Whitby to Blyth - Day 38

Sunday 9th September 2012 - Whitby to Blyth - Day 38

Approach to Whitby Swing Bridge

We were up at 07.30 to make preparations to leave and go through the bridge at its first opening of the day.  The bridge master opened 1/2 of it at 08.30 as ourselves and one other small yacht passed through.
A quarter of an hour later and we were passing the north cardinal mark with full main, genoa and Popeye (auto-helm) engaged.   Our course was 320 degrees and with a freshing south westerly wind we fitted a preventer to the boom to stop any   occurrence of an accidental gybe.  It was not a steady wind and we kept ourselves amused adjusting the genoa settings and engine revolutions to maintain a speed of around 5 knots.

Bore Song

By the time when reached the southern end of Tees Bay we were past by this new Finnish Ro/Ro vessel Bore Song doing 18 1/2 knots and she was impressive.  For our Sunday lunch we dined on mince and onion pies and beans. The galley oven once more put use, as it had spent most of the time as storage space.  We crossed Tees Bay, passed Sunderland, Souter Point and the Tyne Piers and could see the wind turbines at Blyth when a quarter of an hour away from the piers, the engine high temperature alarm sounded.  The wind had shifted to the north west and heeling over, we had exposed our sea suction and lost the sea water flow into the pump.  The engine was stopped, all sail stowed and the boat was on more of an even keel, sea suction filter checked and pronounced clean.  Engine started and we were off again.

Back home

Amazing how these things happen when you falsely think it is nearly all over.
It took us half an hour to enter the piers and find our way to our home port pontoon.
The 51 miles covered had taken us 10 hours and very pleasing to have achieved our goal.





In conclusion, this was a very satisfying voyage and the inland lakes of Holland are a wonderful cruising area.   The north sea crossings are tiresome but the arrivals make it worthwhile.  For such a poor summer the weather we experienced was very good and not a lot time was lost in trying to hid from it.  The engine problems were our only delay. We had to miss out two of the Frisian islands, I had  hoped to visit.  The marinas are a joy in relation to their UK counterparts, for a start, they are half the price averaging 12 euros a night which includes the electric,  The facilities are excellent and most had designated kids' play areas, barbecue places and a great laundry.
Each town has its own unique architecture and to me the clean narrow winding cobbled streets with the small fronted shops were a delight and I cannot work out how the cobbled roads and pavements have very few weeds growing through them.  Every restaurant we visited had excellent meals and wonderful service with no hassle as to how long you good stay.  The bars were a delight though we could not get away with some places, where they are still allowed to smoke inside the premises.
Amsterdam is a magical city and caters for everyone's  tastes. I was amazed by the number of visitors and most of the time the city centre appeared to be packed and the night life was the biggest attraction.

Facts & Figures:-

Days on board                   38
Total distance miles          940
Hours underway              243
Night hours                        42
Engine hours                    174
Fuel consumption litres     140
Average speed knots        3.9

Crew:- Days on board

Alex Tweddle (skipper)       38
Jack Evans (RNYC)           15        Blyth to Amsterdam
Alfie Dower (RNYC)          11        Blyth to Amsterdam
Bill Smith (Tallships)            15        Amsterdam to Amsterdam
Jack Evans (RNYC)           12        Amsterdam to Blyth
Dave Kirkman (Tallships)     4         Amsterdam to Lowestoft
Dave Durrant (Tallships)       5         Lowestoft to Blyth

Whitby - Day 37

Saturday 8th September 2012 - Whitby - Day 37

Whitby piers from the 199 steps

Today was declared a day of rest and recuperation, to take advantage of the fine weather   and enjoy the delights of Whitby.  Jack decided to finish off the book he had been reading in the quietness of the marina while Dave ventured out to the Captain Cook museum.  After catching up with a little maintenance, I decided in the afternoon, to take a leisurely stroll around the south side of the town.

With the warm sunshine and being a Saturday there was a lot of visitors enjoying the many attractions.  The shops, cafes, bars and boat trips appeared to be doing very well.

