With a reasonable forecast for the IJsselmeer today we were able to set off as planned. In contact with TimChris we decided to make for Marken, a more attractive destination to arrive at a Friday evening, when Amsterdam's Sixhaven would likely to be getting choc-a-bloc. It would also mean that we could head directly into the south westerly sea and then take the shelter from the westerly shore. We started our trip by retracing our course along the Stroomkanaal to the Prinses Margriet canal and make our way out to the IJsselmeer via the Prinses Margriet lock. We followed a quartet of Volvo sponsored sailing boats into the lock, all kitted out in natty matching jackets which looked most fetching. Another example of the superiority of Volvo branding, with not an engineer in sight.

At Enkuizen we took the easternmost of the two Krabbersgat locks which is reserved for sportsboats and charter vessels, and is equipped with a Naviduct to avoid the need for bridging. We met a host of sailing boats coming through the lock and discovered we were in the middle of the Round North Holland Regatta. Obviously negotiating the lock was part of the skill of the contest and there was some interesting seamanship as the more competitive boats jostled for position. From here it was a straightforward passage south to the Gouwzee where the Marken breakwater forms a narrow entrance into the part of the Markermeer which is home to Volendam, Monnickendam and Marken. We followed our previous track into the harbour, and moored alongside on the outer harbour wall, almost exactly where we had moored the previous August. Here we met up with TimChris II, who like us were mustering to join the BOC Holland/Belgium cruise in company, due to start in Amsterdam the following day.

We enjoyed an evening on board with Tim and Chris, hearing about their adventures in the Frisian islands and comparing tales of northerly gales.

Cruising Statistics

Distance: 28 nm

Total to date: 1325 nm

Avg Speed: 6 knots

Duration: 6:15 hours

Diesel: 25 litres

Mooring: €15

Electricity: €1

Water: Included

Locks

Prinses Margriet

Krabbersgat

Charts

1810.4

1810.5