Holland from Essex Rivers...

[Marmalade]

Guys - planning to take our 28 footer over to Holland on Thursday night - have crewed across some years ago - this will be first time in own boat with missus and kids and don't want to give them a scary ride!

I seem to remember something about not crossing the north sea if there's been several days of northerlies as it creates a really nasty swell... is this right? and is it any old northerlies or just gales?

any gen much appreciated as I'd rather stay this side than put her indoors off for life with 16 hours plus of rough and tumble!!

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

It is accepted wisdom that the Nth sea is rougher than normal after a few days of northerlies.....

But it only takes two or so days to flatten off.....

Last week it was as flat as a pancake.....

 

[davidfox]

Agree with other post, where are you heading for?

 

[squidge]

Hi SPGE. Where are you intending to leave from? I know that there are at least two other east coats boats planning to leave next Saturday from the Crouch to Holland. I am one of them and will be making for the Roompot or down to Breskins of it turns a bit nasty.I estimate that it will take us around 22 Hours point to point.
We can do the Crouch to Oostend in around 16 hours with a good breeze and in the past few years have found this the best destination with children on board and being short handed as its done in daylight (apart from the pre dawn start). This time we have an extra adult crew to take a watch.

 

[squidge]

Hi Nas , How was your adventure? Ive printed your blog to read later, got to go do some work now!
regards
Talbot

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Bloody marvellous.... best week i've ever had on a boat!... family all loved it.... SWMBO is looking at the piccies of new boats, and excited about going to SIBS.. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[ZuidWester]

Route from Oostende and the return

Have you thought about the route from Oostende? You can go inland (if you can easily drop your mast) round to the Westerschelde and then either further inland through the Ooste Schelder and the route up to Amsterdam, the Ijsselmeer and Harlingen etc, or sail along the coast for Oostende to wherever in the Netherlands.
You also have to consider the difficulties of the return journey. I believe the weather is more favourable coming in from the west than going back to England.

 

[Bergman]

Maily agreeing with others comments on swell.

Only added comment is to watch the forecast for northern areas of N Sea.

You can get a big swell from bad weather miles and miles north of you when you have little or no local wind.
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Suppose thats definition of swell really - when I engage brain.

Have a good trip.

 

[Bergman]

Mainly agreeing with others comments on swell.

Only added comment is to watch the forecast for northern areas of N Sea.

You can get a big swell from bad weather miles and miles north of you when you have little or no local wind.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Suppose thats definition of swell really - when I engage brain.

Have a good trip.

 

[Marmalade]

Thanks guys - we're heading for OOstende initially then into the westerschelde - fingers crossed!