Whitby Abbey

On all of my previous visits to Whitby, I have never visited the Abbey which is now a preserved ruin which overlooks the town on the south side of the river.  After crossing the swing bridge you turn left into the narrow cobbled streets with their many shops and hostelries until you come to the bottom of the imposing hill.  Access to the Abbey is by climbing the well trodden 199 steps.  The view from the top is most impressive.  To the north, the view over the town and its beach with the formidable cliffs stretching out along the coast. To the east, the piers with their narrow entrance and the flat blue sea beyond.  To the south the cliff top continuous on to the Whitby High light house, Scarborough and Flamborough Head.  To the west the rolling green fields and small woodlands covering the lush Yorkshire Dales.

Evening

 You really get the impression the ones who built here around the year 650, knew all too well why this was a perfect site for an Abbey.  The inspiration for the Dracula stories and why the Goff's make there pilgrimage to this town.

Back down the steps I met the others in the 'Duke of York' where we enjoyed a meal of a trio of sausages on a bed of mash potatoes.  A walk back along the cobbled street to the 'Black Horse' a very busy old fashioned pub.  The landlord was doing a grand job keeping all of the visitors happy.  Over the bridge and we were back to the 'Station Inn' where once more they had a live twosome, bashing out their version of some of the popular songs.  We made it back on board for midnight after a grand relaxing day.

Lowestoft to Whitby - Days 35; 36

Thursday 6th September 2012 - Lowestoft to Whitby - Day 35

Yarmouth Roads Wind Farm

We left Lowestoft at 10.30 and hoisted the main as soon as we passed the piers and engaged Popeye (auto helm).  We had a south westerly wind and with a preventer fitted to the boom and full genoa, we were making good progress against a foul 2 knot tide.  By 13.00 we were passing Great Yarmouth looking at its many seaside attractions.  An hour later and we were going by the large wind farm on the Scorby sands. These are also occupied by a large colony of grey seals which every now and again one would pop up to have a look at us as we sailed by.

Sunset

The wind was changing in its strength all through the evening and night so we changed sail settings accordingly and for a more comfortable night ended up with 2 reefs in the main and 1/3rd genoa.  We had been told if sailing along the north Norfolk coast you had to have the tide right when passing Bacton, this is where most of the gas and oil pipelines come ashore from the north sea.  If you do not get it right you will just stay there for six hours until the tide changes.  We had a favourable tide with us. The sunset at 19.30, we had passed the Sheringham sand bank and switched on our tricolour navigation light.
At 22.00 we were heading north through the Race channel between two sandbanks and watching out for the other ships as they headed south.  We were closely passed by some of the large ferries running out of Hull but it was very reassuring looking at the lights of another yacht which was following close behind.

Friday 7th September 2012 - Lowestoft to Whitby - Day 36

Skipper at Dawn

It is a great pleasure when sailing at night especially when there are lots to see and do.  The many varied lights and characteristics of the buoys which inform you of the direction you should be taking.  The different size and shapes of the ships as they pass in the night.  The moon light reflecting on a continuously moving sea and the sky filled with stars which you cannot see if living in a light polluted city.  Your own yacht's sounds, twists and turns as she moves through the water giving the impression you are actually going faster.  While down below your fellow crew are hopefully getting some rest and sleep as you take on the responsibility of a safe night passage.

Dave

The engine had to be started at 01.15 as we were losing battery power.  The chart plotter, auto-helm, radio, navigation lights all consume power and this can only be replenished while at sea by running the engine.  At dawn we had crossed the Humber passing through the many large ships at the anchorages and heading across Bridlington Bay to be confronted by another hazard, namely lobster pots.  These are laid by the local fisherman mostly out of Bridlington but the marks which float above the pots are connected by a rope but not marked by a flag.  They are only balls either coloured orange or white and are very difficult to spot until you are almost on them.  If you get caught up on one they are very difficult to entangle and it normally ends up with calling out the lifeboat and being towed into port.

