We continued our island odyssey today by heading for our first "real" Frisian Island of Vlieland (Texel is officially part of the Noord-Holland region). A tortuous buoyed channel is marked across the Waddenzee from Oudeschild to Oost Vlieland, threading its way between sandbanks and impassable at low water. We chose the safe option, making our way south and then west around the outside of Texel and through the Molengat channel between Noorderhaaks and the island. Used by the Dutch air force for target practice, Noorderhaaks, or "the raging ball" is a moving sandbank just west of Texel. The tide moves the bank gradually eastwards before starting a new sandbank in the original spot.

In order to arrive at Vlieland at high water we had to contend with an adverse tide during the passage and even though this was with the north west breeze, it made for a slightly bumpy ride and awkward steering conditions. Once round the north side of Vlieland we took the Zuider Stortemelk buoyed channel, passing close to the beach and dunes. The approach to the harbour is well buoyed but the narrow entrance can be roped off if the harbour is full. We were pleased to see this wasn't the case today, although the harbour was very busy, with boats rafted six deep and all the electricity points long since taken.

Another fine afternoon allowed us to enjoy a walk along the beach, lunching at the beach pavilion 't Badhuys, before returning by way of the only village on the island. With no cars allowed, the bike is the ubiquitous form of transport, although wheelbarrows and tractors are also a popular choice. At the end of the village street, steps lead up the 40 metre dune atop which stands the island's lighthouse. From the lookout platform, added in 1929, a fine view of the Waddenzee includes Texel, Den Helder and Harlingen.

Cruising Statistics

Distance: 37 nm

Total to date: 1160 nm

Avg Speed: 11 knots

Duration: 3:15 hours

Diesel: 200 litres

Mooring: €25

Electricity: €0,50/kWh

Charts

1811.3

1811.2

1811.9

1811.5(D)

1811.5(B)