Anyone know Vlissingen?

[Carduelis]

I'm going to be crossing from Harwich to Vlissingen this w/e and was planning to enter the Westerschelde via the Oostgat channel i.e hugging the Northern coast from the Kaloo bouy. Unfortunately both Pilots say nothing about this route. I'm wondering why not...?

The only problem I can see from the chart is that the end of the Channel brings you out on the 'wrong side' of the mini TSS off Vlissingen Harbour. But since we are planning to go just around the corner and into the De Ruyterhaven marina, this doesn't look to be too much of a problem.

Has anyone been there recently and can advise please?

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Well, I do know that you regularly see boats coming through that route... but my charts are onboard, so can't look it up..

About 4 or 5 years ago, we did take the channel that is just a bit further out, and heads straight into the Westerschelde... this was marked with highly visible pillar bouys at about 1/2mile intervals, and was easy enough, so wouldn't be a huge detour if the inshore route proved unviable.

We normally just time the crossing to get the tide lifting us in the Westerschelde and therefore enter from the Belgian direction

EDIT: Just had a look on the navionics charts on my iPhone, and can't see any reason why you couldn't use it... looks to be plenty of water... and as said above, i've seen boats using it lots of times when in that part of the world

 

[vyv_cox]

Not recently, but we have done it several times. Many yachts will approach Vlissingen on the 'wrong' side of the channels but keeping well over the the north side doesn't seem to bother anyone. You could cross the TSS and then cross back but I doubt that you will see many locals doing the same.

 

[MoodySabre]

Navin's North Sea Passage Pilot covers it on page 165 which is about coasting from Westerschelde northwards (and reverse). Describes it as 'very well light and buoyed and the only easily navigable channel across the sandbank extensions from the islands'. No negatives.

Being the deepest channel in that direction I imagine that a fair tide would make a big difference to passage time.

On my way back from the Roompot a few weeks ago there were a couple of wind farms not on my charts - Thornton Bank and a few miles north of there. There was also a lot of vessels working around S. Galloper. Might buy a new chart next year

Have a good trip.

 

[Carduelis]

Thanks guys - I'll let you know how I get on.

One further question: does anyone know where you can buy the Dutch inshore charts over the counter? I've left it too late to buy online...

The boat is at Ipswich.

 

[Tradewinds]

Thanks guys - I'll let you know how I get on.

One further question: does anyone know where you can buy the Dutch inshore charts over the counter? I've left it too late to buy online...

The boat is at Ipswich.

SYH at Levington have a selection - give them a call & check what they've got.

 

[Wunja]

I don't have charts with me, but I can say from a personal observation, that large ships coming out of the Westerschelde to head north, hug the coastline. There are lifeguards on the beach, who's job is to get everyone out of the water as ships go past because of the wash caused by their wake.

Assuming you are stopping in Vlissingen, any branch ofANWB (Dutch version of the RAC) will stock charts in various forms.

 

[Mal113]

Any chandlers in The Netherlands will have them also get the stand mast route booklet it will give you the bridge time openings, I am assuming you are going to use the stand mast route to travel North? As I live in The Netherlands you can MP me if you wish if I can be of help.
Good Luck.

 

[peterb]

One further question: does anyone know where you can buy the Dutch inshore charts over the counter? I've left it too late to buy online....

Try Small Craft Deliveries at Woodbridge.

 

[ditchcrawler]

Levington definately have them.Small Craft are now in Melton on the trading estate on the right before the bridge.