts I shared our view on the amazing tones of green, when descending the river Maas 2nd weekend of April on our way from Maasbracht to Maurik. This weekend I have to address the kind of green.

I believe the waterline and name of our Cómplice is painted British Racing Green, a standard 2nd decorative color for our Linssen. For this weekend, it should have been Emerald green, for the gemstone which has borrowed its name to a jubilee between silver and gold (at least as we call it as such in the Netherlands) we celebrate.

We celebrate with our family of 9 – including a ‘stowaway’, by surprise we are informed about half way en route with our Cómplice. What a surprise, and now the Linssen type of our ship fits exactly for the occasion: 40.9 (!)

Our destination is the one we like most for short weekend routes: Tante Loes (aunt Loes), a trendy restaurant 2 or 3 hours (depending whether we are lucky or not at lock Amerongen) going east. I have described this restaurant with terrace at the Neder Rijn and convenient mooring place before. At the current water levels, we hope to have sufficient water under the keel to moor to have our arranged family lunch.

The weather is fabulous, so it is no punishment we have to wait quite long at Amerongen lock for a tanker that needs to go in first – though still a few miles behind and not even can be seen yet. A funny surprise, it is the same tanker “Desperado” we had to wait for a few weeks ago. Funny name for a ship too! Half loaded because of the water level of the river. It seens, I have read, not to worry the skippers. By law they get paid for full load, so double the number of ships needed!

“Tante Loes” is enjoyable as ever. At the jetty now the meter shows only 30 cm water under the keel (compared to > 1 meter normally), so I keep my stern at river side. As one our sons take “the duty” to be the skipper, I can have lunch & family party accompanied with a glass of wine . Recently the rules have changed, same max of alcohol permitted for the skipper on the river, as for the driver on the road now. And be sure, alcohol testing takes place as much as on the road! A wise measure, of course.

Lock waiting time, a hattrick for the kids

After a decent lunch, our return route again takes almost an hour waiting time at the lock. This time no tanker that keeps us waiting, but a number of barges, and it also might be the case the lock keeper doesn’t want to spoil too much water in these dry times. But never mind, next to the waiting area, a nice place to play some football with the kids – though the geese do not seem to like it. Never mind, the farmers don’t like them. Too many, especially alongside the rivers – eating all the green away. Oeps, have to change color now.

Summer 2011, so far

2011-05-15T15:49:00.001+02:00

15 May 2011

This is an extraordinary weekend. Since the early first weekend of April Cómplice touched water again, every weekend has been superb by all standards. Several weekend even up in the twenties oC. Every single weekend since than, we spent on the water. Apart from our travel from Maasbracht to homeport Maurik, most of those weekends we enjoyed the little Maurik lake with our bow softly landed on one of the little beaches, looking at sun down late night and sun set early morning.

Lazy Sunday afternoon

Last weekend we spent 2 days with even 6 of us on board, including our son and daughter-in-law and our grandchildren Bram and Elise. Bram even learned how to row himself in the Zodiac. Amazing that a 4-year old boy can learn so fast, must be the Dutch heritage "fighting" the water by nature. He was even tempted to swim - as he is learning in the swimming pool. But not a good idea, at water temperature still below 15oC.

If you don't know where your are going, any direction will do

Sunday we had our first season experience with Tante Loes again, with some friends. Taken the 2-3 hour tour to the town of Amerongen, sipping our wine and having our lunch on the terrace adjacent to the river, enjoying the good things in life.

It is amazing how low the river is now, due to the all time low rain period for 2-months now. More than a meter lower than usuals this time of season. Some ferries already had to be taken out of order, and we heard from a yachts skipper that some harbours can't be left because of the low water levels. Upstream it is even worse, a yachts skipper from Vienna, entering our homeport told. The commercial skippers only can take half load - which business wise doesn't seem too bad according to a newspaper article. Because by law they get paid for full price - so twice as much capacity needed.

We need rain, and so the garden does. This weekend is exceptional however, not because it is raining. At 15oC and quite some northwest wind it is a bit cold. Not for time of season, but compared to preceding weekends. So we stay at home, preparing the garden and the yard around the house for our nearing Flamish tour. And updating this blog. Let it rain - but have a restart of summer again in a few weeks time.

Business buzz words

2011-04-25T21:23:00.000+02:00

22-25 April 2011

"Offshoring" is one of the hottest business buzz words of today. It means that certain type of administrative/supportive work is transfered to a low wage country with a vast highly educated population of youngsters, preferably speaking English close to native. So most of the times India. The professional services firm I am working for (Ernst & Young) has its own "hub" of thousands people overthere, working for clients at rates we can't dream for in Europe and US. We call it the "Global Talent Hub".

This Easter weekend I stick to my own concept of "Off Shoring". For me, it simply means "no to be on shore" of course. And I do have my own local talent hub, in form of a crew of 7, including grandchildren Bram & Elise. We are so lucky - Netherlands being the hottest place in continental Europe, all time record this end of April with 25oC plus.

But before, I experienced another business buzz word: "Just in Time". Last weekend (also very nice weather), anchored on the Maurik lake near our home port, suddenly the bilge alarm went of. Not a nice sound! The bilge had filled with water, caused by water spitted out by the boiler, my adrenaline search for water source discovered. Taken pressure of the water system stopped the leakage, but to make sure we emptied the half full watertanks through the bilge, most of it with the help of the bilge pump.

The "Just in Time" concept came around on Thursday night, just before our long (and longtime ago) planned Easter weekend with the grandchilderen. On request of Linssen, Erwin Schuller traveled the busy Easter traffic to repair the boiler 'just in time'. The rubber seal where the heating element gets into the boiler broken - probably an occasionally misfit.

And we name her "KompLiesje"

Next early Friday morning the youngest part of my crew, ready for first duty. Giving name to their new toy, the Zodiac we bought 2 weeks ago. And they named her "KompLiesje" (which in Dutch sounds similar as "little Cómplice), but also has part of the nickname of our granddaughter Elise ("Liesje"). And than their first rowing! I promise there is no better recipee for exhausted toddlers than a full day on the water, mooring nearby a sandy beach, ending with pancakes! And for exhausted grandparents of course as well. So on Saturday, we spend a lazy day and stayed moored on the lake, nose on the sand, watching an increasingly busy lake, in this first real watersports weekend. With water temperature around 13-15 C unfortunately no swimming for us (though for some others)! In between visits of several other friends from nearby ports, also moored & anchored around.

Though we did not participate the Linssen Easter tour in Limburg (we left 2 weeks ago), the remaining weekend we enjoyed our own Linssen company. On Sunday "Dirk" (GS 380AC) of Brian & Alisson Cunliffe returned in Maurik again after wintershed in Maasbracht, mooring next to Cómplice on the lake. Plenty of reason to celebrate on the aft deck! In the mean time another Linssen 380AC with name Indigo passing by, also investigating to moor nearby.

Dirk visits Cómplice on Maurik lake

On Monday we felt the 'urgent need' to mingle with the busy lane of a growing number of yachts on this second Easter day. Our destination Culemborg, home port of Dick & Joke Peek with their Taurus (DS 320AC). With a cosy exchange of our mutual plans for this headstart of the new season. By the end of the day we received message from Béatrice et Jean-Robert Haeffeli, French owners of L' Argonaute (GS 410) they are around again...

Unfortunately for tomorrow work is waiting again. But these 3 days seemed to have lasted 3 weeks. A good start is half the fun, to paraphrase a Dutch saying.

Green, greener, greenest

2011-04-15T15:52:00.002+02:00

8 - 10 April 2011

We are on our way, heading north! Noon sharp we leave Van der Laan's in Maasbracht, leaving winter behind, the real start of season going home (port). First we have picked up the Zodiac we bought last week at Wim Houben's shop in Maasbracht, filled the watertank, checked all technics. It looks like summer. Though not very warm yet with 12 oC, a clear sky, and nature starting green colors again.

At Roermond we decide to take the fast lane, to follow the Lateraalkanaal instead of the curving Maas. By doing so, we gain some time (including one lock less), in order to have the choice to reach Leukermeer in time today. If not, we will stay in Venlo's yachtclub harbour.

