Standing Mast Route

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davidej

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The nothern part of the Staande Mastroute goes from Lemmer via Leewarden to Delfzil.

Can anybody tell me if it is possible to pick it up at Harlingen instead of Lemmer and go from there to Leewarden and Delfzil

Also, what is a reasonable time estimate taking waiting for bridges etc into account?
 
If you want a pdf of the whole mast up routes pm me an email address


Mastroute_zps3738b639.png
 
Perhaps I should re-phrase my question.

I am aware that the Staande Mastroute includes a section from Lemmer to Leeuwarden and on to Delfzijl - I have the ANWB Wateratlas here on my desk (and used it to get proper spellings this time).

However I beleive that there are other Dutch canals that can be used with a mast-up.

Can anyone tell me if the Harlingen - Leeuwarden section is one such?

I want to sail to Den Helder then enter the canal system thru to Delfzijl. It would be much shorter to enter at Harlingen than back-tracking to Lemmer.
 
About two days from Lemmer to Lauersoog but I've done it from Harlingen in one when it was quiet. There are nice places like Sneek on the Lemmer route and lakes you can anchor in but I prefer the Harlingen way normally as the other has more commercial traffic.

The lock up to Harlingen can get very busy. Friends had a wait of four hours a couple of years ago in August. We were an hour ahead and went straight through, so it's a matter of luck.

Leeuwarden is quite nice for stop and so is Dokkum. There is a hole in the bank at Birdaart where my engine control parted. Try to stay inside at Lauersoog as the outer harbour can be problematic.

The canal to Delfzyl is much duller and shallow in places and we prefer to go outside. Border dry is usually a better option than Borkum.
 
I've just seen your post -yes, Harlingen is fine. You can stop in the town harbour or lock through and stay in the yacht club, but only if you have about 1.5m or less. You can tie up a little further in Franeke or stay in the small marina. Inland marinas in Holland are usually quite inexpensive. Harlingen is a lively place and worth seeing.
 
Yes. You go into the big lock in Harlingen and that gets you directly onto the canal to Leewarden. You can also get in, or more likely out of the canals at Lauwersmeer (sp?). The section through Leewarden is quite easy except for the town itself, where there are lots of bridges, and various men on bikes who open them, slowly, it's all very friendly and efficient, but never quick! You are also charged fees (Bruggeld) for some towns, so keep a pot of euros ready. from Lauwersmeer to Deftzijl is free of Bruggeld, but slower with Groningen a serious delay because you go right through the old part of the town with numerous bridges. It's very picturesque.

We have done it several times. The aim is to use the canals on the return, when the prevailing winds are against us, and unless the weather leaves no alternative would only use the Lauwersmeer - Harlingen section, then nip into the IJsselmeer and the North Sea canal. On the way out, I.e. NE-wards, we would tend to use the Waddensea routes, or go outside the islands, since the winds and tides favour you. However, in **** weather the canals are a safe alternative. Last May, we ducked in at Harlingen, and met several Dutch people in serious sea boats, heading for Finland, Norway or Sweden, but using the canals to make progress against the horrible weather (as we were).
 
Some bridges in Leeuwarden close 2 hours for lunch, I can recommend the Dokkum route, a very picturesque small town. You can exit at Lauwersoog to sail north of the islands, I stopped the night in Norderney and Cuxhaven. Two days from Sneek to Lowersoog, some rail bridges only open according to the train times.
 
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