We were relieved to awake today to a bright, sunny morning allowing us to spend some time cruising amongst the lakes and channels of the Oude Venen. A summer festival at the south end of the Hooidamsloot had attracted campers and boaters alike and waterborne musicians were entertaining the crowds. To the west of the lakes the town of Grouw is a watersport centre with numerous moorings and chandleries to match. The waterfront Hotel Oostergo provides landing stages for customers and we made use of their facilities to enjoy a look around the town and a stop for lunch.

The Prinses Margrietkanaal forms the main route south from here, but we took a detour at the Sneekermeer around Tehorne island, accessed by lifting bridges on the north and south sides. With a fresh breeze blowing on a still sunny afternoon it was a popular spot for sailing, with both small dinghies and the traditional skutjes enjoying the conditions.

From the Sneekermeer we turned west towards the town of Sneek, accessed via the Houkesloot and a series of lifting bridges. We stopped at a riverside chandlery to fill up with water, and were impressed with their low cost, efficient hose. We were less impressed by the welcome from the local boating fraternity - a boat had blocked the water tap mooring place and their neighbours were most distressed that we should want to come alongside to fill up. We had a similar experience when trying to raft up in the huge basin of the town's harbour, where a barge and a yacht were both adamant that it was not possible. Despite appeals from the bridgekeeper and harbour master, plenty of space to pass and spare shore power points, and other boats double moored around the harbour, they were determined to guard their space and view. Eventually we found a home on a neighbouring boat, not put off by their assertion that they would be leaving at "7am". Sneek's Waterpoort is a focal point of the town, and the 17th century fortified gate provides an impressive backdrop to the harbour, although unfortunately the barge and yacht couldn't see it at all once we had moored in front of them.

Cruising Statistics

Distance: 20nm

Total to date: 1234 nm

Avg Speed: 5 knots

Duration: 4 hours

Diesel: 41 litres

Mooring: €10

Electricity: Included

Bridges

Hooidamsloot (lift)

Grouw rail (7.15m)

Oude Schouw (7.15m)

Nije Sansleatbrege (lift)

Heerenzijl (lift)

Oppenhuizer (lift)

Van Harinxam (lift)

Lemmer (lift)

Charts

ANWB B "Friese Meren"