Still alone at Leukermeer

A great pleasure again to listen to the 5 Volvo Penta dwarfs (cylinders) dancing at 2000 RPM, going downstream at 12 km/h! We pass Heel lock at 13:00, and Belfeld lock at 15:00, making very good progress. At Venlo we calculate ETA for Leukermeer at around six, so well before darkness. We decide to continue our route up north. Apart from incidental barges not may ships around. Arriving at just after half past five at Leukermeer. The new harbour of Holiday Park Leukermeer (opened last year) still rather empty, no other guests. However, half an hour later another guest arrive in form of another Linssen named Kadesch with homeport Schweig (Germany). Not knowing from each other, they left Van der Laan today as well. On their way to the Ostsee. Their journey will take about 9 days... We feel a bit like starters...

It just fits at Grave lock for this barge

The day after, Saturday morning, we leave at a decent 09:30. No hurry at all, only four hours planned. Weather even better than yesterday. Slow down, start living... We have taken down the bimini now, to catch the Spring-Sun. Funny. Though normally nature is greener in the south-east and us going north-west, now to opposite occurs. Nature gets greener and greener, because of sudden lift of temperature these days. We pass the Sambeek lock at 11:00, and the Grave lock at 13:15. A bit more yachts-traffic "on the road" than yesterday, but still rather rare. Arrival in the small club harbour Ravenstein at 14:00. A warm welcome by the people of the club harbour Windkracht 13 in this nice little (historic) town.

Friendly Ravenstein harbour

Sunday morning the last part of our home tour. First hours after our 9:30 start we seem to be alone the world. No other ships around, except for an encountering deep loaded sand barge. Why would someone need so much sand on a Sunday morning, going the wrong way (normally the sand is picked up in the east, and going west)? At 11:00 we pass the Lith lock, one hour later the St Andries lock, and another hour later the Bernard lock. In between one hour upstream on the Waal. Now I have to work and pay all attention I have. The Waal is busy as ever, and correct the steering all the time due to the current around the piers. I don't feel very comfortable to put the autopilot on, too busy traffic.

The Waal, busy as ever. Economy finds its way up again

Arrival at homeport Maurik at 15:30. Warm welcome by our neighbours, feels good. I now have to pay for the sinn, and have to fetch my car in Maasbracht. But it is worth it, just a few hours by train and car. Season 2011 is ready, and so are we.

Learning by doing

2011-04-03T20:16:00.110+02:00

3 April 2011

To me, and I believe it is for most skippers, navigating as well as maintenance of the ship is lifetime education. It never stops. Everyday, or at least almost, new experiences require and provide new learning moments. Most of the times just by the experience, and sometimes with a focused moment of training. Like we had yesterday, hosted by Linssen Yachts and organized by the Dutch/Belgian Association of Linssen Owners, a day with technical training (for the "boys", mainly), and practical manouvring (for the "girls", mainly). Not the first time, by the way, but a very worthwhile and practical rehearsal, much appreciated by both sexes.

Frankly I had my first learning this season the day before this training day. When filling up our watertank I experienced Van der Laan now has 2 waterhoses. One for cleaning, and one for the watertank. I did not know... so had to empty and refill the tank again...

We ourselves ended this early April Saturday training day on the aft deck in Van der Laans harbour in Maasbracht. Which is quite unusual so early in season. But today in Limburg province temperature mounted up to 24 oC. Quite a difference with the experience we had a few years ago with the famous Linssen Easter Tour around the same date, during which we experienced snowfall!

Today, Sunday, we plan to bring practice to our yesterdays learning. Which means, let's give Cómplice her 2011 season trial run. Going around Maasbracht, let the engine do its work, check all the equipment. Better check it now, than experience failures during our 3-day journey to homeport. And of course, my wife Tonny likes to put the manouvrering lessons of yesterday in practice. So taking the rudder, and practice the mooring several times, on and off. It seems I myself will have to get used to mates role!

Seasons first night on board at Van der Laan in Maasbracht

Going around and testing the equipment we experience the direct discharge waste water pump not properly working. I know the cause. End of season last year, in a hurry (not a good advise!) when emptying the waste water tank, I forgot to open the sealock. Now I know from yesterdays lessons how to fix. Obviously one of 2 the membranes (most of the times the one for "suction") has flipped. So not planned at all, but still I have to put the learned into practice. Which is not the nicest job today, I promise. So pretending to be self-confident (not really), I open the pump (with a bucket underneath of course) and indeed, the membrane has folded. I fix, mount the pump again, and it works properly! I am proud, of course.

Still, I hope it not to be needed to put the other lessons in practice. I am a bit re-assured I can (like replacing the impeller) or unblocking the toilet (please no paper!), but I don't fancy. And at least I know most of the causes of malfunctions that might occur, but rather rarely do. Which is the most important thing to learn. Thanks to Paul Smits.

Ready steady go

2011-03-31T21:23:00.000+02:00

31 March 2011

As of today, Cómplice is floating again. Not that I had any doubt she would not float. But it is a thrill to see the ship descend and touch the water again, and reinvigorate the "skippers feeling". Made summer ready and had proper engine maintenance by Erwin Schuller, re-installed the equipment by myself, she and we are ready now. Or, as our grandson says when doing his little run matches: "ready, steady, go!"

Now we will first spend a weekend for some cruising around Maasbracht. To check everything working like it supposed to do. We trust, but better safe than sorry, and be around the Linssen yard in case technical assistance might be needed. It looks like we are lucky with the weather, to enhance the new season feeling. Suddenly temperature goes up from 10 to 20. Though it is just one or two days (some snow is even possible in April) and it might change again, the start is there.

Next we will take the familiar 2-3 day journey from Maasbracht to Maurik. But first do a refresher 'technics' training with Linssen, organized by the Linssen Owner Association NL-BE.

Let's go!

Temptations

2011-03-17T21:41:00.004+01:00

17 March 2011

Probably every boat owner recognizes the experience at the start of the new season. Temptations all around. What new equipment do we need? Flipping through brochures, scrolling through websites. Need to have, or nice to have? I must admit, most of it is of the latter category. Toys for boys.

I experienced such starts at early age. We do need a dinghy, I think, and make a rationale. Our grandchildren will accompany us for some weeks this season. At least, such is the plan. It would be nice to accomodate with a little boat. Could be a toy-like inflatable. But Bram, on his way to the age of 5 has seen different pictures. Or did I show him? He wants the real thing, a Zodiac. I think he is too young for name dropping, but he recognizes the familiar Z. Do I really need one? If not and our budget priorities are in different order, can someone help with a Z-sticker?

Another need or nice to have on the wish list. Folding bicycles. They come in so many species, and with an unbelievable range of prices with multiplier higher than 10. Suddenly struck by an article in one of Dutch watersport magazines, about a webshop called "compact boatsolutions" http://www.compactboatsolutions.nl/
One of their offerings: electric folding bicycles. Well, at our age... Need to have, or nice to have?

Another temptation. For a few years now I use the Stentec navigation maps and GPS on board. Works well. Need to buy Belgian maps now, because of our Linssen Owners tour to Vlaanderen early June. Looking around the cost of this additional map for my Win GPS (not very cheap!), I encounter the other inland waterway maps provider Navigo (Noordersoft), with additional functionalities and wider European coverage. Shall I continue with Stentec, or expand my horizon?

Indeed, I am only addressing the "toys for boys". Our granddaughter Elise has different interests and priorities, so does my mate. But that's a different discussion. Not fit for public blog. For now, let's keep on dreaming.

Practicing

2011-03-11T15:03:00.001+01:00

11 March 2011

Each new season requires practicing. To a certain or large extend, such differs from natural habits which are based on conditioned learning. For instance, once learned cycling, skating, skiing and swimming one never "forgets" how to do.

Such is a bit different with boating, at least for me. In this preparation time for the new season I have to do some rehearsal, at least for the technical parts. What to look for, which seacocks to open, which switches to put on or off, etcetera. I think such becomes not a natural habit because boating is a seasonal pleasure, and not a day-to-day excercise throughout the year. Or maybe it is just age.

At least (and fortunately) I am not the only one. Our friends Paul and Lesley informed about their adventure a week ago with starting their season with Farandole, a Linssen GS 380 sedan. Says Paul: 'Everytime I start the new season, for the first ten minutes or so, I stay in harbour, circling around a bit near the jetties. Just to make sure everything works and I manage'. Lucky them. They started of with 'baby steps' like in the famous movie 'What about Bob' with actors Bill Murray as Bob Wiley and Richard Dreyfuss as Dr. Leo Marvin. But within 5 minutes the engine stopped completely, and Farandole taking her own route. Fortunately no damage, with a soft landing aside another ship in harbour.