Flamborough Head

For a short while we were becalmed off Flamborough Head while the wind sorted itself out and started blowing from a north westerly direction.  This was not a good direction for us and Scarborough for a while looked like a good option for the night but it was discounted as we decided to press on.  At 19.30 the sunset as we put on our navigation steaming lights and at 20.00 we were passing the Whitby High lighthouse.  Whitby is very critical, to make the swing bridge before the marina, as it only opens two hours either side of high water.  A VHF call to bridge control confirmed we were ok for the 9 o clock bridge opening.  Once established which was the correct entrance through the piers we made our way into the river, moved quickly through the half-opened bridge and the harbour master was waiting to tied us up at the marina.   We had travelled 159 miles in 36 hours.  A quick shower and we were in the 'Station' pub at 22.15 and the beer tasted good, they had live entertainment on and we reflected on our trip which had taken us a little further north and nearer to home.

Lowestoft - Day 34

Wednesday 5th September 2012 - Lowestoft - Day 34

Hamilton Dock

Dave Kirkman left in the morning to catch his train home and thank you once more for time and effort in the crossing from Holland.  The marina in Lowestoft at Hamilton dock was very quiet and we were informed there had very few visiting yachts this season.  The poor weather being the main reason.  The main activity here appears to be the wind farm work boats taking pesonnel out in the morning and returning in the evening.
We went shopping in the nearby Wilkinsons and Tescos before meeting up with the next crew member.  Dave Durrant (Tallships) had caught the train from Newcastle and we met as he walked out from the station.

Lifting Bridge

The main marina is further up the river and we had been recommended to go there for a meal.  Unfortunately being a nice evening we decided to walk there, over the river at the lifting bridge and follow the river.  As we became lost a taxi pulled up and after asking directions we decided to forget the exercise and drive to the restaurant.  'The Third Crossing' is a delight and if you like fish there is fine selection and a pick your own lobster from a large display tank. We declined the offer and enjoyed rib-eye steaks and paella.  The taxi took us back to the 'Harbour Inn' where they refused to serve us after 22.40, so it was goodbye to them as we walked back to the dock up a now deserted high street.

North Sea Crossing - Days 32; 33

Monday 3rd September 2012 - Ijmuiden to Lowestoft - Day 32

We left our box at 10.00 and went round to the fuelling berth and took on 40 litres of diesel before moving out of the marina and into the river, where we hoisted our mainsail and engaged Popeye (auto-helm).  We were passing the outer piers and into the north sea at 11.30.

Solina

The conditions for us were very good with a south west wind of force 2 and a flat sea, sunny, warm and very good visibility.  There are large yellow buoys marking the big ship channel every 2 1/2 miles and extend out as far as 25 miles westwards.  These are ideal to follow though you have to take account of the cross current taking you north or south.  About 5 miles out from the piers on either side of the channel there were a lot ships at anchor.  One of which was the 'Solina' a Polish ship which passed across our bows on her way to the anchorage.

North Sea Sunset

We were running with the engine and experimenting with the genoa as the wind shifted gradually more westwards.  Keeping a careful watch on the amount of water coming in from our leaking stern gland and pumping the water out with our now very efficient bilge pump every hour to an hour and a half.  At 20.15 we put on our navigation steaming lights and the sunset at 20.30, the wind died away and we dropped the main sail at 21.00.  At 22.30 we were passing the west cardinal mark 65 miles from Ijmuiden.  Around midnight the wind picked up from the south west and we hoisted the mainsail.


Tuesday 4th September 2012 - Ijmuiden to Lowestoft - Day 33

Sailing at night is very rewarding in conditions where you have a flat sea with a very gentle swell.  Good visibility with a clear star lit sky and 3/4 moon.

Dave

During the day we were working a watch system of 3 hours on and 6 hours off.  While from midnight to six in the morning it was 2 hours on and 4 hours off.  Linked into the yachts chart plotter there is an AIS (automatic identification system) which plots all ships over 500 tons.  You place the plotter cursor onto the now plotted small triangle and it gives you the name of the ships its course and speed, what will be its close point to you and at what time, plus its identification call sign and unique MMSI number if you want to call them up.  The added bonus being the VHF radio is also linked into all of this.  No idea how it works, as it is all white man's magic to me, but it sure gives you a lot of confidence, when you start seeing the lights of any ship and you know instantly what it is doing.

