Mid July 2015–Lemmer, Sneek and Leeuwarden

6th July Monday – To Lemmer – 09.00–14.30

The journey from Medemblik to Lemmer took us straight across the IJsselmeer.  The wind was behind us for most of the 23 miles which took us 5 and a half hours.  The steering was hard going with the direction of the wind but we sailed 20 of the 23 miles with just the Genoa maintaining 5 to 6 knots.  Beware low water of approx 1.5m near the middle, which was startling but fine.   The water was an extraordinary light jade green colour, probably due to the greenery below.  The crossing is overlooked by a line of enormous, modern windmills, which made the time drag, as they were so big is seemed to take an age to get to them.

The lock at Lemmer has impressive towers marking its entrance.  A charge of 5 euros is collected in the lock itself.

Before the lock, the town looks quite industrial, but the main street is charming, lined at each side with Cafes and Restaurants and visiting boats and yachts lining the canal sides.  It seems that people like to be seen in their boats in Lemmer.

We went through the lock and 3 bridges to get to Jachthaven Lemmer Binnen.

Sailors Info: Jachthaven Lemmer Binnen costs 20 euros per night with free electricity.  Showers are 50cents for 3 minutes!  (A man must define those times).  The facilities are very good.  A short 10 minute walk towards towns brings you to a shopping complex with Lidl, Aldi and Jumbo supermarkets.  There is a chandlers on the walk into town and another across the main bridge.  The Market is on Thursday.

The holiday season has just started in Holland.  To hire a boat under 15 metres you do not need any qualifications, so anyone can hire a 14.95 metre motor boat without any experience. 

Our first encounter was of the German kind.  We stayed in Lemmer for 4 nights due to high winds, but high winds do not deter holiday makers.  So the hire boat driven by our German friend slewed across the back of our boat and thanks to them shouting at each other, we were alerted to their plight and were eager to help, as were the people in the boat to our right.  It took 6 people and much pulling of ropes to land him safely into his mooring.  He had to be shown by our neighbours how to tie up the boat.

Having not learned any lesson he lurched out the following morning, again in winds higher than we would attempt and without looking up and down stream, narrowly missed an oncoming motor boat.

Anyway we had a good few days in Lemmer, our mooring was near the canal so we enjoyed the passing boats.  There is an artificial beach complete with Beach Complex.  The marina also catered well for campervans.

10th July – Friday – To Sneek

Only 13.5 miles to Sneek starting at 10.00 and arriving at 13:00.  Just 2 bridges and an encounter with overhanging trees, no damage done.  The canal into Sneek is a small diversion from the Standing Mast Route and well worthwhile.  There are several bridges into Sneek if you wish to stay in the town by the canal.  It was Friday and looked a bit busy so we did a U-Turn at the first bridge and settled for a canal side mooring just outside town.  Fate lead us to meet the owners of motor boat ‘Liza’ who in our very short meeting, as we moored up, were full of of useful information and encouragement.  Sadly we did not get their names.

Our canal side mooring ‘Zomerrak’ gave us great views of the comings and goings into town.

The town itself is a real surprise, it is the sailing centre of Friesland and has a comprehensive shopping area, market and squares with cafes aplenty.

Just liked these Art Deco toilets.

The ‘Water Gate’ is the most famous landmark.

We enjoyed an evening out in the lovely squares, where an Irish Pub had a band which was entertaining the whole area.

As mentioned we had a ring side seat for the promenade of boats and yachts which came into town on Saturday.  Here are some of the highlights.

The house-boat above is driven from the ‘veranda’ at the front of the boat.  Propelled by an outboard motor at the back.  Don’t like the neighbours, no problem with this.

Two small boats rafted together with 8 people aboard.

Not to be outdone, 2 barges rafted together, with party in full swing.

The capacity winner went to these 20 guys crammed in this boat, not a life-jacket in sight!! 

I could go on, all we had to do was sit there and the entertainment came to us.

Sailor’s Info:  Zomerrak is a municipal mooring.  The harbourmaster visits in the afternoon to collect the dues.  31.50 Euros for 2 nights inc Electricity.  50 cents for a shower in the good facilities.  They close at 21.00 but there are others in the car park nearby, which were also good.  There is a Lidl near the marina and a small Albert Heijn at the other side of town.  Entertainment - free of charge.

12th July – Sunday – To Leeuwarden – 09.30-15:15

Leeuwarden is the capital of Friesland and a main stop on the Standing Mast Route.  It is 22 miles from Sneek and it’s a interesting journey.  We were going to stop at Grou but were advised to carry on through. 

There were many bridges to negotiate.

The huge open sluis attracted some large company. 

There is a signpost for the Standing Mast Route, just outside ‘Grou’ above.  This is a different route than the one described in Brian Navin’s cruising guide, but it is the route in the current Standing Mast Route book.

The route took us from Grou to Leeuwarden in a more direct way, through the countryside, with fields on either side for several miles.  Very peaceful motoring for us.

Brave sailing for the traditional boys, i suppose this is what they were designed for.  We do not sail in narrow canals.

We passed many of these barns which had a home attached or as part of the structure.

Not sure if this sign was a help or a hindrance.

We got talking to a lovely young couple aboard this yacht ‘Laura Elenie’.  They had been camper-vanner’s and were giving this family vessel a try.  We hope they have many happy years sailing, as they seemed to be really enjoying themselves.

This road bridge just outside Leeuwarden is the coolest we have ever seen.  It raised a chunk of road high into the air and twisted it to one side, just to be flashy. 

There is a toll charge to enter Leeuwarden of 7euros which is expertly collected from this bridge control office, by a man with a fishing rod with a small clog on the end, into which you deposit your 7 euros.  Thank goodness there was a sign warning us or there could be a multiple pile up, whilst looking for change.

Sailors Info:  Top Tip, try to park on the right side.  It’s an easier walk into the centre.  The picture above shows one of the electronic pay machines along the canal side in Leeuwarden.  They are easy to use with English options, just insert the length of the boat, number of days and electricity requirements and a Card will be deposited.  The SEP card is also used to access the shower blocks and activate the showers.  A 5 euro deposit is taken for the cards.  The charge was 29 euros for 2 nights.   

The bridge above is the last one before the moorings start.  The wonky tower is a good landmark.

There is a Jumbo supermarket 300 metres after the next bridge.

‘Fleur’ pictured on the left in her canal side mooring.  Again beware of over-hanging trees.  It’s amazing how the motor boats take all the moorings with no trees, Grrrr.

The cutest little ferry operates to transport you to the other side of the river for a nominal fee, it is free at commuter times.  The ferry man was very helpful with the pay machine and town information.

Leeuwarden Town centre.

The hall in the market square is now a restaurant.

Leeuwarden is a large town with plenty to see and lovely canal-side moorings.