Farandole taking her own course at the start of the new season

What happened? Despite all preparation with and by a professional mechanic for summerizing, after some research it showed the fuel valve was closed by a mechanic end of season, but forgotten to re-open (by same mechanic?) at the season start. Frankly, I never touch this valve during season, so easily forgotten at the new start of it. Think of what could have happened when taking a direct route onto the river Maas with its barges and current. So one better make 'baby steps' first.

Talking about preparations and reinforce natural habits, our grandson Bram is preparing for new season as well. This year he will reach age of 5 years, time to learning swimming. And he is well aware that his (grand)parents conditioned his stay on-board with the prerequisite he learns to swim. So every Saturday, he practices to become water prone, and he likes it. Actually in a canal & ditches abundant country like the Netherlands all children should learn. But unfortunately and very stupidly budget reasons prevent such to be any longer (like former days) a normal primary school training.

Bram practicing for the new season

Let's take Bram as an example. I will not leave harbour with Cómplice, before properly trained and practiced for the new season.

Are you ready?

2011-02-24T21:31:00.001+01:00

24 February 2011

This morning a bit of snow covered my car, but the birds and snowdrops signal Spring is coming. We have a weird, unwrestfull feeling. Work to do, something needs to be done to get ready for the new season. Called Erwin Schuller, for setting a date to "summerize" Cómplice. And Van der Laan to crane our ship in water again. Dry feet long enough. Slighthly more than four weeks to go, to touch the water again. Paid the bill for coming season mooring in Maurik. Gosh, I myself need to recall the technics on-board, read the papers and the own "Cómplice for dummies" I have made to make ours sons acquainted with them.

Just a few weeks ago, the parking lot at our home port still was flooded because of the high Rhine waters. But now, the grass is starting to deliver. Hurry!

Because Cómplice was in the showroom at Linssen for the Boat Show, end of last season we had to take home more belongings than we were used to. Were did we store them around our home? Need to make a list. Where do we have the keys, the torch, the handheld marineradios (by the way, don't forget to load them).

Which main trips will we make this year? First we will join the Vlaanderen tour with the Linssen Owners Group, of course. What will be our summer tour? The Friesian Islands? Or shall we take Zeeland again? Family planning. Our grandchildren will join us for a longer period now, together with our son and daughter-in-law. So six to decide now... We need a dinghy. Need to search for 'best buys'.

Surprise looking at Linssen Yachts site. Our first Cómplice shows "sold" now on their site. So in case you encounter 2 Cómplice's this summer on Dutch waterways, you know why.

Of course, if you are a skipper yourself, you know the feeling. Winter takes too long. But suddenly it is gone. Maybe not outside, but inside oneself. Are we ready? Not yet. But we will be in time. For sure!

Dry feet

2011-01-13T19:34:00.000+01:00

27 November 2010

Bright & shine on the Linssen Boatshow

I am tempted to title this contribution “Steeling the show”. But of course, at the Linssen Boatshow end of November, the newly launched Linssen Range Cruiser is the king. However, Cómplice is situated on a strategic spot in the showroom, with her front deck acting as a ‘speakers corner’ for the celebrations of the launch. Making us feel proud even more so.

On the road

On this Saturday (with a Linssen Owners dinner at night) and next Sunday our ship accommodates many guests on-board, and we are pleased to share our 200 hours experience so far.

By midst of December, Cómplice is taken to winter shed. With dry feet, because taking the narrow streets of Maasbracht on a trailer. Linssen sends kindly some pictures of this peculiar view.

At the moment of writing this, I am wondering how dry her bottom still is, as melting snow and abundant rain has flooded many quays next to the Maas. But it will be ok, I am sure.

Bye, bye 2010

Anyhow, this is the last contribution for season 2010. See you next season, “only” 3 months to go before launch season 2011.

Need for fuel

2011-01-10T19:23:00.000+01:00

Passing Cuijk, early Sunday morning

10 & 11 October 2010

When we leave this morning Mook’s Eldorado around 08:00 AM, other few skippers on the guest’s jetty still seem asleep. So let’s not wake them up, and abstain from using bow & stern thrust. Once again a sunny, quite morning. Clear blue sky, no wind, and for first few hours no other ship around on the Maas. Ideal circumstances to use the remote autopilot, and steer from the aft deck, waving to the early anglers on the banks. Of course, I go inside when we pass one of the many cable ferries, and if other river traffic approaches or passes by.

One of those many cable ferries

We are making very good progress, no or hardly waiting times at the locks, only near Sambeek first barges around. We know we need to make quite a distance today. Our ideal target is Nautilus harbor in Roermond, but to make this, we should be at Roermond lock at around half pass four in the afternoon to make the last turn for this Sunday at five. In case we don’t make this, we should stop in Venlo.

However, we are making such good progress, that we pass Venlo at 13:15. So too early to stop now. We figure to be at Roermond lock well before closing time. Well, we are in time, but not that much, arriving at four o’clock in the afternoon. Somehow the last part takes more time, than we figured on the map. We find a nice place at the Nautilus-quay, and relax with a glass of wine on the still sunny aft deck.

And a single mill

From Roermond to Maasbracht easily can be done within the hour (depending on waiting time at sluis Linne), and it takes us only half an hour. We have to take in fuel, to make the tank fully filled for winterizing period, of course. Now we have an issue. First we go to Spanjaardplas, and experience this unexpectedly to be closed on Monday. Should have called, of course. Our second try, the pump at Wessum harbor, also is closed for a period that includes today. Third place, the bunkership at Maasbracht before the lock, we have a sort of luck. The issue is, they only accept cash payment (no debit or credit card).

On town side there is a Bank to withdraw cash, but no mooring place. First we pretend to be a passenger ship (“rondvaartboot”) and moor at its jetty. But exit gate is locked, so we can’t get ashore. Second try is pretending to be a tug boat, and just mooring aside another one which seems not to be occupied. Climbing on the tugboat aside, we manage to get cash, and return to the other side for fuel loading. Which takes another hour waiting, because a barge just before us.

Around noon, after our last miles for this season, we arrive at Linssen harbor with 201 engine hours on the meter (since June!), and empty Cómplice to make her ready for show. Which means that we have to take out more than we usually do for winterizing. See you again end of November!

Lucky to be sad

2011-01-08T21:16:00.000+01:00

9 October 2010

We are lucky to be sad. We are sad, because today we start our "winterizing tour", return Cómplice back to Maasbracht for winter break. End of season. We are lucky, because since end of August, this weekend promises to be the first one with a few consecutive sunny, quiet days. Not that it is warm, when we leave Maurik harbour this morning at 08:30, temperature is about 7-8 oC. Before we leave, we have prepared our box for winter as well, taking away some fixed fenders and lines. If we would leave them, after winter they would be green or gone...

The route we go is very familiar. We have done this winterizing tour twice every year since 2006. Early Spring going downstream, late Fall going upstream. Overall the route will take approximately 2 1/2 days, but if we are lucky we can do a bit faster. Much depends how lucky we are with the locks. Especially during weekends, they close earlier end of day. Our goal for today is Grave, but if not in time for the lock there, we have to stop at Ravenstein.

We are very lucky with the first locks. The first one, the Bernard lock leaving the Amsterdam-Rijn kanaal into the Waal, is open for us only. The second one, the St Andries lock where we leave the Waal for entering the Maas, opens very soon. This time of year not a lot yachts on the river, and even barges are very few. We had calculated to be at Grave past 5 in the afternoon, but we even arrive at half past 3. Because the stretch for tomorrow also is quite long, we decide we can do more for today. So we don't stop at Grave. Let's stretch for Mook.

We arrive in Mook's Eldorado harbour, home port of quite some Linssens, at 17:15. A long day on the water, but relaxing. Plenty of time left for a nice meal at the harbour restaurant.

Consideration

2011-01-06T21:59:00.002+01:00

September 2010

Unfortunately month of September does not bring any stable weather weekends. If the weather is fine, mostly it is just one day of the weekend. No swimming conditions, which is a pity because what we like most is wakening up on anchored on the Maurik lake and take a dive from the aft platform. Instead, we go for single weekend days, and take short trips in the vincinity. To "Tante Loes" for a lunch (2 hours eastward), or west to Culemborg for visiting our Linssen friends Dick & Joke with their Linssen Dutch Sturdy "Taurus".