Alex

The sun came up at 06.30, unfurled the genoa and we even stopped the engine at 07.00.  The pictures show us at dawn and how we were dressed for the night crossing.
After two hours we had to restart the engine as the wind dropped and we were beginning to pick out the Norfolk coastline.
We picked up the East Newcombe buoy and make our over the sandbanks at high water on our approach to Lowestoft.
The harbour control gave us to permission to enter and we on the pontoon at Hamilton dock by 13.30.  We had made it across, travelling 105 miles in 26 hours.  It had been a much more comfortable crossing than our outward journey.

We were ashore in the Harbour Inn at 18.30 drinking very good Boddingtons but were bit disappointed by the fish and chips.  A visit to the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk yacht club cheered us up as we were made welcome and enjoyed the well documented history of this club with all of its fine furniture and memrobilia.  A walk back through the town found it very quiet and back on board for 23.00 but at least we were back in the UK.

Amsterdam to Ijmuiden - Day 31

Sunday 2nd September 2012 - Amsterdam to Ijmuiden - Day 31

At 09.00 went to the ferry and station where I met the new crew member Dave Kirkman (Tallships) who had caught the overnight ferry from Harwich to the Hook of Holland, then train to Rotterdam and onto Amsterdam.

New Amsterdam Marina

We left the Aeolus marina at 11.30 and encountered no problems passing the busiest and narrowest part of the canal past the station as we headed westward along the Nordzee canal.  On the north side of the canal just before you arrive at the shipyard, they have built this new marina which officially opens next month.  As we passed, there were lots of new motor cruisers and yachts in preparation for a boat show.  I presume when it is up and running, there will be a ferry service across to the station as Amsterdam's transport system is very efficient.

Ex deep sea Holland

We found the 13 km long canal very quiet for a Sunday afternoon.  There was of course some of the large commercial barges, very few leisure boats though we were passed by the very well preserved ex sea going tug 'Holland' which was doing day trips up and down the canal.
We arrived at the Kleinsluis lock at 14.20 and waited for 3/4 hour until there was enough boats in there for us to lock out.  It is only a mile further along and we were in our box a the Ijmuiden sea port marina.
Ashore using there excellent facilities and taking advantage of their washers and driers got all of the laundry out of the way.
At 19.00 we went to the 'Pan & Cook' which we had used before for a meal of weiner schnitzels, pork satay, chips and salad which was very nice.  The other eating and drinking places in this area were all closed by 22.00 as the sailing season is coming to an end, so we came back on board for an early night and wondered about our forthcoming north sea crossing.

Enkhuizen to Amsterdam - Day 30

Saturday 1st September 2012 - Enkhuizen to Amsterdam - Day 30

Harnessing the wind

We left Enkhuizen at 09.30 and in the Navidad lock a quarter of an hour later. By 10.30 we were under full sail and heading south down the Markenmeer.  It was a fine day and lots of boats were out on the water taking advantage of the weather.  Lots of races were going on in different parts including one which involved the traditional barges which look so impressive compared to their modern counterparts

Party time on the water

An unusual boat we saw is this one in the photograph of people enjoying themselves in this boat covered in the national flag and ballons which kept floating off.  By 16.00 we had made our to the bottom of the Markenmeer and passed through the lifting bridge and moved onto the lock.
This was entertainment on a grander scale as it was a Saturday. When most boat charter companies handed over their boats to the new holiday makers and most appear by their actions to be new to boating.

Oranjesluizen lock

They pack as many leisure boats into the lock as possible.  These first timers trying to fend off other boats, tying up to the lock wall or other boats, with a lot shouting from others.  We just smile in encouragement and the look of amazement on their faces when they eventually stop the boat from moving is very satisfying.  When the lock gate opens they all go charging out, pass us with a friendly wave to our British flag and I hope they all enjoy their holiday.  They all looked as they were heading for the Sixhaven marina so we re-entered the Aeolus marina and lay alongside their quieter pontoons.
Time for a bit of maintenance, the stern tube was packed with grease and the fuel tank topped up.  Jack went off to the ferry and the delights of the big city while I carried on with this blogsite and at 23.00 went to the nearest bar 'Cafe T Eitje'.  I had been here two years previous on the Tallship for the five day Sail Amsterdam Festival and we used this bar every night.  It was good to see the Owner again as we chatted about the old times and what the future held for us both.  She said the bar is now up for sale and the local Dutch have moved away to be replaced by immigrants, so she is looking forward to retirement and I wish them well and will pass on her regards to all the sailors who had been well looked after two years ago.

