HOLLAND FIXED MAST ROUTE

[jmundayuk]

Has anyone experienced the fixed mast route Amsterdam going south through the canals. I would appreciate any advice, hints or sources of info as I intend to try this route this summer
Thanks

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[Twister_Ken]

One of the magz has covered this in the last issue or two (YM or PBO, not sure which)

<hr width=100% size=1><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.writeforweb.com/twister1>Let's Twist Again</A>

 

[Beagle]

The route South starts at approx. 3:00 am. Make sure you're well before that time in the arrea and don't forget to pay a certain rate. The 3am start is also the ending of the Northbound route, which start approx. at 12 (Nieuwe Meer side).

It is interesting to do it once, but I probably won't take that route ever again. Make sure you have all the correct time tables of the bridges along the route, once outside of Amsterdam. An interesting but very time consuming trip in MHO.

Rene.

<hr width=100% size=1>Never under estimate the strength of human stupidity

 

[Norrsken]

I came down from Amsterdam two years ago. to avoid the night passage through I used the route through Harlem. You take the North Sea Canal to the entrance of the route South.

Just beyond the entrance is a bridge under a motor way whiich only opens outside of the rush hour, through Harlem you have to go in convoy, which leaves about 1000 in the morning. The next real problem is the rail bridge at Gouda. this only opens twice a day and it is a good idea to inform the rail authorities in advance when you intend to go though as they will not lift the bridges if they can avoid it.

Brian Navins book on the canals is very helpful and you will alos need the Durch handbooks from Kelvin Hughes, you may not undersstand them but you have to have them on board

Good luck

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[maxi]

Agree with Norrsken, did the same route both ways in a 43 footer, 6' draught and enormous air draught. No problems whatsoever. lots of free or very cheap moorings etc.

Don't get too hung up about the bridge at Gouda, they did open especially for us and the longest wait was circa 20 mins, but they did expect a small payment.

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[Beagle]

Information regarding opening times and such on this link <font color=blue><A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.minvenw.nl/rws/scheepvaart/staandemastroute.shtml>fixed mast route</A></font color=blue>

The only 2 real bit**es as I remember are the railroadbridge at Gouda and Algrabridge. However, during high season, not too much of a problem.

Openingtimes of "Spoorbrug" at Gouda:
VHF 18
mon-fri: 05.59, 10.12*, 13.12 and 21.12
zat: 05.59, 10.12*, 13.12 and 21.12
Sundays and bank holidays: 10.12, 12.12, 14.12 and 21.12
*Operation only between 10 June- 31 August.

Rene

<hr width=100% size=1>Never under estimate the strength of human stupidity

 

[Mudplugger]

Bloody hard work, if you want to do the trip in one hit....Left Amsterdam @ 02.30, arrived Willemstadt 19.30....( 2003) Engine RPM @2100. 6.2 Knots for Hours!, approx 35 yachts in original convoy, time we got to Dordrecht just 8 of us left, The rest were parted (by design??) at Gouda and then ??, approximately 12.00. some of the bridges only open every 12 hours. To make it in one go is pretty stressful ! and next time would probably take a couple of day's and enjoy..Regards Tony W.

<hr width=100% size=1>Tony W.

 

[brianhumber]

Starting at Amsterdam you can either take the night convoy through town past airport to Gouda and the Maas or my preference take North Sea Canal and turn left to Harlem almost at the coast. Good stop over at the junction and this sets you up to leave early enough to get through the first motorway bridge and Harlem before morning rush
Next motorway after Harlem opens midday and you then poodle on down to the Gouda rail bridge. This is a bitch as last time it only opened just as the other bridges closed for the night so just tie up to the bank when further nav is stopped overnight.
once on the Maas you can pop out to sea at Rotterdam, not reccommended due to shipping or down to the next dam with sea lock via the Spui river. This avoids the bridges, barges and shipping at Dordrecht and is a delightful cruise.
Very tall rigs like mine cannot get out after this but have to carry on to Flushing which is no hardship as this area is great for sailing with tons of ports like Willhelmstad etc
Limitation is the water draft not airdraft all bridges are free but I have had no troubles with 2m draft

Enjoy you will go back

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[mhouse]

Did it last summer with no problems. I suggest you buy the ANWB/VVV wateratlas ,Staande Mastroute. This was very good with all the bridge /lock times. PM me if you want any info. Matt

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[quaelgeist2]

here:
http://www.staandemast.nl/html/kaart.htm -> map
http://www.staandemast.nl/fun2sail/update-soon.htm -> english from webmaster
http://www.staandemast.nl/html/bruggen.htm -> bridges

cheers
christian

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