Even closer is Wijk bij Duurstede. Since this year inner harbour of this oldest city of the Netherlands (in Roman time known as "Dorestad") and characteristic mill (on paintings of famous Dutch painters) on the city wall has new jetties, which allow recreational mooring during the day. The municipal harbour has limited possibilities for staying the night (no facilities), but for us it is an ideal place to moor for a few hours and invite family and friends. And so we do, of course also taking the opportunity for picturizing Cómplice with the mill on background.

Wijk bij Duurstede municipal harbour

After one of the scarce nights we stay on the lake we have an issue with the batteries. They are empty after one night, even whilst they were fully loaded after one week of shore power. We try a second time, the week after, and same. Without any hesitation, a Linssen mechanic travels to Maurik and replaces the batteries, which we call service!

Halfway of September Yvonne Linssen calls us. 'Would we be prepared to have Cómplice in the end of November Boatshow? And by the way, for the demo days midst of October as well?' We need some nights to consider, but the good relationship prevails and we agree. We would return to Maasbracht anyhow, for winterizing at Van der Laan, but have to plan 2 weeks earlier. As it looks like Summer is over, it doesn't seem to be an issue. We will bring Cómplice back to roots early October.

Home

2011-01-04T20:19:00.000+01:00

26 August 2010

After nearly one month, we are back in home port Maurik. With one-and-a-half hour upstream from Culemborg a short and familiar track this morning. We would have liked to stretch our vacation a day longer with our habit to finalize with anchoring on the Maurik waters and clean the ship from salt and other debries with the deckwash. But not in today rainy circumstances. Let's clean up in harbour, pack our stuff and have a look if our home & cat are still there, and how high the grass has grown.

Our long tour - the longest period we ever had in busy business life - has brought us through a wide circle from country center, via Rotterdam, to Zeeland, and again via Rotterdam to Amsterdam and back. We started this tour with 81 engine hours on the meter, we end it with exactly the double: 182 hours. Cómplice behaved on her maiden tour after delivery in June very well, we did not expect less. Apart from the anchoring issue as described, and an issue to solve portside gate in the railing that got stuck, no complaints or failures so far.

At homeport in Maurik

Still a month to go, before we return to wintershed at Van der Laan in Maasbracht. So we might have still a nice few weekends around homeport. If weather permits... Let's first try to become landlubbers again.

Stretching

2010-12-22T20:56:00.001+01:00

Marnemoende at IJsselstein

25 August 2010

The distance between the modern yachtsharbour Marnemoende near IJsselsteijn - amidst the polder landscape - easily can be done in one day (5 hours), but we don't. Every year we like to stretch our holiday to the sweet end. So we plan to have a last night at Culemborg, at just one hour distance from our homeport.

Before we leave Marnemoende we call the Culemborg municipal harbour. This has nice quai places, but not a lot and especially during season all might be occupied. Some harbours don't make reservations, but Culemborg does. Which means that without a reservation one might arrive at an empty quai but still not having a place because all places have signs "Gereserveerd". No problem to have a reservated place today, so we can take all time for one of these last days of our lengthy tour. Wind is down compared to last few days, and after lots of rain last night, even the sun makes some tries to pass the clouds.

Several bridges to take on the Hollandse IJssel and one lock, before we can enter the larger river Lek. One needs to take time for those, especially the bridges in Nieuwegein are "famous" to take some time to open. No exception today, and no clue why such needs to take so long. This as such doesn't bother us, but we think that the absence of any reply when politely asked by VHF for an opening can't be excused. Such happens at every bridge in the Nieuwegein area, and we are not the only ones with such complaints (even published in watersports magazines!). So take your time.

A relaxing tour today, with two places that require special attention. First is at a very narrow lock (open) between the Doorslag and Merwedekanaal, followed by a sharp turn starboard from where we are coming from. Cómplice width just fits the lock (Doorslagsluis) which means we need to keep moving in order to be able to steer, without any view on traffic coming from the other side. The second attention place is when exciting the lock Koninginnesluis at Vreeswijk, when entering the busy Lek on a crossing point.

After 3 1/2 hours we arrive safely at Culemborg, our last station before homeport, and take a walk into the nice town, with its terraces in town centre. Though not bad, unfortunately the weather doesn't feel suited for having a nice glass of wine and a meal on the outside. Instead we decide to have our evening dinner at harbour restaurant. Nothing special but ok, and with a nice view on the harbour and Cómplice.

Snail Trail

2010-12-12T14:35:00.000+01:00

24 August 2010

Over 3 weeks ago we have left our homeport, this is the week to return. The week starts with very poor weather, lots of wind & rain. So we have stayed for another night in Leiden, but now is the time to go south-east. Not sure how far we can get for today. Actually we think Gouda could be a stop (but we don't like to go into inner city this time), or Montfort at the Hollandse IJssel, but such is quite some trip to go.

Ready to leave Leiden

First part is going very smooth. We arrive at 'crossing point' Alphen a/d Rijn just before ten am, less than one hour after departure. Luck seems to be on our side. Just before this centre town, a heavy sand loaded barge leaves quai, but the skipper allows us to pass upon my VHF request. So we are just before instead of after him in the narrow canal that crosses Alphen, and we are sure the bridges will open right away for this giant.

Luck runs out however. When we have passed the town, turning starboard onto the Gouwe, such works different at the railway bridge. A dozen yachts waiting there, obviously because the railway bridge hasn't opened for sometime. And after half an hour floating immidst the pack - not really amusing, no good places to moor - the barge... goes first. Now we are on the snail trail, with in the meantime more than 20 yachts at slowest pace behind the heavy loaded barge on the small, rectangular canal the Gouwe is. I can't even keep Cómplice on the first click of morse for about about 10 kilometers till Gouda. We hesitate to stop at Boskoop, but the yachts harbour there doesn't look very fancy, and we are not sure there will be a place for the measures of Cómplice.

At the lock near Gouda, arriving at around one o'clock, we have a bit of luck again. Most of the other yachts are sailing ships, need to wait for the opening of the railway bridge, we can pass without opening. So we just fit behind the barge in the lock. After which we are turning port side onto the Hollandse IJssel, the barge continuing its way direction towards Rotterdam.

Again we run out of luck. At Haastrecht a bunch of yachts waiting, the bridge can't open, mechanic called for but not arrived yet. We loose another hour, which means we are just too late for evening break (16:00-18:00) of the bridge at Montfoort. When we have passed the bridge after 6 o'clock, all mooring places alongside the Montfoort quai are occupied. So let's go on to Marnemunde, near IJsselstein. To make sure we will have a place there, we call and luckely are still able to make a reservation.

We arrive slightly after 19:00, a long day this time of about ten hours of navigation on the snail trail. Not what we fancy most, but sometimes on has to do what comes.

Better than Tiffany's

2010-12-09T21:17:00.000+01:00

22 August 2010

After a full day playing around with our grandchildren on the nice, childfriendly lake beach and playing grounds at Warmond (westside of Kaager Plassen), we take course again. We planned to go to Katwijk. Yachts harbour there is very close to sea & beach. Though a former fisherman town, Katwijk a/d Zee the inland waterway doesn't have connection with the sea. But it is said to be a nice harbour (we haven't there before) to stay in summertime if one wishes to enjoy the sea/beach for some days.

Breakfast at Kaager Plassen, better than Tiffany's

On last minute however we discover from the Almanac that at least one of the several bridges close to Katwijk that need to open for, are not in service on Sundays. Such not to offend the conservative protestant community in this place. Weather forecast for next days is not very beach worthy anyhow, so we decide to go to the city of Leiden. Also in this case several bridges need to open, but no point here. The only issue might be that in case no place would be available at the municipal town-centre harbour, one needs to return all the way with opening the same bridges. So after a breakfast on the aft deck with superb view - better than breakfast at Tiffany's - we leave for student city.
Upon our arrival at 11:30 am, just one hour after our departure, we are lucky to a place available at the end of one of the well equiped jetties. The boxes here are a bit narrow for our 4.30 width, especially with the wind blowing on the side not easy to manouver. Otherwise, on the other side of the canal quai places would have been available.

