First Oostende trip

[truantagain]

Well, it looks like we might finally be taking the plunge and going on our first family crossing to Oostende.

We are looking to depart Sat 18th, stay in Oostende till Wed 22nd and then on to Vlissingen until Sunday 26th when we will return to Harwich (depending on the weather of course!)

Is it possible to book berths ahead at either Oostende or Vlissingen? Any preferences as to which marina to stay in Oostende?

Any other bits of advice or tips greatly appreciated. It always seems like such a big adventure the first time.....

One other thing....my username on here should change in the next while. The good ship Truant was taken by her new onwers to her new home over the weekend.....so now we just have the 1 boat again..phew! But at the same time sad to see her go...

Thanks for the help.

Cheers

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Grant,

If the sea state is calm, then Montgomery dock is far nicer, but if its going to cut up rough, then go through the lock to Mercator... the scend into Montgomery can be uncomfortable...

As for Vlissingen, don't just stay there for 4 days... go through the bridge towards Middelberg, and possibly also into the Veersemeer... its very lovely, and only a few miles of incredibly easy navigation.....

I've never booked at either, and indeed am off tommorrow evening to Vlissingen, and haven't booked...

Have fun.... and possibly even see you over there! (we'll also probably be heading back to the Orwell on 26th from Vlissingen)

 

[AJB43]

Sounds like Ostend should be avoided as we too are planning to be there on 18th then up to Vlissingen 3 boats 6 adults- 6 children- could be a lot of noise. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[D3B]

I am planning a booze cruise to Blankenberg departing Sat 18th returning Sunday 19th.....so may give you a wave as i wiz past.


weather permitting of course /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Crikey....

No matter how hard I try, I just seem to keep on stumbling into ybw gatherings....

... look out for the ybw pennant....... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[truantagain]

Remember to throw a bottle as you go by...full...of course /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gif

Have a good trip.

 

[jezjez]

Yarrum, we did our first ostend trip this summer. Teh navigation is simple and should not be over complicated in mho. Quite a long day for the no-yachties but a rwal sense of achievement when you arrive.
Ostende is very busy. Robert, the HM is umistakable and has a reputation far and wide. Keep a good look out for fishing boats.
Best of british.

 

[truantagain]

Thanks for that jezjez. Always nice to hear from others who have done it.
Happy sailing!