Early May 2015 - Dover to Holland – 4 Countries in a week.

8th May – Thursday - Dover to Dunkirk, France

We had waited 10 days to get a good weather window for the crossing to Dunkirk.  We chose Dunkirk in preference to Calais as the tides were more favourable.  However you do your calculations, you would always end up waiting on the moorings outside Calais for the lock gate.  We were also interested to find out the result of the election prior to departure, so the timing was good.

From 12:00 to 18:30 we covered 42 miles and the tide was with us for most of the way, so much so that we topped 8.2 knots over the ground at one point.  We had to wait for the lock gates to open at Dover, which were a good half hour after the time scheduled.  Then we had to wait for two large ferries to leave the East harbour before we could begin.  You are also advised to stay north out of the way of traffic on departure.

Ferry dodging passing through the East Harbour entrance.

White Cliffs of Dover

We managed to get some sailing in but reverted to motor-sailing whilst crossing the shipping channels.  (Which for non-sailors you have to cross at 90 degrees or risk incurring a heavy fine).  A ladies voice appeared on the radio several times while crossing, we think she may have been in a swimming pool and the announcements sounded like Gladys Pew from Hi-De-Hi.  ie. Knobbly knees competition in the Main Hall at 3pm, and every other variation we could think of, kept us amused. 

Info:

The visitors pontoon in Dunkirk is long and easy to use.  Beware day-fishing boats zooming in and making waves.  There is a security gate at the top of the walkway, so beware not to shut the gate behind you, without another crew member being on the inside.  The harbour master was not present and we registered the following day.  The facilities in the large red building are modern and free, with plug sockets.  The hot water took a while to come through, persevere.  17 euros per night, inc Electricity.  L’eclerc supermarket in town, just after the main square in a shopping centre.  Very little is open in Dunkirk on a Sunday, including the harbour office (at this time of year).

Entrance into Dunkirk Harbour

Turn left into the ‘Grand Large’ entrance.

9th May – Saturday

A very, very windy day.  We were blown into town and had a good walk around.  Found the L’eclerc supermarket.  There are museums and galleries but there were few people around as it was so windy.

On our return a man asked Mick if he could take a photo of the boat.  He then proceeded to bring along 3 teenagers, one of whom climbed onto the front of the boat and performed a mime act to the Titanic theme whilst the man videoed her and played the sound-track.  It was for a school project apparently and much giggling ensued from the girls.

10th May – Sunday – Dunkirk to Oostende, Belgium.

A relatively short trip to Oostende, 13:15 to 18:30, 26 miles to catch the tide.  A beautiful sunny day with very little wind so motor-sailing all the way.  The sea was flat calm but beware the very strong under-currents, which really want to steer the boat for you. 

Entrance to Oostende, hard to miss.

We were met by a very friendly dory and he even took our ropes as we temporarily rafted to a boat which was leaving the pontoon. 

Info. 29 Euros per night, we suspect was due to us being on one of only two pontoons.  Good clean free facilities with plug sockets.  There are several supermarkets to chose from.  ALDI is hidden down an alley off ‘Alfonos Pieter’ street (directly in front of the station), also a Carrefour, further down.

Oostende Royal North Sea Yacht Club Marina.

11th May – Monday

Mick changed the oil and serviced the engine.

We had a good walk around and found this old Lido building on the sea front which is undergoing regeneration.  The pre-war photographs show what a beautiful town Oostende was, the buildings were stunningly ornate.  A small number remain, but sadly they are few.

Lido Inside

Lido Outside

12th May – Tuesday

We took the small free ferry to the other side of the harbour to find the Chandlers.  It sets off from the Aquarium every 20 minutes.

At the chandlers we bought the ‘Wateralmanak’ the two part compulsory manual which must be carried on board when on the Dutch canals.  It contains all the regulations, but it is only available in Dutch.   The symbol system describing the facilities at each marina is however, very useful.

We then walked all the way around the harbour back to the town.  Also went supermarket shopping at ‘Die Haize’ which we think is the Belgian equivalent of Waitrose, wide aisles and high prices.

13th May - Wednesday – Oostende to Vlissingen (pronounced Vis-ling-er), Holland

Early start to catch the tide 07:30 to 13:30, 31 miles.  Very sunny and absolutely no wind.  Again there was a strong under-current as we passed Zeebrugge and its shipping channel, which was very busy.

We entered the Westerschelde Estuary to proceed to Vlissingen.  It is a wide channel and we encountered quite a few pleasure craft, which was nice.  Also numerous containers, ferries etc.

The approach to the harbour entrance at Vlissingen crosses another shipping channel and rounds a corner to the outer lock.  Beware ferries and large vessels exiting the harbour entrance.

Large vessel leaving the harbour.

Outer Lock gates at Vlissingen.

We did not have to wait long to get the green light to enter the lock.  There is no pontoon and you simply hook a rope around one of the chains which hang vertically down the lock sides.  Then you ease the rope up or down the chain as the water level changes.

Once through the lock we proceeded to the marina which is on the right before the Red Bridge.

Marina Entrance, (behind Mick) at Buitenhaven, is not the easiest to see and is quite small once you are in there.  We had to turn around and go onto the visitors pontoon, which is not marked, but we guessed.

Info.  The harbour master was very pleasant.  19.20 Euros per night, 1 euro for electricity and 50cents for a shower.  The showers were not working very well.  There is a small cafe and bar.

Vlissingen itself is a very pleasant harbour town 20 minutes walk.  Lots of shops on the main street and some interesting buildings on the seaside.

Main Square.

Next stop Middelburg, under the 5 bridges!!