Day 18 - Spakenburg

Saturday 20^th June 2015 – Spakenburg – Day 18

In the winter, I had fitted a new wind instrument to the top of the mast, of late it had been reading erratically.  On deck, I found the socket plug loose; it was removed, cleaned and secured, everything now working fine.  At least, it saved a trip up the mast.

Dutch Botters

We left Almere Haven at 11.30 and quickly back into the Randmeren, it was here we encountered a lot of these traditional Dutch botters (work horses), these are only used as leisure craft now.

Previously, utilised for fishing and carrying cargoes round the then Zuiderzee.

De Kalkovers Restaurant

We were alongside in Huizen, which is on the south side of the Randmeren, on the mainland.  The ‘De Kalkovers’ restaurant is an imposing building with its conical chimneys.

It was an open day here with lots of people milling about, going out on the botters, we watched many loading and unloading their passengers, all enjoying themselves.

On the quayside, there was a band playing with an excellent lady singer, belting out blues/jazz, it was very relaxing, while we sat in the cockpit having our lunch.

Botter's workshop

We could not resist and went ashore to see part of the action, a walk up to the band, who were playing outside the botters workshop, which was holding an exhibition of local art.

Next door, we were fascinated by a blacksmith’s shop, watching for a while, as this robust lady, beat the living daylights out of a red hot piece of metal.

Botter's Racing

We could only stay in Huizen for an hour, when back in the Randmeren, there were more botters.

 This time, they were racing , as we passed by, watched them jockeying for position on the start line, a grand sight.

Stichtse Brug

At 14.00, we were at the next fixed Stichtse brug, which had an air draught of 13.5 metres, no problem for ‘Selene’, though I did notice a chip out of the concrete in the middle, so someone had made contact.

The line on two bladed windmills on the other side of the bridge, did nothing to enhance the landscape.

James Bond

At 14.45, we were entering the channel to the town of Spakenburg; the harbour was bustling with the unusual sight of a man standing on the end of water spout. (James bond style). 

here were lots of youngsters messing about in canoes, who kindly made an opening, so we could enter the marina and find ourselves a box, unfortunately the wrong one. Settling for one on the other side, where all of the action was taking place.

Stalls all the way down the quayside; most of them, selling smoked eels, a delicacy in these parts, not to my liking.

Eventually, we found the harbour master looking hassled pushing his bicycle, he informed, the festivities was for the opening of the new marina housing complex, we thought it was for us.  Apart from the man walking on the water, kids messing about in boats, a male voice choir and ladies in the town’s local costumes.

 

Seemingly, there are now only about sixty ladies left in the town who carry on the tradition of wearing these costumes.

We made our way to the yacht club bar which was in full swing, found ourselves a corner table and watched the enjoyable proceedings.  By 18.00 things were beginning to quieten down, some of the members related what had been happening, it was nice to be part of it.  They also recommended a restaurant for the night.

When we got there, no more tables left, but we were directed to a nearby pub and returned half an hour later.  Fish soup, followed by steak with a bottle of red wine, it was expensive but very enjoyable.

Back on board for midnight and a few night caps.  It had been an amazing day, wonderful sights, pleasure to see so many people enjoying themselves.

Day 17 - Almere Haven - Flevoland

Friday 19^th 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.

Day 16 - Amsterdam - Day 3

Thursday 18^th June 2015 – Amsterdam – Day 16

Awake early and into the shower block, on my way out of the marina at 09.15.

Shelduck Family

Every day on our way to and from the ferry, we would see this family of Shelducks, who were not phased one bit, by the amount of pedestrians and cyclists passing by.

Here is dad showing us he can do tricks, by standing on one leg.

Central Station

Met Dave Kirkman, a friend from my days on the sailing ship ‘Stavros S. Niarchos’, he had travelled from his home in Suffolk, on the overnight ferry from Harwich to the Hook of Holland, then train to Amsterdam.

We were back on board for 10.15, to let Dave get settled in.

Dart

At 13.00, Dennis, whom I met yesterday came on board.  He also owns a Westerly Griffon Mark II, the same as ‘Selene’, my boat is build number 50, while Dennis’s boat called ‘Dart’ is build number 54.  I had been telling him about my aids to navigation (toys) and showed him how they all worked.

He seemed impressed and took all of the maker’s names and model numbers.

