Mid May 2017 – Lemmer to Delfzijl

We have covered some ground on the last 2 weeks. 

We stayed in Lemmer for 4 nights until the forecast wind passed by.  The centre of town is based along the side of the canal, where we entered.  We managed to purchase a new Ball Fender to replace the one lost at Ijmuiden after the long trip.

Sailors Info:

Lemmer Binnen is located on the left after the third bridge.  It is well situated with a short 15 minute walk into town.  Lidl, Jumbo and Aldi have stores which are easily found on the walk in.  20 Euros per night, 50 cents for a 3 minute shower. 

7th May – Sunday – Lemmer to Leeuwarden

A 10:00 start for the 34 miles to Leeuwarden arriving at 18:20 after approx 20 bridges.  It is a good journey as you pass Sneek with its own lake and vibrant sailing community.  It being weekend there were lots of boats out and about.

Beware of the left turn at Grou to follow the Standing Mast Route.  The signs are small especially on the next right turn with a bridge immediately afterwards.

We were only delayed by one hour at bridges during the whole day.  The bridge keepers stop for lunch from 12:00 until 13:00 in towns and again from 4:15 to 5:30 at tea time.  Really good joined up thinking as the boats are not stopping commercial traffic at the busiest times.

We paid the 7 Euro toll to enter Leeuwarden and put our money in the clog on the end of a fishing line.  (see 2015 blog for more info).

The main tower still has a good lean on it.

Leeuwarden was the furthest north we came on our last trip, so everything from now on is new territory.

We decided not to stay in the town this time and made our way out of town to find a countryside mooring.

Gnomes are one thing but a full sized model cow is on another level.

The countryside mooring are described as ‘Temporary berth or mooring for crewed yachts’ in the Standing Mast Route Book.  As the bridge and lock keepers close for the day at anything between 17:00 to 19:00, spaces are provided for boats to moor overnight for free as passage to the next town is not possible after the bridges close.

We had a very peaceful night.  Some of our sailing friends who have travelled through here previously could not use these moorings as they are generally very shallow.  We have a 1m draft with the keel lifted.  This mooring was only 1.3m deep and did set off our depth alarm which is set at 1.5m.

8th May – Monday – Leeuwarden to Dokkum

We travelled through narrow canals with houses on each side for several miles.

The 9 miles to Dokkum only took 3 hours with an hour stop for lunch just outside the town, waiting for the bridge.

We had to pay 3.50 Euros at Birdarp, which is paid at the last bridge after the windmill, again into a clog.

Another 5 Euros to pay to enter Dokkum.  The next view after paying is the impressive Thatched Windmill and its twin.  Two beautiful windmills in quick succession as we make our way to the overnight mooring.

Two Thatched Windmills at Dokkum.

We asked the bridge controller where we should stay and he waved us to the canal-side moorings, complete with jetty and electricity.  Ours is the boat with the washings hanging out.  We had arrived just after lunch which is unusual and the engine had provided lots of hot water, so it seemed like a good plan.

Dokkum Centre, there are lots of shops to pass a few hours.

Sailors Info:

The lady harbourmaster strolls around the boats after 6:00pm to collect dues.  She was very helpful and only charged 11 Euros per night inc Electric.  The toilets are in a small block across the bridge and the immaculate new showers are just around the corner across the car park.  1 Euro for 5 minutes.  Aldi and Albert Heinijn are located across the bridge and turn left.  Good free Wifi.

Interesting River Traffic.  Digger delivery.

Some kind of floating pump.  These vehicles are a surprise as you tootle along.

We also spotted these which we think are bird houses, which many properties have along this part of the route.

10th May – Wednesday – Dokkum to Groningen (pronounced Kron-inker).

We stayed in Dokkum for 2 nights as we knew the next leg was a long one.  The 35 miles took from 09:15 to 18:00.

 

We used one of these call buttons for the first time today.  As we approached a bridge we realised there was a request button on the temporary mooring.  It worked a treat.  Open sesame.

The Dokkum to Groningen canal winds its way through the countryside and follows a previous river route.  We were amazing at the grassland pastures and very low lying land.

We were surprised to see these horses grazing on one corner and just how many there were.

Horses grazing and playing in the water.

Gratuitously pretty fishing harbour at Zoutkamp.  The standing mast routes takes us much further out towards the sea hence the fishing.

Three bridges into Groningen our convoy of 3 had to stop for tea when the bridges closed.

Right next to this water tower.

After a sharp right the town opens up in front.

It was a beautiful still night after the bitterly cold 25 knot winds (un-forecasted) we had experienced earlier in the day.

26 Bridges and Locks, 11 of which are in Groningen, when we were quite tired.  The most interesting in town being two bridges, very close together.  There were 3 boats passing through at the same time, so a tight squeeze and then a tram crossed the bridge very close by.

