There was the usual bad humour leaving harbour this morning with six boats rafted outside us, six in front and six behind. Eventually all the necessary dogs were walked, daughters dressed and wives instructed and we were able to get on our way to Harlingen. This time we took the all-tide southerly Slenk channel out of Terschelling, dodging the fishing boats drying their nets mid channel. Once clear of the Robbenhoek bank we turned south into the Vliestroom channel and followed the well-buoyed and busy route to Harlingen.

We had planned the trip to arrive well before high water as a flood gate can close off the harbour entrance at exceptionally high waters. The expected tide today was only 2cm less than the published height at which the gate is closed and we didn't want to be locked out. In actual fact we found out later that the gate is only closed in extreme flood conditions, and we didn't really need to worry.

The most popular mooring spot seems to be the Norderhaven, through two bridges and close to the town. More secluded moorings are also available further on along this waterway, or on the Van Harinxma canal for boats bound for Leeuwarden. We opted for the Norderhaven, which is a tidal mooring with a rise of fall of around two metres. Here we made use of the fender boards which are provided, as well as the limitless, free electricity which our particular meter seemed to dispense.

Attractions in Harlingen are not plentiful, with Thursday night shopping and evening market providing a popular diversion. It is, however, well provided with shops and supermarket and quite a pleasant spot to while away a sunny afternoon. Possibly the town's only claim to fame, a statue of Hans Brinker, the boy who held back the sea by holding his finger in a dyke, is tucked away in a forgotten corner of the ferry terminal.

Cruising Statistics

Distance: 20 nm

Total to date: 1187 nm

Avg Speed: 9 knots

Duration: 2:15 hours

Diesel: 77 litres

Wind: SW 2

Mooring: €21

Electricity: €0,50/kWh

Charts

1811.5(D)

1811.4

1811.5(A)