Flower Market Stall

At 14.00 ashore with Dave to show him the delights of Amsterdam after visiting a bank in Dam Square, we moved onto the Flower Market.  With it’s stalls, selling all kinds of plants, seeds, bulbs, from the easiest to grow, to the most exotic.  Could not resist this place, bought more tulip and callas bulbs.

Whacky Baccy Bargain

I know Holland is a very liberal country, but I do not think my local constabulary would be too pleased, if I planted any of this lot in the back garden.

As he had not been here before, I took Dave along to the ‘Old Sailor’ pub, where he was also enchanted by the place.

For something to eat, we moved into the next street, Zeedijk and enjoyed a mussel starter, then a pizza.

Wandering Minstrels

When we left the restaurant came across this small band doing an impromptu performance in the street.

Maybe, I can get the Seaton Sluice Ukulele Band interested in a Dutch concert tour.

We ended up in a bar at the end of Canal Street, before heading back home and would you believe it, in bed for 23.00.

Maybe, we can’t stand the pace, or maybe we are getting sensible?

Day 15 - Amsterdam- Day 2

Wednesday 17^th June 2015 – Amsterdam – Day 15

Most of the morning was spent, washing down the decks, cleaning inside the cabin, while Jack got on with his packing.

After lunch on board, across on the ferry to the central station to the information, received times and fares for trains, to and from Enkhuizen, Den Helder, where future crew changes would take place.

Jack boarded the DFDS bus outside the Victoria Hotel at 15.00, which would take him back to Ijmuiden and the overnight ferry to Newcastle.  Thank you Jack, for all of your assistance and company in getting to Amsterdam.

I needed a long screw and went to the DIY shop on Canal Street, also purchased a continental plug for the boat.

Het Scheepvaart

I headed for the ‘Het Scheepvaart Museum’, National Maritime Museum, a 30 minute walk away.

Amsterdam

The replica of the three masted “Amsterdam”, a large vessel of the Dutch East India Company, which in its maiden journey to Batavia sank in a storm in the English Channel in winter of 1749, stands high above the waters of Ij Bay.

Gun Deck

  

Quarter Deck

The interiors of the ship give you a very good idea of how life would be sailing something of this size, and the man power needed to operate this fine vessel.

Inside the museum building is a collection of fine paintings depicting many a sea battles, many depicting the Dutch equivalent of Lord Nelson, ‘Michiel de Ruyter’ (1607-1676), whose accomplishments, included sailing Dutch warships up the Medway estuary in June 1667, to the English naval base at Chatham, where they destroyed and captured many ships.

There are also wonderful exhibits of navigational instruments, photo albums, yacht models, atlases and highly decorative glass, silver and porcelain.  Unfortunately, the museum closed at 17.00, so it became a bit of a dash, to try and see as much as I could.

City Skyline

Across the basin from the museum is a new style of building called the ‘Nemo’ which has an open top roof built on a slant which you can walk up.  From here, it is one of the highest points which look over the city.

Next building contains the city library, another new structure and on the top floor is a walk in restaurant.  You pick whatever variety of food you would like, take it to one of the many chefs, who cook it in front of you.  I had a gambas’ stir fry which was very enjoyable.

On leaving the library, it was beginning to rain, so headed back for the station, ferry, on board for 19.00.

I made a start with this blog site, by this time it was raining heavily, early to bed.

Day 14 - Amsterdam

Tuesday 16^th June 2015 – Amsterdam – Day 14

On a sunny warm, blustery day, awoke early and strolled around the marina.

Marina map

It is three years since I was here, big improvements have been made, especially to the shower block and facilities.

Not quite full

 

Good Mooring

They certainly pack the boats in and in the high season, you can walk across them.

We were put into a nice easy box, close to all of the amenities.

It is still run by an army of volunteers, who previously worked in the local shipyard which has long since gone.  It costs the princely sum of 12 euros and 80 cents per night, remembering you are within walking distance of the city centre, it has to be a bargain.

In the morning Jack and I, had some engineering to do.  With kind permission from the Harbour Master, we were allowed to use their workshop, namely, bench and vice.

The water cooling pump had been removed from the engine, along with the spare; they were taken to the workshop and completely overhauled, with new seals, joints and impellers.  The subsequent engine trial proved satisfactory, so everybody happy.

