Monday 15th June 2015 –
SixHaven, Amsterdam – Day 13
Just before
midnight on Sunday, we left the lay-by, and four of us yachts, assembled for
the north bound night convoy, through Amsterdam.
Because of the heavy rail
traffic, night convoys are arranged for vessels over 5 metre air draught, and
gather at the Nieuwemeersluis to pass through the 14 opening bridges, including
a railway bridge at each end.
We were
through the first road and rail bridges, departing the lock at 00.15. ‘Selene’ was
the smallest and the slowest of this convoy, so I was quite happy, to take up
station, as tail-end Charlie.
With Jack
keeping a very sharp look-out, working the chart-plotter, while keeping me
informed, of what he thought was going on.
It is a fascinating passage through the canal, following the other
yachts; bunching up when waiting for the next bridge, dashing through it, when
it opens.
About
half-way through, we became a little confused, as a red light was coming
towards us, before realising it was the south bound convoy which consisted of 6
or 7 yachts, over to the starboard (right hand) side of the canal, to let them
pass.
Coming to
the end, it was becoming all a bit of a blur, as you are constantly trying to
distinguish between the street and house/shop lights, car and tram lights,
bridge traffic signals, yacht stern lights, all of which reflect off the waters
of the canal.
By 01.30, we
were all held in a small basin waiting for the last railway bridge to open,
twenty minutes later we were through, looking for a quayside berth to lay-up
and get some rest. Our little convoy,
had made the transit without any mishap, which is a tribute to us all, and our close
quarter boat handling skills.
 |
| Railway Bridge |
Awake at
08.15, to see if any of our convoy was ready to move, they were not, waited
there while watching the very frequent trains, pass over bridge, we had come
through in the wee small hours of the morning.
 |
| Last Bridge |
At 09.45, I
called up the Westerkansluis bridge and was given permission to pass through,
and on our own, we entered once more the Nordzee Canal, we had completed the
circle.
 |
| Nordzee Canal |
This part of
the canal is very busy, you are back again to playing with the big boys.
 |
| Ferry Traffic |
There is
very heavy ferry traffic, while passing
the Central Railway, once past you head across the canal to the north side, and
enter the Sixhaven marina, tied up in our box at 10.30.
After
completing the formalities of entering the marina, it was back to bed to catch up
on the sleep.
I stayed on
board for the night to catch up with the paperwork, while Jack went off to the
‘Old Sailor’ pub.
At 22.30, while using
the cabin heater and kettle at the same time, it blew the shore-power, so I
went to bed, while Jack came back just after midnight.
What a
day!!!!
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