Friday 19th June 2015 –
Almere Haven, Flevoland – Day 17
Ashore in
morning to the supermarket, replenish the stores. The walk took us to the Aeolus marina, where
I stayed three years ago, on my last visit to Amsterdam. Things had not changed
but the marina was full of boats.
We departed
Sixhaven marina at 11.15, it was cloudy with light rain. Once clear of the marina you go across the
river to the right hand side, as you head eastwards towards the small boat
channel, which takes you onto the Orangesluis (lock).
 |
| Threatening clouds |
 |
| Bridge opening |
By 12.00 we
were in the lock, ten minutes later we were out and further along began doing
circles, while waiting for the
Schellingwonder Brug to open, and we were through by 12.25.
Ten minutes
later, we pulled out the genoa and engaged the auto-helm, it had been twelve
days since we had last used them, it was good to see them working again.
 |
| Dutch sailing barge |
Passed the Hoek Van Het lighthouse to port,
we were now in the Markermeer (lake) and encountered our first Dutch sailing
barge.
We sailed on
until we were hit by a very heavy rain squall, off Marken lighthouse, reversed
our course, headed for the Randmeren and the Hollandse Brug.
 |
| Hollandse Bridge |
We were hit
by another heavy squall before reaching this fixed road and rail bridge.
There was only one span which was open, while the
other three were closed, as they are busy building another exact bridge on the
other side.
The bridge
marker informs there is an air draught of 13.5 metres while Selene has an air
draught of 12.5 metres.
 |
| Enough clearance |
The heart beat quickens, as you approach the first
piece of concrete.
If you do not make contact there, steer a safe course in the
middle you are ok, and can breadth easily once you are on the other side.
We were
safely tied up in our box in Almere Haven at 16.45. I was given good information from the harbour
master on where to go in Flevoland and the bridge operations.
 |
| Almere Haven |
Went to the
marina club house for a meal of gambas, followed by pork satay which very nice
and the beer excellent.
A walk
around to the town quay and the shopping centre, although it was a Friday
night, it was all very quiet. It most probably could be put down to the weather
which was cold and miserable.
The
liveliest place was on the town quay at the ‘Levertij’ pub, as the night wore
on the music got louder and lights pulsating.
As they say, if the music is too loud, you are too old.
Back on
board for midnight and a hot chocolate night cap.
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