Trip to Holland

[Bettyblue]

I would very much like to sail to Holland (Vlissingham) this summer from Harwich. I have a Beneteau 331.Can anyone give me information regarding:
Suitable flags to fly and when
Passage plans that have been used successfully before
Any other information that might be of use to me?
Thank you.

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[AndrewB]

Very much a FAQ this one, try a search on 'Flushing' and 'Vlissingen'. However, do get a copy of the current issue of Yachting Monthly, which has a cruising supplement that includes a detailed account of how to plan this passage, more information than anyone is likely to post here!

Regarding formalities:
- Remember your passports, yacht registration certificate and copy of insurance;
- British yachts must check in with customs - ask the Vlissingen marina for details when you arrive;
- You must carry a copy of the Dutch Water Almanac Vol 1 and charts if continuing into inland waterways. These will be cheapest if you buy on arrival.
- It is customary to fly a British ensign and a Dutch courtesy ensign. No other flags are normally required.

 

[Beagle]

Not much I can add to Andrew's post, but personally find the approach to either Breskens, Roompot or Stelledam more favoritable. The almanak rule is true, although a bit silly since it's only available in the Dutch languages. Over 10 years+ I have never been checked (as wel as my sailing mates) upon this book, but we do fly a big Dutch flag from the stern.

Personally I find the sout the best, the north (IJsselmeer and such) can be interesting for a couple of days... maximum...

Cheers, Rene

<hr width=100% size=1>Climate is what you expect, weather is what you get

 

[Sybarite]

If you search on "Flushing" and "Beneteau 331" I know what you are going to come up with. Right Jimi?

John

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[muddyfeet]

If you want to go direct from Harwich to Flushing, you should enter the Westersheld on the flood - it continues 2hrs after HW at around 4knots.
I have just got back, although tides (and poor weather!)precluded a daylight run, so dropped down to come direct from Blankenberg.
My preference outbound is to bouy hop via South Cork,Long Sand Head and Galloper then a direct line to enter the Westersheld approaches via the centre "Spleet" channel with its tall port marker bouys. However, for the first time it may be easier for you to head for Zeebrugge and take the very well bouyed coastal route upto Breskens/Flushing.
Flags: Dutch(plus Belgian in case of diversion) courtesy + ensign. Paperwork: Boat Registration + VAT paid proof and Passports. Put in a Schevingen Form but no one asks for it - I was checked 4 times; same goes for the Almanack.
Hope this helps,Good luck with the weather!

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[Bettyblue]

That is really useful information. Thank you for your help, I appreciate you taking the time to respond. In closing do you have an idea of the length of time for the crossing; I estimated 95 miles @ 5knots (with or without engine) so we should expect to take up to to 20 hours. Could you confirm this? Thanks once again for your help.

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[Bettyblue]

Beagle, thanks for taking the time to reply. I appreciate your feedback. All information is useful information when you are approaching your first North Sea crossing.

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[Bettyblue]

AndrewB, thanks for your advice. Have now got copy of this month's YM with supplement; ideal! The info on flags is great, I don't want to become too intense and do everthing in a bookish manner but I certainly don't want to either upset anyone or get myself in trouble. Thanks for your help.

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[Beagle]

General information regarding Holland, no we are cerntainly not strict to 'rules', although we do appriciate it if and when you fly the Dutch courtesy flag. Met an UK couple last week and the skipper went a step further, was wearing a full orange t-shirt! What really broke the ice was the moment they introduced me for the first time to the G&T ritual..... now we're blood-brother for always!

Made my first crossing earlier this year, so I'm far from being an expect on that. I felt that our desicion to do it 'day-trip' wise was clever. In that case I agree with Anrew, Belgium is a good route. We did Breskens-Ramsgate in one trip. A tough 90+ miles but we had a good team (4 total). On our way back we did Ramsgate-Ooostende--Breskens which is a bit more relaxed.

Search this forum for Schengen and you will get a link to the RYA site for the right forms.

Rene.

<hr width=100% size=1>Climate is what you expect, weather is what you get

 

[BustinAround]

I sailed from pooole to holland last summer, so can't really comment on your passage but I can on what its like when you get there...
As someone already said the tide doesn't half go round there so make sure you time it right. I think the best marina is the tidal one right in the middle of town (rather than going through the lock about 1/2 mile further upstream, but its very very tight in there (with sheer walls), so be prepared! Luckily its very sheltered so there's no wind to blow you around.

If you look at your charts of the westersheelder (apologies for spelling!) then you should see that there is a little marina marked about half way up on the south side. I saw it on the dutch charts I bought when I arrived, and thought it looked quite nice (and I didn't think I could make it to antwerp on one tide), so spent an afternoon sailing up there, only to find a muddy drying dock with a pilot boat! It was clearly marked as a marina on the chart so I was a bit miffed, and had to spent the night anchored out on the far side of the estuary with the barges!

Also, if you go to breskens watch out for the pontoons, I got a very large splinter in my leg when I kneeled on one.

And finally, (the only useful piece of advice!) make sure you use your CONE! The dutch coastguard WILL pull you over if they catch you motorsailing without it.

Regards,
Ben

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[Beagle]

It's the Belgium coastguard who are that picky concerning Cones. Rarely fly one myself along the Dutch coastal waters and no problem so far. But I'm 100% sure to use it in Belgium waters.

<hr width=100% size=1>Climate is what you expect, weather is what you get

 

[dickh]

Get a copy of the Brian Navin Book published by Imray - The North Sea Pilot, I think it's called. Gives you all sorts of routes and I think they do the Harwich to Breskens one. We are based on the R Deben and when we did this a few years ago, we overnighted at Shotley as it was a 2am start and we couldn't have got out of the Deben. I remember we arrived in Breskens at about 2200 at night. Stayed there a couple of days and then went across to Vlissengen - didn't go into the town centre marina as it was full, went thro' the lock and there is a small marina on Stbd. just before the 1st bridge. Got local charts and the required Dutch 'Book' (much cheaper than in the UK). We had an extra crew for the way back, just as well as both Les & myself were seasick - again got into Shotley late at night.
Good Luck - you'll enjoy Holland!

<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[Bettyblue]

Thanks for your reply and the useful info. I have got the cone and will fly it to make sure!

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[Bettyblue]

Dickh. Thanks for your reply, I am going sailing this weekend so will search out the local chandlers for the North Sea pilot guide you suggest.

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[sailorman]

Foxs Marina Chandlery have them in stock & i think u can order through IPC or Imray the publishers ( they have a web site).
i have cruised Holland for 20 yrs & have never had the Part 1 Almanac & never been asked to show it.
as for "Cones" in Belgium i havnt seen them in general use.
the Brian Navin Pilot is well worth getting though, mine is now superceeded but will get the revised issue prior to the next trip.

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[LadyInBed]

Save money on the courtesy flag, fly the French one hung on its side. The Dutch will appreciate this as they have a wonderful sense of humour /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

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[ditchcrawler]

The RYA advised me to take the Schengen forms which can be downloaded from their website to list the crew.I understand they are keener in the south of Holland than the north I was in the northern area this year & i was not asked to produce any of the documentation.

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[sailorman]

i have just rtnd.
entered via Hook of Holland exit Vlissingen / Breskens diddnt see any Officials at all in 3 weeks

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