Sailing to Vlissingen?

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OrwellTiggerToo

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Do i recquire any qualifications to sail into Vlissingen and/or Middleburg for a short stay? (ICC or whatever)
Is it best to book berths prior to visiting?
What's of interest to see in the area?

So many questions, so little time!

i would appreciate any advice, hoping to sail from Oostende in a couple of weeks.

TIA /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
Steve,

No, you don't need any qualifications..... the Dutch only ask for ICC for vessels over 17m (I think - might be slightly different - but its large vessels only) or capable of more than 17kts....

Suggest you buy the Brian Navin book 'Cruising the Netherlands'... full of useful info about bridge opening times, clearance heights and location guides....
 
Middleberg is worth a couple of days itself, and if you have time then go on to Veere and into the Verse Meere where you can berth on an "uninhibited" island, and go round to Goes, the jewel of Zeeland, and if you have a pretty boat then you might be invited to berth in the Jachtclub de Werf, the prettiest marina in Holland. The Brits liberated this part of Holland and we are given a warm welcome.
 
The approaches to Vlissingen lock (sluis) and the Westerschelde towards Antwerp are probably the best buoyed in the world, so no problems finding it. Do regard the rules crossing the TSS zones, but the big shipping; although very close by, will be going slowly in the Westerschelde and are no problem if you keep close to, or even just on the shallow side of the bouyage.

Middleburg (especially) is a splendid place to stopover. The canal from Vlissingen onwards to Middleburg is a ‘mast-up’ route and is fine for sailing yachts.

The Dutch seem none too bothered about certification, but do keep all the relevant papers onboard, an SSR certificate and VHF licenses in particular, there are no boat license fees required in Holland. Check out the Port of Vlissingen website as you will need to maintain or at least listen in on the correct radio contact for your area in the channel.

You should not need to ‘book’ but may be rafted out in high season. You will have to wait for bridges to be lifted; usually you are grouped together with other yachts. The bridge over the entrance to the inner marina at Middleburg has specific opening times, mainly to avoid the rush hour but you can moor up outside the bridge-keepers office to enquire.

You will find plenty of English-speaking locals to assist you and the mooring fees are very reasonable compared with the UK.

From Middleburg, continue northeast to the Veerse Meer then east to Wemeldinge, there are a few marinas on the way, then take the canal back to the Westerschelde via the sluis at Hansweert. An overnight stopover at Terneuzen and you are heading back towards Vlissingen after a very pleasant 3-day round trip or more if you take your time at the stopovers.

Hope you enjoy your trip!
 
According to the RYA, no you don't need an ICC and I've been over there without up to now. I'm told that it is running a risk however as should there be any incident then the authorities will expect the paperwork and there could be penalties...

Re Vlissingen, the harbourmaster Guus Blankenburgh in the small Michiel de Ruyterhaven marina is very helpful and can be contacted at info@montparnasse.nl or on +31 0118 414498. He offered to organise a 'birth' on my last visit but I'm glad to say it wasn't delivered /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Have a look at the last 2 Dutch cruise logs on my website for info on local places we visited & photos.

Drop me a PM if you need more...
 
The telephonenumber is not correct. In the Netherlands one dials with the "0" in front of the number, but from outside the country this "0" is omitted.
 
Well, things may have changed, as I havent been over there for a few years... but if one wanted to go on the inland waterways, one was supposed to carry one specific volume of the Dutch regulations (cant remember what they are called). The most stupid thing about this regulation is/was that the said volume is only available in Dutch, and not a lot of English speakers can read Dutch /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

You DO also require ICC with CEVNI endorsement for all European inland waterways. It is correct that you dont need ICC for navigable European sea below xx metres.

Not having the right docs is a calculated risk. Personally, I have CEVNI, but didnt have the said Dutch book...! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif I haven't met anyone who has been hammered on this... yet /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
 
Middleburg is really nice defintly worth a couple of days or more to explore.
When the gaffer that I worked on last year visted we were allowed to moor up just outside the bridge although I think that was due to the harbour being short on berths rarther then Black Rose's size (50ft) as we had a 30ft yacht rafted along side us.
 
You are definitely required to have Deel (Vol ) 1 of the regulations for Dutch waterways - yes it in Dutch. I believe vol 2 is more useful giving bridge opening times and the like.
You should have up to the minute charts of the Dutch coast as the sand moves continually. I found it difficult to get charts of inland Holland in Veere. Middleburg is probably better. The big barge on the way to the Marina is an excellent chandlery and chart agent.
Nobody has yet mentioned Schengen.
I filled in forms at Middleberg and the HM faxed them off somewhere. This seemed to work a charm when I was challenged in Finland. The Belgians can make a thing about it too. As the OStend HM said "If they come then fill in the forms otherwise dont bother". All said in a voice that filled the harbour without a megphone.
 
Have they made it stick yet? The charges were introduced widely, including Grevelingenmeer, Veersemeer and others, during our time living in Holland. There was a general refusal to pay by the boating populace and the attempt was dropped. The last time I used any of the pontoons was three years ago and they were free then, or at least nobody was paying, which may not be the same thing.
 
Non, Vyv, they only charge on Grevelingen. The whole idea has been dropped for the Veerse Meer. I don't think they would fine a UK yacht if you where caught without the sticker on Grevelingen, though. I was caught once without it and got a warning. It's not the money, it's the hassle. You must moor in Bruinisse Marina and pay there to get the 10-day sticker or pay for the whole season and get a small flag.

cheers
<span style="color:blue"> </span>
 
The "Goblin" is hoping to return to Vlissingen again in a few weeks to celebrate her 75th year (1st week in June), but sadly, without the youngsters this time!
 
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