The trip from Dokkum to Groningen should be done on a calm day, there are some very shallow areas.  One potential hiccup was averted as we approached a bridge which was being mended and we were told on the radio that it would be closed for 2 hours.  The workers on the floating pallet with 3 buckets of cement opened the bridge manually for us.  Cheers.

Sailors Info:

We stayed at Oosterhaven on the East of town.  A very nice lady harbourmaster pointed to our mooring from her floating house and came to take the money.  Jumbo supermarket nearby.  Poor wifi.  18 Euros per night.  50 cents for good shower in the WC block across the road (big yellow WC sign not visible when you are standing under it!).  There are a few locals hanging around but they were no trouble.  Good entertainment was had from the paddle board hire company which ‘teaches’ and launches its wobbly ducklings from the pontoon. 

Groningen is a lovely old town, with lots to see and do.

However, the fair was in town so all the buildings were a little obscured.  We had a good walk around and have great information for our return journey later in the year from Vicki and Bert.

12th May – Friday – Groningen to Delfzijl

8 Bridges and one huge lock.  16.5 miles in 4 hours.  The Zeesluizen is the last we will go through in Holland.

This picture is a perfect example of vanishing point.  The canal is wide and the traffic becomes larger again.

Delfzijl Adam Windmill in the centre of town.  It is a port town and has a good small shopping area 5 minutes walk from the marina.

Hotel on stilts.

Fleur moored.

Neptunus Marina is near the industrial area and large ships are moored nearby.  Which has not spoiled our stay in this excellent marina.

Sailors Info:

Neptunus marina is located to the left as you leave the lock.  Cross the harbour and go left and then sharp right into the marina.  19 Euros per night inc electric and tourist tax.  Free fabulous showers.  No rushing!  The harbour master was very helpful and talked Mick through the next part of our journey to Nordeney through the ‘Riddle of the Sands’ shallows.  He concurred that Sunday will be a good day to traverse this notoriously tricky area. 

Next stop Germany.

Early May 2017 – Amsterdam to Lemmer

We decided to spend a few days in Amsterdam after the journey here.  We had a couple of days just walking around and enjoying the city.

Thursday 27th May – Kings Day

Kings Day is an annual event to celebrate the current King or Queens birthday. 

The rules are: Wear a bit of orange.  Have a good time.

People come out onto the streets to have a good time and home-owners set up stalls outside their houses to sell pretty much anything.  There are lots of markets stalls too.  Children make a few pennies by offering their homes for you to spend a penny.

It being Amsterdam the party takes to the water.  An organised and chaotic parade of boats around the canals.  Full to bursting with people, alcohol, and their own music provided by on board DJs.  We spent ages stood at a bridge watching as boat after boat passed by, all playing their own tunes and singing with gusto.

More canal scenes.

Friday 28th April

Just had a ferry trip into town and a walk round for food supplies.  Went into the Albert Heijn supermarket behind the Grand Palace and saw a crowd gathering.  Went in and did the shopping, but when we came out the crowd had grown.  Someone told us the King was due to a party held for other people celebrating their 50th Birthday.  After only 15 minutes of the police stopping trams and making space the car appeared. 

King Willem and Queen Maxima (Rod Stewarts wife, no sorry his wife). 

Saturday 29th April – Keukenhof Gardens

One of the reasons to arrive in Holland so early in the season was to see the bulb fields.  We were a few weeks late last time. So we decided to go to the World Famous Keukenhof Gardens to see for ourselves. 

We bought a combination ticket from the Tourist Office at Central Station which gave us Train, Bus travel and access into the gardens for 34 Euro each.  Starting with a 10 minute train journey to Schipol Airport and then to the specially set up Bus Station to get the connecting 50 minute bus to the gardens.

We asked the tourist office guy if it was going to be busy and he said ‘I’m not going to sugar coat it but Yes’.  So we knew.  The truth is, the gardens are so big the crowds are not an issue.  Even the Japanese tourists with the extra long selfie sticks, could be avoided.

We were lucky it was a sunny day and the blooms really glowed.

Our best selfie to date.

There was space as you got into the landscaped areas.  The 3 main halls were busy, but manageable.

It was an expensive day for us at 68 Euro for two, but worth it.

Tuesday 2nd May – To Lelystad

We left Amsterdam as the forecast was for high winds in 3 days and if we stayed it would be at least a week before we got another weather window.

We left Sixhaven Marina at 10:00am and completed the 25 miles in 6 hours.  There is a large lock, which has a ‘sport’ (small boat) channel and then a large road bridge.  We then crossed the Markermeer to the east side, heading for the Lelystad Tower (below).

The tower marks the Lock which links the Markermeer to the Ijsselmeer.

I love this Anthony Gormley Structure, which sits on the man-made spit before the lock.  He looks good from every angle.

