Hansweert (Netherlands) - mooring?

[neil1967]

I'm bringing my yacht back to the UK from the Netherlands in April. One option is to join the Westerschelde at Hansweert, but to make the best use of the ebb tide this will need to be at first light. Is it possible to moor up overnight on the long pontoons just south of the lock? I saw a suggestion that this was ok around 5 -6 years ago, but some more up-to-date info would be welcome.

 

[johnalison]

I'm sorry that I don't know the answer to that, but Terneuzen is not very far away and makes an acceptable stop, and with that current it's not even far to Breskens.

 

[westhinder]

The locks and the canal are very busy with professional traffic day and night. It is probably possible to spend the night at the waiting pontoon, if possible it is preferable to moor on the inside of the pontoon, but it will not be very tranquil. Most of the moorings are built for barges and not suited for yachts. Best enquire at the canal office: Waterdistrict Zeeuwse Delta, PO box 287, 4460 AR Goes, tel +31 88 797 47 60
As Johnalison says, Terneuzen and Breskens on the Westerschelde are better options, as is Wemeldinge at the other end of the canal.

 

[neil1967]

Thanks Johan and Johnalison - I'm starting out from Wemeldinge and aiming for Breskens or even Ostend. The issue is that HW Hansweert on the dates I want to sail is early morning and late afternoon. I can't get to Hansweert from Wemeldinge in the daylight to meet the first tide, and if I take the second tide I'll be doing the lower part of the Westerschelde at night, both of which I want to avoid. Terneuzen might be a good alternative, otherwise inland via Veere and Middelburg. Thanks again.

 

[johnalison]

If you arrive at Breskens at five past midnight the office will be closed, so that when you drift in in the morning you can say that you arrived 'this morning' and only have to pay for that day's stay.

 

[MoodySabre]

This is what they look like (snipped from Google maps). Not really pontoons on the inside.
Leaving Wemeldinge at first light you should still get to Breskens on that tide.
Going via the Veersemeer and Middelburg will cost you another day.

 

[neil1967]

I intend to depart on 21 Apr when HW Hansweert is approx 1720 (I won't make the first HW of the day). This gives me 3 1/2 hours before sunset. Under engine I would normally expect to do 5.5kts so probably 7 through the water with the flood - or is the tide much stronger? Is there much of a stand or slack water at HW Hansweert, ie could I enter the Westerschelde at HW-1 and make any decent headway downstream to get a headstart, or would I be wasting my time? I would be keen to get to Breskens in the daylight - if I can't then I'll probably look to go into Terneuzen and leave on the flood the following morning. As always your insights are much appreciated.

 

[johnalison]

I think you mean the ebb. Nevertheless, I don't have the data to hand and can't remember whether the stream changes at HW, or more likely a bit later, which is what usually happens halfway up rivers. Either way, you will make some way against the dying flood, and, as I always say, the earlier you start, the earlier you will arrive. You should be able to see well enough to navigate easily for about 3/4 hr after sunset, so if it were me I'd set off 1 1/2hr before high and enjoy the ride. It will be slow at first but you could get 2-3 kn current later.

 

[neil1967]

Many thanks, and oops yes, I meant the ebb

 

[Fossil]

From Wemeldinge, you could avoid most of the tidal issues by using the Zandkreek locks to access the Verse Meer, then to Veere and down the canal to Vlissingen (easily doable in a day if you want to push) and you are out in the open sea. With lots of nice countryside to look at on the way, plentiful moorings or marinas to stay overnight. To my mind, much more relaxing than fighting the currents, sandbanks and the big ships in the Westerschelde. The reason why, when we kept our Jaguar 27 at Wemeldinge, we rarely went into the Westerschelde.

 

[westhinder]

I fully agree with Johnalison, it pays to go against the last of the flood and then take advantage of the ebb, you will reach Breskens before it gets too dark.
I would much prefer the Hansweert route from Wemeldinge to Breskens over the inside route through the Veerse Meer and the Walcheren Canal, except if there is a strong W wind. Veerse Meer and Walcheren Canal is fun for once, but as you probably know, most of it will be motoring.