With a threatening weather forecast of impending gales and rain, we set off from Edam today in warm, sunny weather towards Hoorn. The bridge and lock opened on schedule and we were soon in the relatively open waters of the southern IJsselmeer. With a fresh breeze blowing from the east it was good weather for the many traditional sailing barges which ply these waters. Once the "brown fleet" that fished the Zuider Zee, they now offer day trips and longer stays to explore these popular cruising grounds.

There is really nothing at all complicated about arriving in Hoorn by boat, with a well marked entrance and the Keersluis lock now standing permanently open. The convenient natural harbour meant that Hoorn enjoyed a golden age in the seventeenth century when, as capital of West Friesland, it was home to one of the regional offices of the VOC. To protect itself from potential invaders the town built four city gates as well as the pier tower (Hoofdtoren). This semicircular monument still stands watch over the harbour entrance although now its occupants are customers of the popular fish restaurant of the same name.

The city boasts a plethora of modern and historic attractions, with a comprehensive shopping centre and town centre supermarket supplemented by museums chronicling the history of the city. The Museum of the 20th century, housed in two former cheese warehouses on the old harbour, presents a nostalgic journey through time. As an adjunct to the comfortable museum cafe, an audio visual presentation and scale model tell the history of Hoorn and its significance through the ages.

Cruising Statistics

Distance: 8 nm

Total to date: 1073 nm

Avg Speed: 5 knots

Duration: 1:30 hours

Diesel: 28 litres

Mooring: €11

Electricity: Included

Bridges

Kettingbrug (lift)

Locks

Edam Zeesluis

Charts

ANWB Waterkaart G

1810.5