As we are in the centre of this the historical university town, with lots of shops, cafés and restaurants around, this is a place we decide to stay more than one night. Not the least because wind is increasing and first rain drops announce the water buckets expected for next day.

Cómplice in student town Leiden

Water above air

2010-12-02T21:28:00.001+01:00

20 August 2010

There is a lot to see around the SAIL-area, where the tall ships have moored till next Monday, when the Sail-Out takes place. It doesn't seem very smart to go through Amsterdam with our Linssen pack again, so Linssen dealer Kempers had mobilised 5 sloops this time to pass the busy town. As bridges do not have to open, a more decent time for departure can be taken. We ourselves are tempted to participate, but we don't. Forthcoming weekend our grandchildren will visit us, and weather forecast looks superb, so we like to go to a place where they can arrive easily and have a "beach to play around". First things first, so we wave the departing sloops and depart in the opposite direction, heading south.

Our destiny is on the Kaager Plassen at Warmond, where we know a jetty next to a little beach, safe to play for our grandchildren. And besides, Warmond offers the opportunity of a nearby supermarket to buy their lemonade, as well as the meat & fish for the BBQ we have in mind.

A very smooth "ride" today in calm & sunny weather, only a few hours and we take our time. Arriving in Warmond, we are lucky with plenty of place available on the jetty we had in mind. It was very nice with the Linssen pack, but now we definitely also enjoy the silence and view on the Kaagerplassen, with a glas of wine of course, watching the sun going down, and the jumbo's decending for Schiphol on the horizon. Indeed we prefer the water, instead of the air.

Nightly adventures

2010-11-15T21:20:00.000+01:00

19 August 2010

Wake up call at 04:00 AM. Darkness around, though our neighboring crew of "Pleasure" seem to wake up as well. We expect some other Linssen Owners Group members at half past four, so we need to hurry. Altogether we embark at the five ships that will make the tour to the SAIL parade. It is crucial that we be at the Nieuwe Meer lock at five o'clock precisely, so the pack can take the first lock-turn this morning. Such will ensure that we will have passed the last bridge of the 9 bridges in the Kostverlorenvaart that have to open for us before 7 o'clock. Between 7:00 and 9:00 these bridges won't open because of rush hour. And we need to be at the IJ well before 10:00. After this time we can't take the full route to IJmuiden, where the Tall Ships arrive.

Nieuwe Meer lock at nigth

We ourselves embark the Amphritite, a GS 500 owned by Jos en Joke Kempers. The top of Linssen line, a beautifull and very comfortable ship. The full pack of five arrives just in time at the lock, which opens immediately. Each of the following bridges open almost immediately for our convoy. The nightly tour through Amsterdam is fascinating, with most of the city still asleep. Even the tram remise we pass is a silent parking lot. We are enjoying every minute, but the early workers and paper boys might not, as we keep them waiting for the bridges.

All heading West to IJmuiden

We pass the last bridge at 6:30, daylight starting. We are on the IJ now, and surprised by the huge number of ships already heading West to IJmuiden. We are definitely not the first. It is only allowed to go West till 10:00. Once the Tall Ships start entering the sea locks at IJmuiden, such is (for obvious reason) no longer allowed. Because of the huge number of ships that accompany the Tall Ships on their route to Amsterdam, such would mean an unmanagable chaos. So West direction in morning hours, East direction after 10:00. Later this day we hear on the news that a skipper of a freighter has not "understood" this basic rule, and overrun a small ship. Fortunately without injuries.

So we head to IJmuiden with hundred of yachts of all kind, and with a nice view on the IJmuiden lock we find a place next to a barge, with a spectacular view on the Tall Ships coming in. The "Stad Amsterdam", the Derawuci, the Amerigo Vespucci, the Kruzenshtern, too many to mention them all. We wait for the last, and than follow the tail with thousands of other ships. An unforgettable spectacle, which unrolls quite orderly in slow speed. But the closer to the city, speed is almost zero, and chaos is imminent.

Which way do you go?

Our Linssen skippers decide not to challenge their faith, let's not go to the far end, where the Tall Ships moor, with all sorts of little boats criss-crossing, sometimes with their already drunk skippers. We collect the convoy at the first bridge, till such opens after rush hour, many sloops for which the bridges do not have to open passing us on their way back as well. We don't mind. But eventually we all have to take the Nieuwe Meer lock. When we arrive there at around 7 at night, it is absolute chaos. Hundreds of ships waiting their turn. Yelling, shouting, threatening. It is a miracle that after we eventually have passed the lock at 10 this night, no one of the pack is damaged. A day to remember.

Chaos at Nieuwe Meer lock on return route

Ducks in a row

2010-11-14T16:21:00.002+01:00

18 August 2010

After the pleasant and good dinner in "Kempers Roef" last night, this morning we first start to form the crews for participation in the SAIL event. We are not going into the SAIL-turmoil with the full pack of Linssen ships, but stick to five. Reason is that we have to pass the city of Amsterdam in the middle of next night, having to pass the city before 07:00 AM, and the time it takes to pass the one lock and quite a number of bridges increases related to the number of ships to pass. So we divide the crews of 11 ships over 5 ships, and these new crews this morning have a first challenge to take: provision of food (and drinks of course!) for the next SAIL day in nearby supermarket. Not a big challenge, so by noon everyone returned with plenty of booz and food to welcome the big sailing ships next day.

We leave Kudelstaart half past noon. First the still windy Westeinderplassen, but very soon we are on the narrow Ringvaart, heading for Amsterdam. In this narrow canal, the pack of Linssens ships follow each other like "ducks in a row", nicely waiting in row for the several bridges to open. At one of those bridges however we are thrown apart by a big passenger ship with not any respect for the pack of Linssen's whatsoever. Frankly no respect at all for any ship, just pushing everyone aside.

Linssen ducks in a row

In 2 hours we arrive at jachthaven Driessen at the Nieuwe Meer, on the (South) West side of Amsterdam, which offers a perfect starting point for our early leave tomorrow morning. Weather has improved considerably, time for a BBQ with the group. Let's not make it too late tonight, tomorrow we have to leave at 05:00 AM. Sharp.

Linssen pack at Nieuwe Meer

Collection

2010-11-10T20:52:00.002+01:00

17 August 2010

Just one hour to go for today to Kudelstaart. And besides we do not want to leave to early, in order not to mix up with the several dozens of little fisherman ships ("zalmschouwen") at the quai of Oude Wetering. So we have plenty of time to visit the nearby supermarket to add to our supplies. Indeed, when we depart a quarter past ten this morning (almost) all have left, heading for SAIL 2010. So are we.

But first our "pack of Linssen's", participants of the Linssen Owners Group tour to SAIL 2010 are collecting in the harbour of Linssen dealer Kempers at the Westeinder plassen. This is one of 2 harbours Kempers has on this lake. A nice place, though on the north east side of this lake, which means that at southwest wind - which today is quite fierce - it requires some steering capabilities to moor.

Part of the "SAIL pack" at Kempers Kudelstaart

Upon our arrival at around eleven this morning, we are not the first of our pack. "Blue Lady" , a Linssen 47SL, already has arrived. The ship has topped of its mast by an unfortunate passing of a bridge, provisional measures have to be taken by dealer Kempers to house the navigation equipment. We ourselves are taking the opportunity to ask a Kempers mechanic to look at our port side side step, which we haven't been able to open since delivery. He takes a hammer with some cover and uses a force I never dared to (when I tried in Zeeland). And the lock opens. Looking for the cause of the difficult opening of "the gate", such proofs to be quite simple. A small rubber doesn't sit straight on the railing. Some other hits with a rubber hammer takes away this cause.

Chawesa hitting the waves

During the day others of the pack arrive. In the mean time the force of wind has increased. One of the latest arrivals is the Swiss flagged GS 29.9 with name "Chawesa" of HansRuedi and Betty. Once they moored we hear their story. They have left Zeeland this morning with the strong wind on the wide waters like Haringvliet, and several moments have thought never to make it. We feel sorry, but at least they have quite some story to tell and never forget.

This night we have a very nice "captains dinner" with our group in "Kempers Roef", a fancy and well known restaurant on harbour premises.

