Refreshed after a few days break we set off today enthusiastic for the trip to Willemstad. This would be a combination of canal, lake and estuary cruising crossing the tidal Oosterschelde. We made a leisurely cruise across the Veerse Meer but had a 20 minute wait at the Zandkreeksluis whilst the lock operated in the opposite direction. The waterways were uncharacteristically quiet with only three other boats with us in the huge lock - maybe as it was still relatively early in the season, or maybe because it wasn't a very nice day!

There was a slight chop on the Oosterschelde with our passage going initially against both the south going flood tide and 10 knots of wind from the north west. This eased as we turned east into the Keeten channel, where we had a following tide up to the Krammersluis. This lock marks a transition to fresh water and after the level in the lock is altered, the salt water is flushed out and replaced with fresh. Our passage across the Volkerak was slightly complicated by one engine failing to start on leaving the lock, so we had to dodge the numerous barges using our one remaining one. We managed to trace the fault to the Morse controls and solved the problem by vigorous jiggling of the throttles!

The harbour at Willemstad is always reputed to be very busy and today was no exception. The "Haven Gesloten" sign was on display but we opted to forget the Dutch we knew and bumbled in anyway. We pursuaded the harbour master to allow us to raft alongside a friendly English motor boat, despite the protestations from the Dutch yacht on the inside that they would be leaving at 6am!

As is customary when we arrive somewhere Willemstad were holding a special festival, the Nederlandse Vestingsteden Dagen - the festival of Dutch fortress towns. Held each year in one of the ten historic fortified towns, we were lucky to chance on Willemstad's turn to host the event. This gathering of historic fishing and steam barges, and displays of medieval skills and festivities was a weekend long affair which is obviously an important date on the local social calendar.

Cruising Statistics

Distance: 41 nm

Total to date: 969 nm

Avg Speed: 6 knots

Duration: 6:30 hours

Wind: WNW 3/4

Diesel: 130 litres

Mooring: €17

Electricity: Included

Locks

Veere

Zandkreek

Krammer

Volkerak

Charts

1803.8

1805.2

1805.3

1805.5

1805.6

1807.4

1807.8