The cross harbour bridge, the Lange IJzerenbrug, had been removed for maintenance during our stay so we made a swift exit from Dordrecht this morning, arriving promptly for the 9am lift of the Engelenburger bridge. Our passage took us the two miles south west on the Oude Maas to its junction with the Dordtse Kil. This is a tidal waterway and with two knots of following current we zoomed along and were soon turning into the open waters of the Hollandsch Diep. Here we followed the leisure channel just outside the line of red buoys until opposite the Willemstad entrance.

The inner town quay is popular with many motor boaters whilst yachts seem to prefer the facilities of the main haven. Our 11am arrival meant we were in pole position as boats left around midday and we secured three alongside berths in a prime position opposite the town hall. The well stocked chandlers on the Benedenkade was a first port of call where everyone found some vital piece of equipment that they couldn't live without. After lunch the rampart walk/cycle was an obligatory activity, along with more shopping in the good variety of shops on the main street.

Coincidentally we came across fellow BOC members, Richard and Margaret, moored on Coronaire in the yacht harbour. They were in company with friends from Gillingham and like us spending several weeks in Holland. Being Jeff's birthday we had arranged a special celebration dinner and after drinks on board Lady Martina the party adjourned across the quay to the Restaurant Bellevue. We dined regally on their new summer menu, aided by waitress, Avelina, and her superb English translations.

Cruising Statistics

Distance: 14 nm

Total to date: 1420 nm

Avg Speed: 7 knots

Duration: 2 hours

Diesel: 20 litres

Mooring: €20/night

Electricity: Included

Water: Included

Bridges

Engelenburger (lift)

Dordrecht rail (10.5m)

Dordrecht road (10.5m)

Charts

1809.8

1809.9

1807.8