In the afternoon ashore, after a ten minute walk onto the free ferry, which runs regularly from the north side to the central station.  After a few enquires, Jack was able to book a ticket for his journey home tomorrow.

Top of Canal Street

  

Bottom of Canal Street

Onto Canal Street, the most visited tourist attraction.  It is unbelievable, there are now organised guided tours, explaining what is going on here.

Simple, it is the red light district.

Before, entering the ‘Old Sailor’ pub which is in the middle of the action, I was amazed to find 20 metres away, a DIY place, where I bought an 11mm spanner and 2 padlocks.

The pub has the advantage of being able to watch through its large windows, what is going on outside.  It is a joy seeing people’s reactions to it all.  Though, the loo inside, which has never changed, cannot be called an attraction.

In the evening, we moved onto the other side of Dam Square and sat in the sunshine at a street corner bar for sandwiches and more beer.  Different scenery here and pleasantly watched the world go by.

As the sun disappeared below the roof tops, we wandered slowly back to the Canal Street area, stopping at others bars on the way.

Around midnight, headed back, in the station, we could not resist the sausage rolls with chips and mayonnaise, before boarding the ferry to cross the canal.

Happy to be back in this enjoyable city of Amsterdam.

Day 13 - Sixhaven, Amsterdam

Monday 15^th 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!!!!

Day 12 - Nieuwe Meer

Sunday 14^th June 2015 – Nieuwe Meer – Day 12

In ‘Kempers’, Princesspaviljeon, two year old marina, sorted out a few jobs which needed attention.  Repaired chart table, which had parted company with one of the hinges; water leak in engine compartment, traced to engine cooling water pump seals.

Princesspaviljeon Marina

A walk into Leimuiden, for the lunch time opening of the supermarket, re-stocked stores.

The marina facilities, best so far, immaculate, with the novelty of standing in front of the urinal, on the top of it, a screen would come to life, showing a video of posh yachts sailing by.

Jack's next project

Next to the main buildings in the marina were lots of motor cruisers up for sale.

We strolled around looking like potential buyers, unfortunately, they were out of our price bracket, but we can only dream.

At 15.00 we left the marina, it was still overcast and the wind increasing as we crossed the Westeinderplassen (lake) and heading for the Ringvaart (canal) after passing through the reed beds at Wilde Gat.

Beautiful Location

 

Pretty Church

On through the town of Aalsmeer, with its beautiful buildings and residencies, picture book along the canal.

Tributaries’ running from it, with every kind of boat parked up against the houses or the gardens.

Jack was on a mission, to try and find a garden which was not in an immaculate condition.

Aalsmaeer Der Brug

At 16.30, we were through our first bridge, the Aaalsmeer Der Brug

Schipol Airport

Twenty minutes later, we were passing the infamous Schipol airport, this vast area is built on reclaimed land. 

From the picture you may notice, the control tower and landing lights, ‘Selene’ is passing-by on the canal, which is above the runways.

In fact, the runways are 6 metres below sea level, if the dykes were breached, a jumbo jet would be underwater, with just the tail section visible.

At 17.15, through the Bosrandbrug, it is at this end of the airport, where you are passing the vast maintenance area, with the enormous hangers and main offices of the various airlines.

At 17.30, we were on yet another lay-by, alongside the Dutch yacht ‘Windocs’, the marvellous couple, gave us wonderful information on the next sections of the canal, lake and bridge openings for the night convoy into Amsterdam.

A9 Highway double Bridge

At 18.30, we were off again passing through the next bridge complex, which consisted of a swing and double on which the A9 highway ran, we had come across this A9 highway on our way to Haarlem.

Once clear, it is a clear run up to the Niuwe Meer (lake) in which, I was surprised to see in parts, a depth of 20 metres.

At 19.15, we were alongside a waiting quay, for the rest of the evening.

Ashore by 20.00 and a walk along underneath the next bridges, lock and part of the canal which was to be our next challenge.  We arrived in Slotervaart an area of south Amsterdam, it was very quiet, on this Sunday evening, but we found a restaurant open called ‘Tastoe’.

Here, we had a very nice meal of French onion soup, gambas and chips.  We ate while watching the trams go trundling by, and told the journey would take 15 minutes to Amsterdam Central Station, it would take us a lot longer.

On the way back, we confirmed with the lock keeper the time for the night convoy, on board for 23.00, after a busy day, it was going to get a wee bit more exciting.