connor_carson
New member
Hi all,
I'm in the planning phase of my first North Sea Crossing. (The boat is a Hurley 18). Great fun, lots of charts open on the floor, but a few niggling real world facts to consider, so I'm hoping for advice from you old hands out there...
I'm planning to hop down the east coast from Newcastle, then cross to Den Helder.
Problem: Looks like 3 major TSS to cross, can anyone advise on the best point to cross?
Then Entering the Ijsselmeer, proceeding to Amsterdam, and the Noordzeekanaal. Any problems for transiting with a small boat, or is it for larger commercial vessels only? - My max speed on o/b is about 4.5 knots!
Finally, proceeding south to Antwerpen, there looks like some major commercial traffic off the Hoek van Holland. What's the best point to cross this area? Looks kind of scary...
Finally, I'm looking for a decent pilot book for above, would you rate the Imray Cruising guide to the Netherlands, also the North France and Belgium Cruising Companion for the approaches to Antwerp via Westerschelde?
That lot should keep you all bust for a bit! Many thanks in advance for any and all advice (even if it's only "stay at home you idiot".)
Cheers, Connor C.
I'm in the planning phase of my first North Sea Crossing. (The boat is a Hurley 18). Great fun, lots of charts open on the floor, but a few niggling real world facts to consider, so I'm hoping for advice from you old hands out there...
I'm planning to hop down the east coast from Newcastle, then cross to Den Helder.
Problem: Looks like 3 major TSS to cross, can anyone advise on the best point to cross?
Then Entering the Ijsselmeer, proceeding to Amsterdam, and the Noordzeekanaal. Any problems for transiting with a small boat, or is it for larger commercial vessels only? - My max speed on o/b is about 4.5 knots!
Finally, proceeding south to Antwerpen, there looks like some major commercial traffic off the Hoek van Holland. What's the best point to cross this area? Looks kind of scary...
Finally, I'm looking for a decent pilot book for above, would you rate the Imray Cruising guide to the Netherlands, also the North France and Belgium Cruising Companion for the approaches to Antwerp via Westerschelde?
That lot should keep you all bust for a bit! Many thanks in advance for any and all advice (even if it's only "stay at home you idiot".)
Cheers, Connor C.