The lock is un-nerving as you are asked to enter even though you can see the bridge is still down.  The masted boats are positioned in the back of the lock and the gates are closed behind.  The bridge then opens when the front gates are released and the big barges leave.

Sailors Info:

Lelystad Marina is located immediately after the lock on the right.  Turn into the Deko Marina and turn right back on yourself to Lelystad Marina.  Its a bit un-nerving again as it looks like a dead end but there are visitors moorings ‘Passenten’ outside the Office.  15.40 Euros for one night inc free showers, but tokens required for electricity (we used 2 euros but had the heating on).  Good wifi and good facilities. See End of July 2015 blog for lots more info on Lelystad.

Wednesday 3rd May – Lelystad to Lemmer

It was a cold start with did not get any warmer for 5 hours.  09:40 until just after 15:00.  Another 25 miles, which is lined by windmills.  Huge Windmills.  Last time we sailed passed the windmills were on the shore, now there is a whole additional row in the sea, meaning our navigation path was noticeably further out into the lake.

Its worth zooming into the boat bottom right to realise how big the windmills are.

Blonde Moment: I actually said ‘I haven’t seen any windmills yet’, I meant the old fashioned ones but at the time we were surrounded.

An S shaped channel leads into Lemmer, and the prettiest lock towers. 

The lock-keeper takes a 5 euro toll, which also opens the next 3 bridges.  A dutch boat managed to turn itself round in the lock and the ever patient lock-keeper expertly helped them to re-position themselves.  They then proceeded to be a nuisance through the next 3 bridges.  You are very much on show as the canal goes through the prettiest part of Lemmer and there are plenty of observers.

Now that’s what I call a garden ornament, at a house in Lemmer.

Staying in Lemmer for a few days until the winds settle.

April 2017 – Ipswich to Amsterdam

22nd to 23rd April – Sat-Sun

27 Hours Overnight, 151 Miles, 2 bouts of sickness, 4 bruises minus 1 fender.

We left Ipswich at 8:15am when the lock went to free flow.  I managed to drop the boat hook in the water and we made an early rescue stop on the next pontoon, at least we now know it floats.

The forecast was North backing Northwest later 4 or 5, sea state Slight or Moderate.  Which should have taken us to Amsterdam before the expected higher winds arrived.

Sunny and still but cold day leaving Ipswich Marina, which has once again been a perfect winter mooring.

Going under the Orwell Bridge.

Passing the Port of Felixstowe at the mouth of the River Orwell, not yet wearing my all weather gear, there’s more.

We headed out into the North Sea, northwards to the North Shipwash Buoy and then eastwards to make our passage to Ijmuiden, at the end of the North Sea Canal.  Winds were 5 to 10 knots we had the Main Sail fully up and 2000 revs ticking over on the engine.  The first 12 hours passed uneventfully as the tide was with us and we were making 6 knots.

The tides changed at about 8 hours in and the sea started to roll but it was perfectly tolerable.  We had both taken seasickness pills as this was our first trip of the year and sea legs had not been acquired.  We knew before we set off that this was going to be a tough crossing as it is still April, the wind is still very cold and the nights are still long.

Our last overnight passage from L’Aberwrach to Plymouth was almost pleasant and the winds were warm and the night short.

Micks first major visual item was the Mast-EA1B Navigation Beacon approximately 30 miles out.

We reefed in the main sail, had sandwiches and hot drinks, more seasickness tablets and changed into heavy weather clothing.  I snoozed a little twice in the cockpit, as I was to stand first watch, while Mick slept.  However the winds increased and the sea continued to build, to the point where I was physically sick.  It went dark at about 8:30pm, but I had to stand my watch as Mick could not have stayed awake the whole time.  So he slept from 09:30pm until 11:30pm, the wind was a good  force 5 by this point.  At the end of my watch I went downstairs to sleep and was sick again. I then slept from 12:00 until 5:00am on and off. 

During Mick’s watch it was pitch dark and cold, with no moon.  The winds increased to force 6 and the boat motion became increasingly unpleasant.  During his watch we proceeded across two Deep Water Routes (shipping lanes) and north of the RIJN Field Oil platforms, and onward to connect with the Ijmuiden Entrance channel, passing a major tanker anchorage and a large windfarm.

So cold was it that despite wearing 5 layers of clothing we wrapped ourselves in a sleeping bag whilst sitting on deck.  We were both individually at different times propelled across the cockpit by sudden steep waves and landed on the floor of the cockpit along with the boat cushions and sleeping bag.  Hence the bruises.  We were always securely harnessed to the boat, but it still shakes you up.

We both encountered several passenger vessels in the darkness but not many fishing boats.

After Mick’s heroic watch he slept from 5:00am until 7:00am, so he had completed 5 hours of solo watch and I had completed 4.

