Just a short hop from Den Helder is the western most of the Dutch Frisian Islands, Texel. Although thought to be difficult to access and busy in high season we found the harbour at Oudeschild very straightforward. All tide access is provided by the deep water Texelstroom channel, which runs from the Marsdiep between Texel and Den Helder. In addition a new visitors harbour has recently been added to the existing yacht club and fishing harbour, providing 250 spaces for visiting boats. Facilities at Waddenhaven Texel are modern and extensive, including internet access, sun deck, on-site supermarket and nautical themed children's play area. Mooring rates are a little higher than mainland Holland, but this does not seem to stop Dutch boats arriving for a week's holiday.

Holidaying on Texel for the Dutch seems to consist mainly of cycling for miles on well-maintained cycle paths and stopping at regular intervals for coffee and apple cake. We joined the throng on the route to the main town of Den Burg, and enjoyed lunch and souvenir shopping in the narrow streets of the pedestrianised centre. We opted against the "Antiquities Room" housed in a 16th century almshouse, which displays regional ornaments and implements, as well as what they claim to be the smallest public herb garden in Holland.

Back in Oudeschild, the island's links with the sea are recalled in the "Maritime and Beachcombers museum" - beachcombing is a popular, though illegal activity with locals, searching for items of value from wrecked ships. However, in the unaccustomed fine weather some visitors preferred to walk along the seafront and gaze at the real thing. Restaurants around the harbour make good use of the local fish, although they seemed unnecessarily expensive considering the bulk in which it was being unloaded on the quay. Just the other side of the dyke the "Vispaleis" provides a popular, low budget alternative.

Cruising Statistics

Distance: 6 nm

Total to date: 1123 nm

Avg Speed: 6 knots

Duration: 1:00 hours

Diesel: 22 litres

Mooring: €24

Electricity: €0,45/2kWh

Charts

1811.3