  

Stavoren to Enkhuizen - Day 29

Friday 31st August 2012 - Stavoren to Enkhuizen - Day 29

In the early hours of the morning the lightening and rain began and by 05.00 it was blowing a full gale.

Stavoren harbour

With fellow sailors in the marina, we waited for this frontal system to blow its way through.  The leaden skies, torrential rain and howling wind did not fill us with confidence but after many cups of tea by 14.00 the skies began to brighten.  Following the forecasts we knew the wind would eventually decrease and we left the marina at 16.45.  We only had twelve miles to run to our next port with the wind behind us.  Outside the harbour it was now force 5 and keeping to the buoyed channel we yawed our way along with only half of the genoa out.  An hour later and as predicted the wind began to drop.

On our way to Enkhuizen

At 19.00 we were in our previous box at Enkhuizen.  An hour later we were in the same restaurant as last time 'Van Bleiswijk' with another very good meal of onion soup and pork fillets.  It being a Friday night there was a lot people about and a market held in the narrow streets was still going on, with the stalls open for business after 22.00.  On the way back we called into another two places both full of character.  The locals were certainly making the most of the start of the weekend and we were very happy we had made it across to the other side of the Ijsselmeer and a little nearing to Amsterdam.

Lelystad to Stavoren - Day 28

Thursday 30th August 2012 - Lelystad to Stavoren - Day 28

After seeing the harbour master and discussing the forthcoming weather, he confirmed it would be acceptable to proceed further north before the next frontal system would be upon us.

Lelystad power station

We left the Deko marina at 11.00 and taking advantage of the strong southerly breeze soon had Popeye (auto-helm) engaged and under full sail.
Oncemore on a broad reach with a slight sea and on this sunny day, we were achieving 7 knots.
While enjoying all of this, I received a phone call at 13.15 from Dave Kirkman and made arrangements for him to join when we next arrived in Amsterdam.
At 14.00 we had to put two reefs in the main and half-furled the genoa, as the wind increased force 4 to 5.  By 16.30 we were in our box in Stavoren's Buitenhaven marina.

Stavoren canal

At 17.00 came the heavy rain and the accompanying thunder.  At 20.00 the weather had calmed down, as we strolled along past the canals of Stavoren.  It is wonderful, how you can park your own boat outside your own front door.  We made for a restaurant in the old harbour where I had been before but they had stopped serving meals and we were directed back to one we had just passed 'It Hearehus'.  Another beautiful wooden structure where we had a superb bucket of mussels with chips and salad.  For night caps into the 'Max' bar with its great old paintings and wooden furniture, of which, one table was made out of a sailing barge's dagger-board.  When we returned to the boat and there was very little wind.

Amsterdam to Lelystad - Day 27

Wednesday 29th August 2012 - Amsterdam to Lelystad - Day 27

I was up at 07.45 to get the Dutch shipping weather forecast at 08.05 and it was not good with too much wind in the north sea to make a crossing back to the UK.  There was another British yacht in the marina and they gave us all the information we required on Lelystad, as they had been in Holland for the past three months.

Sluices between Markenmeer and Ijsselmeer

After shopping in the near by supermarket we left the Aeolus marina at 10.30.  Out of the Oranjesluizen locks at 11.00 and straight through the lifting bridge and by 11.30 we were back in the Markenmeer.  With Popeye engaged and under full sail with a fair wind behind us we looked forward to a pleasant afternoon sailing with the engine turned off at 12.00.  On a broad reach we were attaining a speed of 6.5 knots and thoroughly enjoying the sail.  At 14.00 we heard a very load explosion which came from the shore to the east and hoped it was a gunnery exercise.

