Nieuwpoort's main attraction seems to be as a convenient place to keep a boat and there seemed to be little to detain us ashore. With stronger winds forecast for the following day we opted to make a run for Holland and the sheltered inland cruising available there. We took the morning flood tide along the Belgian coast and into the Westerschelde, following the south side of the well-buoyed channel. None of our guide books seemed to give the operating times of the sea lock at Vlissingen so we took pot luck and were rewarded with an inexplicable 15 minute wait before the gates opened and we were allowed in.

We were in a convoy with three sailing boats as we approached the first of the five bridges on the canal to Middelburg. This did not qualify us for an extra bridge lift so we waited for the scheduled opening at 2.47pm. The second brige opened in sequence but at the third bridge, the Souburg-Draaiburg, we were kept waiting 45 minutes until two barges had arrived, despite being on time for a published opening time at 26 minutes past. The Schroebrug at Middleburg opened fairly promptly as the "flotel" the Swiss Ruby was proceeding downstream. After another wait at the final bridge, we were relieved to be through just before the rush hour closing time (Spitsuursluitingen) at 16.48, having taken three hours to travel just 7km.

The yacht harbour at Middelburg is well-placed for the facilities and attractions of the town, as well as the quayside yachtclub and marina. We took the opportunity for a few lay days here to catch up on errands and jobs around the boat and see some of the sights of this provincial capital. We were able to take advantage of the busy Thursday market to stock up on fresh produce and local fish. A cycling tour made an efficient way to see the town including the 15th century town hall, the 91m abbey tower and the "Miniatuur Walcheren" - presenting the region in minature.

Cruising Statistics

Distance: 45 nm

Total to date: 928 nm

Avg Speed: 10 knots

Duration: 4:40 hours

Wind: NW 3/4

Diesel: 150 litres

Mooring: €17

Electricity: Included

Locks

Vlissingen

Bridges

Keersluis

Sloebrug

Soubrug-draaibrug

Schroebrug

Stationsbrug

Spijkerbrug

Charts

1801.2

1801.3

1801.4

1803.8