A long haul

2010-11-03T20:28:00.000+01:00

16 August 2010

We are urged to leave. Our neighbour with the catamaran has set a sharp leaving time and to let him go, we need to untighten Cómplice as well. No problem, we have planned to make a long haul today anyhow. We are heading for Kudelstaart (south of Amsterdam) harbour of Linssen dealer Kempers, where we have a start of the SAIL 2010 event of our Linssen Owners Group. We can arrive there tomorrow, but weather forecast for tomorrow is not very favourable, so today we wish to come as far as possible.

Not knowing yet which destiny place that for today could be. Our journey goes from Willemstad, along Dordrecht, Rotterdam, Gouda, Boskoop and Alphen a/d Rijn. Each of them has an opportunity to moor somewhere. Dordrecht with a nice inner city harbour obviously is too nearby, so we pass the very busy crossings there. Rotterdam would be too much of a detour going to a mooring place (Veerhaven or the new City Marina, we have already been on start of our Zeeland tour), so we pass as well. No locks and no bridges to open until Gouda. We are making very good progress and weather improves contrary to the forecast. We arrive at the lock around noon. Though we have quite some time to wait for our lock turn - not a very large one and a freighter taking most of the place - we still have an afternoon to go. And besides, though inner city of Gouda is worthwhile visiting, for mooring we would have to take a few bridges and another lock, witthout knowing if there would be a good mooring place available.

So we continue further north, heading for Alphen a/d Rijn. Now we are slowing down a lot, through the narrow and bumpy canal with its steep banks, and the bridges collecting a fleet before opening. Just before Alphen a/d Rijn confusion about the opening of the railway bridge. Because of an aquaduct being build there, mooring for yachts waiting for opening is about 500 meters from the bridge. When we see the green/red light we and others steam up, to experience that it is red again when we arrive at the bridge. Calling the bridgekeeper see says that we should have made more speed... Well, we wait for the other half hour opening, but for this next turn we ignore the signs that say to wait 500 meters away from bridge.

A huge ship wrestling to pass a narrow bridge

An indeed it passed...

Alphen a/d Rijn itself too has quite some bridges to open, which they all do smoothly upon our call. End of afternoon we have passed Alphen, if we wish we could even manage to be in Kudelstaart tonight. We think. But very soon we can't believe our eyes. Heading before us is a huge, huge ship carefully trying the pass a narrow bridge with a lot of people in fluorescent jackets around. Later on we see it is a mega yacht under construction, probably build on a nearby wharf and now tugged to another place to finish. The waiting for this mega yacht passing the bridge takes so much time, that we decide after the 9 hours of today's navigating to find a place for the night. We stop at one of the harbours on the Braassemermeer, close to the village of Oude Wetering. When we walk there at night we are surprised by over 50 old ships (mainly the fisherman ships of a type named 'zalmschouw' - so in former times used to fish salmon on the rivers) moored at the quai, on their way to SAIL as well.

Rescue me

2010-11-01T20:07:00.002+01:00

15 August 2010

Our destiny for today, Willemstad, is slightly more than one hour to go, so we take our time this morning and navigate the Haringvliet on a quite pace. We should not arrive too early, because in such a case the 'morning leavers' are not gone yet. And not too late, because than others might have taken the empty places. Still, when we arrive at 11:30 in this fortress town, no empty places. We have to take a 2nd place in row, besides a catamaran. Later on, when visiting the inner town, we discover the cause why it is already so busy at early day. The inner harbour is fully occupied by a Britisch club of about 40 yachts I count.

After our shopping, including buying a new alumunium Fortress anchor - replacing our old heavy iron umbrella version - and a spare diesel filter for our new Volvo Penta D3 in the well provided shipshandlers shop, we return to Cómplice, and watch from our aft deck all kinds of ships coming in, filling the harbour to the last inch.

Half way afternoon a rescue vessel enters as a start of quite some turmoil. This rescue vessel, out of service en obviously now used for recreational purposes, is of a sister ship type in the Netherlands know under the name "Neeltje Jacoba", which dominated the news a few years ago because of owned by a (murdered) criminal, and even caused some royalty turbulance. These type of rescue vessels were the first "self erecting" in the world, build in the late 1920's. Not this, but the skipper's steering is the cause of quite some shouting. Arriving at a chosen mooring place, the skipper decides to turn his 18.8 meters ship without having this length to do so. Besides, once in turn the fiercely blowing north wind catches the side. The stern hits two sailing ships in the other side of the narrow space. The scared skipper runs from his high steering position trying to prevent the damage by hand (how can one do with 50 tons displacement?), but leaves his throttle in forward mode. His bow hits the steering cabin of a barge moored on that side. No need to say that, with a hundred skippers around, quite some discussions to follow, talk of the town for the rest of the day.

Fortunately we are on a safe place, though we closely assess the skippers abilities of next ships to enter, even more so because the north wind is increasing, and the mooring space for new entering ships decreasing. We decide to stay onboard, just in case..

Return to fresh

2010-10-30T13:06:00.000+02:00

14 August 2010

This Saturday we leave the salt, and return to fresh water. Next Tuesday-night we need to be near Amsterdam for the SAIL-event of the Linssen Owners Group. We figure to need 2 days for the distance from Willemstad to Amsterdam. So we have an extra day to spend. We consider to take this day and go around the Grevelingenmeer, but such would mean that have to take 3 locks tomorrow, which are already quite busy in high season, and esspecially during the weekend. Instead we take 2 locks today. Upon our leave of the Krabbekreek at St Annaland, and entering the Mastgat, we have the same fabulous experience as two years ago: dolphin type porpoises swimming around our bow!

As expected also today the 2 locks we have to take are quite busy. The first one, the Krammersluis, is rather small compared to the other one, the Volkerak sluis. In addition this first lock is between salt and fresh water, and has a special construction which mixes the both, which takes additional time for each turn.

We are not going straight to Willemstad today. We expect it there to be very crowded. We have an extra day and someone in the first lock advises us to go to the club harbour De Put, which is on the north side, just opposite of the island Tiengemeten. So we decide to go west instead of east after the Volkersluis. It is an excelent day for sailing, and a lot of sailing ships around.

Upon our arrival in De Put we have a very friendly welcome in this quite harbour, and are guided around by the harbour master, who tells us the story of this former "clay hole" (in Dutch klei PUT) which explains the name. Vesting a harbour here has cause quite some troubles because of regulations. There is not much around here, apart from a worthwhile visit to the island Tiengemeten opposite, for which purpose one could take a little ferry leaving on walking distance. This island used to be farmers ground, but now is "nature development zone", last of 7 farmers left in 2006. Very worthwhile to visit, but we don't have the time now for doing so. http://www.tiengemeten.com/

Club harbour De Put

Instead the harbour master in return for his "harbour tour", wishes to have a "Cómplice tour". He fancies our ship, and likes to see everything inside and outside. We are happy to. Later on he returns with his partner, to do the tour again... As well as we have a visit of a sailboat crew, also being a guest in this little harbour and liking to see the ins and outs of this Linssen type they haven't seen before.

Separated

2010-10-25T21:15:00.001+02:00

13 August 2010

It is Friday the 13th, but I have thought this through thoroughly. This morning I separate from Cómplice, and have my son Arjen leave harbour of St. Annaland without me. So I can walk to the dyke and from there take pictures with Cómplice in action on the Krabbekreek. I must admit, I have to pass a mental barrier, but circumstances are ideal and I have great trust. If I don't do this now, I will do never. So I am doing the fotoshoot, feeling a bit odd, but proud at the same time. After the pictures taken, of course Cómplice is moored softly and with craftmanship by the new captain, I did not expect else.

There she goes...

As Arjen only has one day to practice further, we take the full opportunity and make a full day round-up of the Oosterschelde. We are lucky with all kind of weather, though the severe thunderstorm conditions seem to circle around us. But at certain moments the wind blows fiercefully, throwing buckets of water over the bow when we are heading west.

...with another captain

Upon return to St. Annaland we have done 7 engine hours this day, and we did not spare the horses. Unfortunately the place we had made a 2-nights reservation for is occupied. We explain to the sailboat skipper in "our" box, but he refuses to leave. I call the harbour master, who provides us with another box. Later on we understand the weather in St. Annaland has been very bad during our leave, which has caused quite some chaos of ships entering the harbour all at the same time, cause of giving away our spot. Well, we have another place, giving the opportunity to our son to practice mooring on port side.