Modern art

At 15.15 we started taking in the sails, as we approached our destination and the engine started.
At the breakwater entrance to the harbour is this rather large statue of a person in a squatting position, very strange but I suppose its art.
We had to go round and round inside the harbour as we waited for the green light for the locks as on the east side of the dyke, this lock is used at the same time by commercial and leisure craft.

Houtribsluizen lock and bridge

We were in the lock at 16.00 and through the combined lifting bridge by 16.15.  A little further on and we were tied up in the Deko marina at 17.00.  The main town centre of Lelystad is two miles to the south.  We did not want to go that far and strolled along for 15 minutes before finding somewhere to have a meal and we were not disappointed.  We passed the open air museum and workshops of a replica 17th century sailing ship the Dutch East Indiaman 'Batavia'.

Batavia

The restaurant 'De Cantine' was once part of ship building dock being the workers' canteen and meeting place.  This wooden hut was full of the memorabilia of a bygone age with many photographs of the hut in its heyday.  Still serving meals we found the onion soup, entrecote steak and beef satay excellent.  The place was beginning to close at 22.00 and we were back on board by 22.30 after having for a change, a very pleasant day sailing.

Amsterdam - Days 25 & 26

Monday 27th August 2012 - Amsterdam - Day 25

A quiet berth

In the morning Bill went to the supermarket which was just outside the marina gate while I carried on with the computer.  The motor cruiser we were lying alongside left at 11.00 and we said our goodbyes to the German family on board and their dog.  We spent a lazy afternoon reading and sleeping in the warm sunshine.
At 18.00 we spent ashore and after a 15 minute walk got the free ferry across the canal to Amsterdam.  This time we headed off in a different direction and turned right after leaving the Central Station.

Aeolus Marina Club House

This side of the city is just the same, crowded with visitors.  Bars with strange people inside and noisy music and it appears lots are smoking the happy baccy, as you smell it everywhere you go.
We were back on the ferry to the north side by 21.00 and we went to a bar we used to use when here on the tallship two years ago but it was closed.
Back to our marina club house where we another good night and finished off with night caps on board.



Tuesday 28th August 2012 - Amsterdam - Day 26

Amsterdam Station

We cleaned the boat in the morning as Bill was leaving today.  At 13.00 we went for the ferry and  to a corner bar for the last time just outside the station.  We said our farewells  as he boarded the 15.20 train to Schipol airport.  Thanks again Bill for all of the support during the past two weeks.
I went back into the city centre doing some shopping and the streets were packed.  This is certainly a mecca and must be one the most popular cities in Europe.  I was on board by 17.00 and made myself a meal.

Ferry

I was back on the ferry to the Central station at 21.00 and met the re-joining crew member Jack from the yacht club.  His train pulled in at 22.10 and like old times he wanted to go into the big city.
We ambled along and took in all the sights until arriving at the 'Old Sailor' pub in the heart of the red light district.  Again, the whole area is absolutely full of people, mostly tourists enjoying and taking part in the scenery.  We tried a few more places on the way back to the ferry and arrived on board for 01.00 and finished off with fruity malt loaf and tea.  Jack was back.

Monnickendam to Amsterdam - Day 24

Sunday 26th August 2012 - Monnickendam to Amsterdam - Day 24

Monnickendam canals

Watered and filled up the fuel tank while Bill made breakfast of fried bread, bacon, eggs and beans (we do live well).
At noon we left Monnickendam and with the full genoa we made our way out of the Gouzee and the weather was fair with sunshine and a little westerly breeze.
We had made plans to go a place called Muiden only twelve miles away on the other side of the Markenmeer.

Marken Lighthouse

At 13.15 we were passing the lighthouse on Marken island and the clouds were starting to build up.  Fifteen minutes later the wind was increasing and as we shortened sail the gusts began to hit us and boat was well heeled over, then the rain came and we were drenched very quickly.  For the next two hours these squalls kept battering us.  We were about one mile off Muiden and abandoned going inside the narrow entrance onto a lee shore and came about to try and find shelter.  We looked at Durgerdam on the other shore but this was also discounted and we decided to head for Amsterdam.

At 16.00 we were under the Schelling-Wouderburg lifting bridge and inside the Oranjesluizen locks 10 minutes later.