During my second watch the sea was very strong and the winds still 20 plus knots.  But there was less activity and I did manage to see the sky, full to bursting with stars when the clouds parted.

We were both pretty nauseous for the second half of the trip and had very little to eat or drink which did not help with the bitter cold.

Just to add a little more excitement it started to pelt icy rain for the last hour before Ijmuiden.  I was physically shaking whilst steering us in.  The sea just outside Ijmuiden is known for being boisterous and did not let us down.  Then as we were about to enter the Entrance to the North Sea Canal we were over taken by a DFDS ferry and an Oil Tanker at close quarters. 

The very very welcome site of the Zuidersluis (lock), which is the entrance into the North Sea Canal.  Where we sadly parted company with a new ball fender, not tied on proper by me in my shattered state.  A nice find for someone as we did not notice it was missing for another hour.

Seasickness for us wears off pretty quickly once in calm water.  To the extent that we put the kettle on and broke into the still well laden sandwich box and had a big tea cup CHEERS.

The 15 mile trip up the North Sea Canal was very pleasant in comparison.

We managed to see a car being offloaded from the back of a barge.  And the tanker caught us up and was then manoeuvred into place by tug boats.  Very impressive.

We arrived at Sixhaven marina at 11:00am (12:00 noon) local time.

Our longest passage to date and Fleur did us proud, Mick’s maintenance regime paid off handsomely and a bit more character building was achieved.  We hope the summer will be worth the pain of this trip as we head north, and now for a week or so in Amsterdam.  Its the Kings birthday on Thursday, when the town comes out to play and there may be a bulb field trip to take.

Happy blog service will be resumed next time.

Winter Activities 2016 to 2017

Pre-season we came to the boat to attend to winter maintenance. 

New AIS (Automatic Identification System) Transponder

Mick installed a new Em-trak Class B AIS system as recommended by Malcolm Stuart of Yacht ‘Lady Hamilton’, who fitted one last year.  The system transmits our location and details to other ships and shore stations.  We have always been able to receive information from other ships but never transmitted it ourselves.

All the parts laid out prior to installation.

The completed installation.  For the technically minded, one orange unit is the active VHF aerial splitter and the other the AIS transponder.  The GPS aerial reception was found to be perfectly adequate below deck which provides a much more protected environment than the outside rail. 

You can now find our latest position on www.marinetraffic.com at this link

http://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/details/ships/shipid:4828114/mmsi:235060373/imo:0/vessel:FLEUR%20OF%20PENDLE

Life Raft Servicing

We took the life raft for its regular 3 years service to Liverpool Northwest Marine.  The best part of the trip was to be able to see a similar raft full inflated with all its interior accessories in situ.  I hope we never see them for real. 

Boat Cushions

We spent most of January 2017 making new cushion covers for the seats in our boat.  Last year we had made the 4 base seat covers and this year we made the other 7 seat back covers.

The house looked like a furniture factory.  Each cushion had 2 curved foam cushion inners.

The issue which makes this a hard task is the irregular shapes of the cushions with no two the same.  They also have an internal piece attached to the middle of the front panel and zipped to the back panel which pulls in the shape of the cushion.  We bought 20 metres of zips which are cut to length and fasteners added as required.

Therefore the side pieces are curved to fit and enhance the pulled in shape.

There is also a zip around two sides of each cushion to give access to the internal zip.

All the external curved seams were sewn 3 times, once to hold them together, and two rows of top sewing for design and durability.  Hence we used a lot of thread.

This one won the prize for the most corners.  The velcro keeps it in place against the boat sides.

The corner cushions won the hardest items prize. 

Mick was chief pattern maker and material cutter.

The reverse side corner piece above also shows the black centre piece.

Corner cushion with foam inside, before back attached.

One side of corner cushions assembled together.

All the new cushions complete.

The cost of new covers from the boat manufacturer is approximately £2,500, we did this for £50 material, £10 zips, £20 Thread (the grade stronger than normal), £20 for the breathable backing material (black), £200 for new foam for the base seats (J and A Foam, Blackburn).  The material was bought from Immanuel Fabrics, Bright Street, Burnley at £1 per metre.  It is proper furnishing fabric with a fire retardant backing.  Total £300.

We worked from 10am til 4 or 5pm, most weekdays until they were complete.  Approximately 2 days per cushion.

My respect for upholsterers has increased greatly!

We hope now that they wear out individually and we don’t have to do a full set again.

Outside Maintenance

Antifouling took place in March and Fleur is now ship shape for the 2017 season. 

New creatures which we had not encountered before had attached themselves to the keel.  The less squeamish may like to zoom in and check out the finger sized, bags of jelly!!  Yuck.  There were hundreds of them.  Double Yuck.

Mick also changed the Cutless bearing on the propeller shaft.

Ready for Action.