Fisherman's friend

2010-10-24T20:41:00.002+02:00

12 August 2010

We like the famous English pastilles "Fisherman's Friend", made in Lancashire, but this morning no fishermans friends on board. The advantage of last night, having a mooring place very close to exit of harbour and thus with an excellent view on Oosterschelde at sundawn (at least at high tide, when the roof of our Cómplice has lifted above the dyke), this morning has become a disadvantage. Early, very early morning we are "waved" by numerous fisherman ships speeding to catch fresh fish and passing quite close.

Close to harbour entrance, view from aft deck, low tide

On the other hand, it has its advantages to wake up early, and watch the early business in this fishermans town whilst sipping our tea. Today we return to the familiar place St. Annaland, to pick up our son Arjen who will spend the next day with us to build experience with navigating and technics of Cómplice.

With speeding fishermans ships early morning, high tide

It is a quite day and with slow pace we make the 2 hours journey. When we left St. Annaland a week ago, I paid a close look to the prefered places and noted that the boxes on the "A" jetty on the exit (south east) side are the most prefered. On our way I call the harbour master, and fortunately I am able to make a reservation for 2 nights, at the same time getting the box number. Another advantage of this: upon our arrival the harbour master has his lunch break, others arriving need to wait and we can take our place. Upon our arrival we hurry to make another reservation: for the excellent club restaurant (Buutengaats) with a superb view on the Krabbenkreek. At the end of afternoon our son arrives, and we have another memorable night.

Shredded, almost

2010-10-23T15:01:00.001+02:00

11 August 2010

After 2 nights in Veere, we leave rather early this day for Yerseke. After lots of rain this night, a "wet" sun is shining, giving a nice view on the Veere "skyline". I am looking around with the binoculars whether I can spot Joost Kempers, the Linssen dealer near Amsterdam who is having is vacation by boat here as well.

Goodbye Veere

After a few miles I note a heavy loaded freighter about a mile behind. Must have entered the Veere Meer through the Kanaal door Walcheren, coming from the Westerschelde. Otherwise in this rural area there is not much to load. I know by heart that, if he keeps following us, most probably he already has contacted the lock keeper at the exit of Veerse Meer, which in turn waits till the freighter arrives. So we take our time.

We arrive at the lock, taking first place at one the few moorings at this side, other yachts follow. One traditional Dutch sailing yacht, a "platbodem" ("flat bottom") passes us all, and takes first place closest possible at the lock. When the freighter, fully loaded with shred, arrives, indeed the lock opens "just in time", so that it does not need to stop. Immediately after the platbodem enters, needs to moor aside and we are urged by the lock keeper to do the same. Not our favorite place, between the freighter and the lock wall.

Precisely at the moment we enter, the freighter puts full power on his propellor. Obviously it was not fixed yet, and I had the misperception (because the platbodem already entered) that it was. I can't go back because a dozen or more yachts also wanting to enter behind me, and I need all engine, bow and thrust power to prevent being shredded by an inch. A narrow escape, but no damage. It reminds us never to enter a lock after a freighter until you are 150% sure it is fixed to the lock side.

Shredded, almost

We arrive in Yerseke around noon. This is where most of the mussles served in Europe come from. It is complete different from Veere. Where the latter place a historic, touristic town, Yerseke is full of busy fisherman ships, working from early to late day. We like this atmosphere as well, and so the fish shops & restaurants around. We go to one of those shops and buy ourselves a very fresh bag of nicely prepared mussles, which we eat on the aft deck together with a good glass of white wine, watching the fisherman ships going out and in.

Premier league

2010-10-21T20:21:00.005+02:00

9 August 2010

Today we aim for Veere. Though we have been in Zeeland several times now, by boat we haven't been before in this nice, characteristic town. Part of reason are the mixed messages by fellow skippers. First the lock at entrance of Veerse Meer is said to be "war zone", crowded, busy, chaotic. Second the long stretched Veerse Meer has a (sometimes) rather narrow navigation route, which is crossed all the time by sailing ships not knowing or not wanting to know that they have to give way to even motorships following this route in a straight starboard line. And third, though Veere is absolutely worthwhile to visit from a touristic perspective, the inner yachts harbour is said to be overloaded in high season. With our experience in Goes last year fresh in mind, we fear for the worst. But we go.

Cómplice in Veere at daylight

Arriving at the entrance of Veerse Meer, we just mis the turn of the lock by a few minutes. Well, we have our holiday and the time to ourselves. We are at first row for next turn. Behind us, three fast moving ships with English flag moor. And the row continues to fill, also mooring some ships besides us. When lock turn is there, about 40 yachts wish to enter, politely waiting their turn. Which means most of them, except the 3 Britisch tupperware, overpowered, ugly bathtubes. We, and other skippers are not amused. We thought the Brits are the most polite people in the world, standing in lines... Not them, they must have spend a longer time in the Netherlands, learning the bad habits in a fast learning curve.

The Veerse Meer itself is not as narrow as predicted, and has nice views and quite some places to moor for the night in free nature. We could return to in case the Veere harbour is too crowded. Upon arrival this early Monday afternoon, indeed we experience the entrance of the harbour rather narrow, even thinking we have taken the wrong junction. But after passing the entrance tower, several places available alongside the inner quai. At first, the harbour master directs us to one of those places, but than he changes his mind. He literaly shouts, for everyone to hear: "For such a nice Linssen, I have a better place" and grants us a wide box in the middle of the harbour at the foot of the nice church tower. We are gratefull for that, especially when we see later on that the quay places more to 5 rows, which by the way is not unusual in Zeeland.

... and at "night light"

This is where we stay tomorrow as well. For visiting the historic market in the center which will be held tomorrow (and currently build up), as well as having our friends Kees and Thea to visit us.

Fighting the water

2010-10-20T22:02:00.000+02:00

8 August 2010

We are on our way to Colijnsplaat, the other side of the Oosterschelde. With a clear view we can see this place from Burghsluis we are leaving now. But the view on this cloudy morning is not clear, and we are not taking a straight line. First, we cannot because some areas are a "no go" route for yachts. Such to have the seals their quiet sunbathing. Second, one never can take a straight line in the Oosterschelde, because of the sandbanks. Some parts need a concise following of your GPS and/or the buyos (the latter not everywhere!). Last but not least, we have made a choice to extend our route a bit, and visit the Neeltje Jans first.

Deltapark Neeltje Jans is the ultimate exposition area about the Duth fighting the water. One can visit the Delta Works, walk through the inside of the storm surge barrier. More than half of the Netherlands lies below sea level. The Delta Works were built to keep everyone safe and to prevent a recurrence of the 1953 flood disaster. You can relive history at Deltapark Neeltje Jans: from the flood disaster to the construction of the Delta Works. Exhibitions, films and a visit to the storm surge barrier itself will give you an impression of the stupendous power of water. For more information, see http://www.neeltjejans.nl/index.php/en/deltaworks. We know our English Linssen friends to be very enthousiast about this exposition, and we have heard other skippers about the "Betonhaven", but we haven't been there before with our own ship.

The storm surge barrier

It is indeed a bit of searching and curving around the sandbanks, but it proofs to be very well possible to visit the Exposition area by own boat. There is a good mooring possibility for a dozen of ships (or more when double), but not a good place to spend the night. No facilities available. The available places when we arrive, require us to moor with portside to the jetty. By doing so, we discover a first technical issue. We can't open the sidestep on this side (we have never tried before). Carefully I try with a hammer and a wrench, but in vain. We can step out the backside, but in case we would have other ships aside, such would be more problematic. I give a call to Linssen, but their advise doesn't help. We agree to have a look at it when we are next week at dealer Kempers, or plan to go to the nearby dealer Jonkers. And we decide to visit the Exposition another time, and just have lunch here.

One hour to go to Colijnsplaat, where we have been last year as well. This harbour is kind of similar as Annaland, however seems to be a bit older. Good mooring places, and we are directed to a spacious box. Next to us a brand new 45ft Fairlane arrives, nice people, and we admire each other ship. Neither of us wants to change... After the weekend with the (grand)children, our bilge shows some emptyness, so we walk to the nearby supermarket to fill up. A nice walk, to a nice town with a very typical main street, with a number of (mussels) restaurants, worthwhile visiting

Cats & Dogs

2010-10-17T11:49:00.000+02:00

7 August 2010

This is not a stable summer, like last year. It seems like every other day the weather changes completely. Past few days we had sunny weather - though with 20C not very warm - but today it is raining cats & dogs. So far, after the cold Spring and hot June, this change every few days happened through July and this first week of August. Of course, this is part of being outside on the water, and it ads to the variety. But today it is really pity because our (grand)children take a quite long journey to visit us. With internet on board, we watch the rain radar over and over, and it doesn't promise much improvement before the end of the day.

