Ramsgate to...France, Belgium or Holland?

[mattonthesea]

Next week we hope to set off from Ramsgate towards the Baltic. Depending on weather etc we will head across to somewhere on that North Coast. Just wondered if there was anything I should be aware of besides port of entry. Presume I have to dog leg to cross the TSS at ninety and think about wind over tide with the shallow waters. The wind predictions are changing day by day so I expect the mast arrow will point to where we want to go. We're nearly out of red diesel and all EU paperwork is ready

Thanks
M

 

[johnalison]

There are many routes to the east and it probably helps to chose the least complicated. Ramsgate to the Continent and then along the coast is possible, but the time taken may cut your time in the Baltic short. From near Harwich we found the easiest way, using day sails, was first to Lowestoft and then across to Ijmuiden, or possibly Den Helder. From there there are few problems along the coast and a number of possible rest stops, such as Norderney, but the advantage is that you can still make progress in bad weather through Friesland. If you are returning this year, there is a high chance of meeting westerly winds on the return, when you may want to proceed inland, so there is little point in actually aiming to do it twice.

 

[mattonthesea]

Sorry, should have said that we plan to have the boat Sweden way for the winter. So only the one way this season. Unless the wind is favourable (unlikely) we will go via the continent and enjoy the getting there as much as being there

 

[johnalison]

Sorry, should have said that we plan to have the boat Sweden way for the winter. So only the one way this season. Unless the wind is favourable (unlikely) we will go via the continent and enjoy the getting there as much as being there

In that case, you may well want to explore a bit of the Low Countries. For my money, the north of the Netherlands is the more interesting, and there is plenty to see on the IJsselmeer, and a day or three in Friesland is relaxing. This will give you a chance to visit some of the Frisian islands. Our favourite of the German ones is Norderney and access to and from the sea is fine in any half decent weather to most of the accessible islands. Belgium has better food, and the southern Netherlands popular with Brits with shorter holidays. The mast-up route can seem long but there are historic towns such as Gouda and Haarlem that probably shouldn’t be missed.

 

[mattonthesea]

In that case, you may well want to explore a bit of the Low Countries. For my money, the north of the Netherlands is the more interesting, and there is plenty to see on the IJsselmeer, and a day or three in Friesland is relaxing. This will give you a chance to visit some of the Frisian islands. Our favourite of the German ones is Norderney and access to and from the sea is fine in any half decent weather to most of the accessible islands. Belgium has better food, and the southern Netherlands popular with Brits with shorter holidays. The mast-up route can seem long but there are historic towns such as Gouda and Haarlem that probably shouldn’t be missed.

Never got around to saying thanks for this - so: thanks ?. I think we could have said it in person as we meet you with Concerto at SIBS?

 

[johnalison]

Never got around to saying thanks for this - so: thanks ?. I think we could have said it in person as we meet you with Concerto at SIBS?

Not me, sadly as I haven't been to the show for some years now. However, you are very welcome to any useless advice I may have to offer about the passage, some of which may still be in date.