east coast to holland

[smeaks]

from the NE what is the best jump off point if sailing to Holland? what period is best to go (setteled weather)? and for an easy first time whats the best destination- pilotage and amenities? and approxomate passage times.... I am getting ready for some winter planning and dreaming!

thanks in advance...

 

[wingdiver]

Hi
Your profile shows you are in the NE and you have a 22ft boat.
I assume you will be travelling south down the UK coast before heading across.
Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex to Holland are not too bad although even Lowestoft to Ijmuiden is around 100 miles, which is quite a trip for smaller boats.
Depending on the time you have, you may wish to travel further south and go to Belgium and work your way north on that side.
Many people from our part of the world go to Vlissingen and up from there.
North Sea Passage pilot by Brian Nevin (I think) gives information on some of the trips across.
Cruising guide to the Netherlands is useful too as are Dutch charts.
Once in Holland, you will need to be aware of the operation of the locks and opening bridges.
You will find that the costs of moorings are very low compared to the UK (we paid £12 per night for 14m boat) and the facilities are generally first class.

 

[EdWingfield]

Hi, I tried it this year, using the 'direct' course to Ijmuiden via Indefatigable field. I got beaten back when 23M out.

You may be interested to know that the North Shields ferries use that route. (I have their waypoints if you want) In bad weather they follow the English coast down to Norfolk and cross at Smiths Knoll.

Ijssellmeer and Waddenzee have been highly recommended to me. I will have another go next summer.

 

[smeaks]

Well spotted, it is not my boat we will be in but the general plan was to travel south first.

thanks

 

[dickh]

From the River Deben/Harwich you can go either direct to Breskens and then into the canals. Or do it in two legs - Harwich to Ostend or Neupoort and then on to Breskens or Vlissengen. Usually plenty of room at Breskens and easier to enter in the dark rather than Vlissengen which can get full in peak season, but OK before July/August. Get hold of the local Dutch folio charts when in Holland - much cheaper than in UK. From memory, if you plan it right, you leave in the early morning from Harwich(Shotley Marina) and you'll arrive in Breskens at dusk.
Get up to date charts as they have just completely changed the area around the Sunk LV! Good Luck

 

[chasroberts]

Don't forget the current hubbub re red diesel and Holland. Might save yourself a few bob. There is plenty of info already in the forum archives.

 

[PeterGibbs]

Weather: you need a predictable weather pattern. Can't really equate that to a particular month - for obvious reasons. Even in a few hours the N Sea can build to 2-4m waves which can be disturbing for a small boat/crew.

If you get down to Lowestoft, you will be in the best position for the leap off. Depending on wind angle you will make in one day, from north downwards:

1. Ijmuiden - large and safe harbour (watch out for offshore gas fields - easy to spot) with canal trip onwards ( 2 hrs or so) to Six Haven in Amsterdam.

2. Scheveningen - good harbour, crowded marina, right in centre of town. Easy tram ride to den Hague. Supermarket on quay.

3. Stellendam: lock in for inland waterways (do have a look at Dordrecht - one of my favourites)

4. Roompot: lock in for more great waterways.

5. Vlissingen/Breskens: take the tide up to Antwerp (you must arrive top of the tide to get in to the marina) what a great city. Or, up the canal to Middleburg, one of the best stopovers going.

Two essentials:

1. Stay well awy from the entrance to the Maas - Hook of Holland - seriously heavy metal whizzing about, en masse.

2. When entering a lock, get your rear line ashore first so you can motor ahead and line up with the lock wall. If you take the fore line first you will be all over the place - except if the wind is whistling down the lock from ahead. You have been warned.

Some recommend to go by night, but I prefer an early rise and evening landfall. With any luck the sun will illumiunate your destination and guide you safely home.

Holland just about has it all - easy sailing, boat handling, mooring, and very helpful folks. Good eating. Supermakets not often close to ports/landings; having a folding bike with you is great.

If you get out to the Islands in the north, be prepared to hire a bike - very cheap - and enjoy something you don't get in Blighty.

Hope you make it over - you might see me en route!

PWG

 

[asj1]

If going from Harwich, especially to Ostend, make sure you have up to date charts as there were majo chnages to the bouyage and TSS from 1st July this year.