Huizen to Amsterdam - Day 11

Monday 13th August 2012 - Huizen to Amsterdam - Day 11

We departed Huizen at 10.45 and by 11.00 we were in the main channel with a strong breeze and for running downwind put 2 reefs in the main and full genoa.

Hollandse Brug

By 12.30 we were approaching the bridges but this time as more of a challenge we sailed under them.  Shortly afterwards the wind began to drop so we hoisted the full main which unfortunately began to blanket the genoa, although running goose-winged for a while this did not maintain our speed.

Cruising chute

At 13.00 it was time to break out the cruising chute as seen in the picture. Of all the other yachts around us there was only two others who were capable of sailing with their chutes.  We used this for two hours down the main channel then it was time to take everything in as we approached the Schelling-Wouderbrug lifting bridge.  It was not too long before it opened and we were in the Oranje Sluizen locks by 16.00.  We moved into Sixhaven at 17.00 just before the rush and our friendly harbour master put us in a position where we would not be disturbed too much.
Alongside us he put a small charter yacht, skippered by a German church minister and his son and he was about to take his son to see the night life of Amsterdam.

The Eye

At night we stayed on the north side but our local pub and pizza place were closed.
We found a nearby newly opened restaurant called 'Cafe Modern' where they only did a five course meal.  This gourmet meal was very tasting and consisted of fish pie; veal; fish soup; lamb; sorbet.  It was also very expensive at 50 euros a head but we did enjoy it.  For a night cap we to 'The Eye' as seen in the picture is the latest building in Amsterdam and is a cinema which also incorporates a film museum.  We sat outside on the terrace enjoying the fine view over the city.  A walk around the inside of the building was a pleasure to see all this fine architecture and the layout is stunning and at night is lit up to create a very modern look.  This rounded off a very special day and we were back on board for midnight.