There were no lock or bridge constraints for today's passage and we chose a later start to give us a last morning in picturesque Zierikzee. A fine drizzle had started to fall by the time we set off and we were glad of our sheltered cockpit, as well as the radar and plotter to aid navigation. Near Wemeldinge two barges turned in front of us to go into the South Beveland canal, heading for the Westerschelde and the busy commercial waters beyond.

It was close to low water as we approached Yerseke but the chart showed a safe water channel at all states of the tide, and we carefully picked our way through the exposed sandbanks covered in a myriad of posts marking oyster and mussel beds.

The first harbour to starboard as you approach in the buoyed channel is the new fish dock whilst the old fish dock, second to starboard, is now the Prinses Beatrixhaven where visiting yachts are welcomed alongside smaller fishing vessels and local boats. In contrast to many of the more popular stopping places we enjoyed unlimited free water and electricity, and were told that not many English boats called here.

The town itself is heavily dominated by the fishing industry and there is a handy fresh fish shop next to the yacht harbour with all manner of fish and seafood, including tanks of live oysters and mussels to buy by the kilo. There is a small museum in the centre with an English language video, explaining the history of the town and its oyster beds, but in common with many of the shops and restaurants this is closed on Mondays. As it was my parents last night on board we arranged a "gala dinner", and chose In Den Wijngaard, confirmed by the harbour master as his favourite in the town. We enjoyed their excellent fish menu with a full English translation service from the ever helpful staff.

Cruising Statistics

Distance: 13 nm

Total to date: 2064 nm

Avg Speed: 9 knots

Duration: 1:30 hours

Diesel: 60 litres (est)

Mooring: €16/night

Electricity: Free

Tourist tax: €0,25pp/night

Waypoints

Ziereksee entrance
51 37.81N 03 53.46E

Zeelandbrug E
51 37.07N 03 54.73E

Marina Kats
51 34.30N 03 54.60E

Sas van Goes
51 32.33N 03 56.23E

Yerseke channel
51 30.90N 04 02.57E

Yerseke harbour
51 29.92N 04 03.54E

Charts

1805.8

1805.5

1805.9