Reason even more to go to the harbour restaurant as soon as it opens at 11:00 am, and make a reservation. At first instance such seem to be no longer possible, because already fully booked on this wet day. But with some flexibility we can dine very early. We don't mind, with a bit of luck the rain will stop falling after our early dinner.

A rainy Burghsluis, restaurant at background

Upon their arrival, our grandchildren of 2 and 4 of course immediately want to start fishing little crabs with a line and a piece of sausage. They don't mind the rain. But the crabs do it seems, they won't byte this time... Fortunately they find some friends of their age, playing with a dinghy, which they find very interesting. We might need to buy one next year...

At our early dinner, they eat mussles for the first time in their life, and they find it particularly interesting and like them. When we are finished, the rain has stop falling and we have a brief walk on the small beach. We (think we) even spot some seals swimming nearby the shore. So after all, not a lost day at all.

Enjoying variety

2010-10-13T21:55:00.001+02:00

6 August 2010

We very much like the mooring in St. Annaland. It is a convinient place to meet relatives and friends, has excellent facilities, a supermarket nearby, a little beach for children to play with sand & tide, and an excellent (fish) restaurant. Standing on the dyke that separates the harbour from the Krabbekreek, the view on the "schorren en slikken" (the sand banks) that fall dry on low tide is superb. On this sunny, quite early morning the water mirrors anything above on the flat water surface. Though we like it very much here, we decide to leave for Burghsluis. We will come back to St. Annaland next week.

Mirror waters in St Annaland

Tomorrow our grand children Bram and Elise will visit us, together with their parents Sandra and Gerben and as Burghsluis also is a convinient and nice place for the (grand) children to meet them there, we take the opportunity of the nice weather to cross the Oosterschelde.

Not that we really calculated, but we fully take advantage of the tidal (low tide) current, which pushes Cómplice with some 5 km/h extra speed. On a quite 2000 rpm, we reach Burghsluis at the northwest end of the Oosterschelde within 3 hours. Though arriving at a rather early 13:00, for our width and length no box available nor a free alongside jetty. The friendly assistant harbour master (a student which likes his holiday job very much) points us at the side of another motor yacht, promising us a free place next day.

Fisherman style in Burghsluis

Burghsluis harbour is completely different from St Annaland's. It still has the looks of the old fisherman harbour, whereas St Annaland is a new yachts harbour. Hence the facilities are less modernised as well, though since last year a new building is constructed for restaurant, harbour master office and bathrooms. Where St Annaland has a supermarket nearby, for Burghsluis the nearest town with shops is in Burgh-Haamstede, approximately 5 km away. But bicycles are available, for free the first hour of usage.The dyke here shows a wide view over the Oosterschelde, and because nearer to the sea one can spot (when lucky) seals taking a sunbath. This is also what we like in Zeeland, enjoying the different locations and nice place to stay within short distance from each other. Not one better than the other, but just different.

No Columbus, this time

2010-10-12T20:51:00.000+02:00

5 August 2010

After a day-stay in Middelharnis, we consider our chances. For our sea-pilot next Saturday is the earliest opportunity to guide us for the outside route, over sea to the Oosterschelde. But forecast still offers a blurred picture for the Saturday weather. It could be good, it could not be. We do not want to stay here, though the town of Middelharnis is nice for a day, it's long enough. And we long to the salt, clear water of the Oosterschelde and Grevelingenmeer. So, weighting our chances a firm decision is made: no Columbus this year.

At 10:00 am this morning we leave for the inner route to the Oosterschelde. Such means we go starboard on the Haringvliet (instead of portside), direction Volkeraksluizen. Wind is 3-4 BFT blowing from sternside (so west), sun and clouds playing with each other. We are glad we are "on the road" again.

As usual in high season, the Volkeraksluizen the special lock for yachts on starboardside is very busy. Don't be surprised that the rather large lock will accommodate 30-40 yachts per turn, with rows of 4. Once again we receive positive comments and thumbs up of surrounding skippers on the looks of our 40.9 sedan. "Is this a new type of Linssen?", "Very nice!" . Mostly of crews of sailing ships, who do not seem to be in favour of the AC build-up. So from a family mooring next to us in the lock. They are heading for the yachts harbour of the Heen, to be reached via the Steenbergse Maas (entrance opposite the Noordplaat in the Volkerak). We are always in for something new, so we decide on the spot to go there as well.

Navigating the Haringvliet

When we arrive we very soon conclude this is not for us. The few quai places are all occupied and besides the banks are too low for undamaged mooring (because the fenders can't do what they are made for). The boxes do seem not wide enough for fitting us, and/or no one around to guide to a box that would fit. So we decide to turn in the very small water, and go to our original destination: St. Annaland on the former island Tholen. We had good experience last year there, so no surprises this time. Arriving at 17:30, weather permits a nice walking around and a long evening on the aft deck, watching the sailing ships entering this vivid harbour.

Postponed sea dreams

2010-10-07T20:40:00.000+02:00

4 August 2010

Sunny terrace with harbour view to dine

Though we had a very pleasant dinner last night on the outside terrace of Brasserie 't Vingerling in Middelharnis - without getting a single moment chilly - this morning weather had completely changed. Cloudy with some threaths of shower, but what is worse - wind is blowing a 4-5 BFT, which could be at sea even 6 BFT. Though Cómplice is build for sea category B (8 BFT, wave 6 meters), her owners are not. We have to postpone our sea dreams, no doubt or discussion.

As our intended pilots Theo and Michelle can't make it tomorrow, we now focus on Thursday. This day we stay in Middelharnis, walk the length of the "shopping dyke" back and forth, and search for a watersports shop. Theo advised to have a spare diesel filter on board, and though I thought I had one, it doesn't fit the brand new Volvo Penta D3-110 in our 40.9. In Middelharnis we cannot find a shop or wharf that has the proper filter, unfortunately. I had one on board with former Cómplice, but never needed. However I do not want to get caught by surprise, so we keep searching.

We spend the day with reading, amongst others all the technical papers that came along with the delivery, not having the chance before. And, not to forget checking the weather forecasts on every broadcast or internet site we can find. Interpreting to the positive or negative side the forecasted Thursday weather. It still doesn't look seaworthy weather. Let's see tomorrow early morning.

Considering sea

2010-10-05T21:02:00.000+02:00

3 August 2010

Our goal for today is Middelharnis, on the southside of the Haringvliet. We have been before several times in this nice harbour and town. We prefer to moor in the center as far as we can go through the small canal leading to the center, but we know we need to have luck to find such a place. With our 29.9 we could moor in one the boxes, but with our 4.35 meters wide 40.9 we would need a quai mooring.

Though we depart from Oud-Beijerland early, and arrive before noon in Middelharnis (via the Spui and Haringvliet) our hope is in vain. Quai moorings are empty but obviously made reservations for it because of the red/white lines around the vacant places. So we moor alongside the canal, which by the way is equiped with good jetties.

Middelharnis, alongside the canal

We are expecting our friends Theo and Michelle this afternoon. These friends are sailing the global seas now for 9 consecutive years with their 45 ft sailing ship "Faya Loby" (name of a Surinam blue flower, and indeed this sailing ship has a blue hull). Every year they return (by plane of course) for a month to the Netherlands to meet family and friends, and than continue their sailing journey. Currently they have left their ship in South America, after return from Asia, Australian and Africa continents. Middelharnis used to be their home port before the left in 2001.

We chat about their adventures, have a good meal in one the fancy restaurants in Middelharnis, and dream about a tiny adventure we have planned for tomorrow. We like to go outside with Cómplice, leaving the Haringvliet to the sea at Stellendam, and enter the Oosterschelde at Roompot. Because this is our first time, and plenty sandy banks on this part of sea, we think it to be ideal with the company of Theo and Michelle, who sailed a lot in this area. We are calculating the ideal time (to take advantage of the tidal current), and watch the weather forecast. Can we do it? Is it wise to do it? Do I have everything on-board what I should need in case of?