UK to Amsterdam via IJMuiden North Sea canal

[vette]

Hi all,

I am getting more and more interested in Amsterdam.

From where in UK would one depart UK to Amsterdam via IJmuiden North Sea canal (Channel)

I have worked out it is roughly 40km
Is the 7,5km/h speed limit applied from the locks at IJmuiden all the way to Amsterdam city?

For those that may have undertaken this trip, how did you feel on the North Sea canal to Amsterdam?
Time taken?

Thanks

 

[miket]

I have done the trip from Gt Yarmouth to Ijmuiden and then the North Sea Canal. Lowestoft is another alternative with the benefit of having the Royal Norfolk and Suffolk YC as a base to await suitable weather.
Can't remember the distance to Ijmuiden, but we cruised at 15 knots and it took around 7 hours. We did have an "incident" so possibly around 70 to 100 miles.
Given the right weather, it is an easy if boring trip.
The North Sea canal into Amsterdam is no problem at all. Lock in at Ijmuiden and then stay in either Sixhaven (old marina) or the new marina. Both are very close to free pedestrian/ bike ferries that shuttle to and from Amsterdam main line railway station. The City is right there and beyond.
Buy the appropriate Dutch maps/ charts and speed limits, bridge heights, etc will all be given.
A stay in Amsterdam is an excellent experience.
Oh, just beware that "Coffee Shops" are not necessarily what you might expect!!!

 

[vette]

Hi Mike,

Thank you for your reply.
Can I ask what craft you did this in?
What did you do with your vehicle and trailer, assuming you trailered your craft there and slipped it.

Was there a cost to use the locks at start of North Sea canal?

thanks.

Graham

 

[trevorr]

There is no cost for the locks at Ijmuiden.

Trev

 

[ChrisHanley]

Hi all,

I am getting more and more interested in Amsterdam.

From where in UK would one depart UK to Amsterdam via IJmuiden North Sea canal (Channel)

I have worked out it is roughly 40km
Is the 7,5km/h speed limit applied from the locks at IJmuiden all the way to Amsterdam city?

For those that may have undertaken this trip, how did you feel on the North Sea canal to Amsterdam?
Time taken?

Thanks

I have delivered many Dutch Barges from Amsterdam via IJmuiden to England, mostly into the Thames. The only real challenge is the Sunk Traffic Separation Scheme off Harwich which is best to avoid unless you have an AIS plotter and a fondness to play Frogger. Trying to judge the best course to avoid the commercial shipping is made much more complicated when they go round the roundabout.
On the way out from the Thames you will need to choose which channel (or Deep) to use, perhaps an overnight in one of the East Coast rivers and then straight over.
Otherwise and because deliveries are usually non-stop, for me it is a long and tedious passage in a vessel capable of doing 6, maybe 7 knots.
Do note that if your vessel is over 15m you will need some sort of certification of competence. The Dutch River Police are very friendly and efficient, but they do like to come on-board and check.
Chris

 

[sailorman]

Hi all,

I am getting more and more interested in Amsterdam.

From where in UK would one depart UK to Amsterdam via IJmuiden North Sea canal (Channel)

I have worked out it is roughly 40km
Is the 7,5km/h speed limit applied from the locks at IJmuiden all the way to Amsterdam city?

For those that may have undertaken this trip, how did you feel on the North Sea canal to Amsterdam?
Time taken?

Thanks

Zeeland is far nicer than North Holland & much closer to home, especially if constrained by time

 

[miket]

Sorry to have missed the ongoing.
Boat was Broom Ocean 38 and cruised to and from Holland/UK on own bottom!
No info' on slipping or trailer disposal.
Can't agree about Zeeland versus Northern Holland. Both nice for different reasons. Former is more open with more inland seas and " meeres" but the latter has more lovely little town harbours tucked away. Depends what you are after. Leave your boat there for a year or two and cruise both if you have the time.