Amsterdam Cruise Terminal

Once in the Nordzee Canal the strong winds began to ease down and just before the marina on the opposite shore were these cruise liners.  Cunard's 'Queen Victoria' and P&O's 'Oceana'.
At 17.00 we were alongside a motor cruiser in the Aeolus marina where the harbour master was most helpful.  We were ashore in North Amsterdam by 18.30, unfortunately being a Sunday most of it was closed.  We did find one bar but the beer was very poor so we came back the little club house in the marina. Spending the rest of the night with the harbour master and his wife plus three sailors from a Belgian yacht.  We were happy to be back in Amsterdam in a nice quiet marina.

Monnickendam - Day 23

Saturday 25th August 2012 - Monnickendam - Day 23

Its raining

At 09.45 we were woken up by a young lady on a bicycle who delivered in a basket, two tea cakes and the weather forecast. A lovely wake up call.
Bill went off to the supermarket while I tried to sort out the communications problems with the internet and unfortunately did not succeed.
The weather forecast prediction came into fruition in the afternoon, the wind came out of the north west with accompanying heavy showers which rolled in and times were torrential, our tent was earning its keep again.

Narrow winding cobbled streets

We lazed around, reading until going ashore at 19.00 to the four seasons restaurant.  The starters of spring rolls and spare ribs we enjoyed but the rack of lamb main courses were not up to our usual standard as the meat was under-cooked.  We ended up in the 'Koffiebon' bar watching a football match on the tele  in which Ajax won 5-0.
The small winding streets and little canals of Monnickendam are enchanting with the fairy lights strung across the small wooden lifting bridges.  How people manage to get there little boats on the canals outside there houses must be a joy to watch.  It is again the cleanliness of these places which really catches your attention

Oudeschild to Monnickendam - Day 22

Friday 24th August 2012 - Oudeschild to Monnickendam - Day 22

The weather forecast for the weekend was very bad and my plans of visiting the other two Frisian Islands of Vlieland and Terschelling were abandoned.

Waddenzee control sluices on the dyke

It was decided to head back into the inland sea for  shelter and the harbour master gave us the best times to leave and make the most use of the flood tide.
We left Oudeschild at 08.00 against the tide for 1/2 hour and by 09.00 we were back in the main channel heading south easterly passed the uncovered sands of the Balgzand to the south.
Once more we quickly moved along with the 3 knot current and did not have to wait for the swing bridge at Den Oever and straight into the Stevinsluizen lock.  By 11.00 we were leaving the lock and back into the Ijsselmeer.  With full main and the auto-helm in charge.

De Kreupel

At 12.00 a Dutch yacht came alongside and asked if I had map of the lake, if not he would help.  This was a very kind gesture, as I showed him my full set of charts, he gave a friendly wave and move off in another direction.  At 13.30 we were passing the man made island of De Kreupel about two miles out from Medemblik.  Why it was built I do not know but there appears to be two buildings on it.  We were making very good progress down the Ijsselmeer and it was decided not to stay for the night in Enkhuizen but to push on while we still had good weather.

Day tripper

Nearing Enkhuizen we passed a few of these beautiful sailing barges which take visitors out for the day.  While others do one week voyages and mostly cater for the German tourists.  We were in the Navidad lock for 15.20 and back into the Markenmeer by 15.45.  With the auto-helm and full sail for a couple of hours we had a very pleasant run.  It was now decided we would go to Monnickendam for a couple of nights while we let the weather fronts pass through.

Markenmeer

In the evening the wind died away completely, all sails were stowed and with a sea of glass we motored into the Gouzee.  Off the entrance we saw a fleet of becalmed yachts waiting to start a 24 hour race, we wished them luck and hoped they would enjoy it.  We followed another channel after passing our old haunt in Volendam and by 20.00 we were in our box at the Monnickendam marina.

Monnickendam

We went ashore to the bars and restuarants but did not fancy a meal.  Wandering back to the near marina Lakeside Hotel, I found this had not changed in 10 years.  It was still a stop over for people flying back to Australia and enjoying there last night in Europe, knocking back lots of beer accompanied by boom-boom music.  We left them to it. On board we had our own fruity malt loaf and beer.  It had been a long day, travelled 51 miles but we were now alongside and safe.

