Just back from Holland

[Athene V30]

Crossed from Blackwater to Ijmuiden on Fri 1 / Sat 2 June then into Markermeer / Ijsselmeer and out at Den Oever to Den Helder and back to Blackwater last evening on a friends 35' Trintella sloop. Great trip - fantastic bit of Holland to see even though we didn't stop long enough anywhere.

One mishap - locked out at Den Oever then need to pass under swing bridge. We were last but 4 of the lock full (perhaps 20 boats) and as we played follow your leader through the bridge (fully committed now) it started to swing shut. A 10 tonne boat takes some stopping from 6 kts and we hit a wooden pile (veered off to save the mast on bridge) head on with the bow fitting. Luckily the boat astern managed to stop before hitting us from astern and pushing us up into the bridge. Boat astern did not see any change in the traffic lights so don't know how we were supposed to stop in time - no bells etc as warning of bridge closure. As I was helming friends boat at time I felt worse than if I had hit my own boat.

Don't know what the moral of the tale is, probably just watch out if you are going to Holland in case the bridge operator is having a bad day!

No customs checks for red fuel (can't spell desiel).

When's the next trip? Want to see more and the Friesian Islands next time.

 

[Sixpence]

I thought they had lights on all the bridges Peter so I've learned something else I didn't know , hope there's not too much damage

 

[johnalison]

Sounds very alarming.
Frisians well worth visiting but can get very busy in season though late August can be good as the dutchlets go back to school. Vlieland is most people's favourite. A circle round and back through Lauersoog makes a good trip and you see the best of Friesland.

There is also a lot more in the Ijselmeer, and harbours on the east shore are interesting, especially Makkum, Hindeloopen, Urk & Lemmer. Then you can take in Amsterdam on the way back.