Den Oever to Oudeschild - Day 21

Thursday 23rd August 2012 - Den Oever to Oudeschild - Day 21

We had breakfast of corned beef hash and eggs and taking the advice of the harbour master we did not leave until 12.30.

Sailing Barge

As we left the marina we watched as this very impressive sailing barge hauled up her sails for her trip down the Ijsselmeer.  The locks were not quite ready for us but there are convenient lay by berths prior to the lock and because of the wind conditions.We put a bow rope on the quay and let her sit there with her nose into the wind.  We lay there for about 1/2 hour with other yachts then the lock traffic lights changed for red to green and we were ready to go.

Stevinsluizen lock

We were in the lock for 15 minutes and followed this large barge ahead of us into the next waiting area for the swing bridge.  We were a little too slow and the bridge keeper changed the lights to red when were very close to passing through.  Onto another lay by while we waited, after ten minutes the bridge swung open for a fast moving lifeboat and we were allowed through.  A little further on in the fairway we saw the lifeboat alongside a 38 foot yacht whose engine must of failed and was drifting onto the shore.  We are now in the Waddenzee and are now under the influence of tidal movements with strong currents within the area.

Oudeschild - Texel

We followed the very well marked channel known as the Gat Van De Stier, with a 3 knot ebb tide. In parts we had wind over the tide which gave very short steeped waves and became very uncomfortable.  It took 1 1/2 hours up this channel before we altered course off Den Helder and cut across the current before going into the next channel Texelstroom with the current against us.  After another 3/4 hour we were arriving at the Frisian Island of Texel and berthed in the Waddenhaven marina in Oudeschild.  Out with the cold beer we achieved one of our goals.

Havenhotel Texel

We were ashore in this very busy fishing harbour by 18.30 in the 'Havenhotel Texel'.  Prior to our meal we were given a little starter of a small bowl of tiny shrimps with a dip in sauce.  Too much hassle shelling these, so we gave up while a main course of a very large pot of mussels, chips and bread was absolutely delicious.  We adjourned to the bar and speaking with the staff asked what it was like in the hotel in the winter with all of the visitors gone.  The answer was no work, as we were shown a photograph of the hotel with the sea water covering the first floor windows.  This also explained the large dyke surrounding the harbour and the large quayside posts for the boats to tie up to with their tops painted white. Bill went back aboard while I went to the new marina pub 'Compagnie' which was not there when I was last here 10 years ago. It was a lively place and after a night cap returned aboard, it had been another successful day.

Enkhuizen to Den Oever - Day 20

Wednesday 22nd August 2012 - Enkhuizen to Den Oever - Day 20

We had breakfast of croissants and tea and left Enkhuisen at 11.30 with a westerly wind force 4 to 5.
At 12.00 we were passing the fairway buoy with 2/3 rds genoa and fifteen minutes later full genoa and running in a north westerly direction.

Den Oever Marina

The engine stopped at 12.30 and we were making our best course to the north and slowly being pushed into the middle of the Ijsselmeer.  The wind was gusting up to force 6 and building up short choppy waves which was making steering more difficult and uncomfortable with occasional spray making it into the cockpit.  At 14.00 hoisted the main with 2 reefs and with shortened genoa we made more progress but had to tack round for 1/2 hour to miss a shallow bank.
Just prior to the sea lock at Den Oever there is a marina and we decided to give up and stay there for the night and wait for conditions to improve before heading for the Frisian Islands.
We were in  our box at 17.15 and shelter and the harbour master gave all the information required for the next day.

De Dikke Restaurant

Bill before leaving Enkhuizen had prepared a corn beef hash which was promptly put into the oven on arrival and it was very tasty with a topping of beans.  At 21.00 we went ashore to the marina restaurant 'De Dikke Bries' where about two dozen other yachties were dining.  We stuck to the refreshments while we took in the bric a brac which engulfed the interior and gave the place a lot of character.  They stopped serving at 23.00 and as we made it back aboard the wind had dropped.  It had been hard sailing day.