After much to-ing and fro-ing we finally pinned down our weather window to 4am to 2pm today, so it was at 3.45am that the alarm went off to signal the start of our first channel crossing of the season. The shipping forecast had not looked promising, offering us winds of force 3-4, becoming 6-7 later, but with the extra detail of our GRIB forecast we calculated that we could be across to Holland before it became a problem. Lowestoft was still bathed in darkness as we pulled out of the harbour and, after negotiating Holm Sand, pointed the boat due east for IJmuiden. It was a singularly uneventful passage, and although the external monitor on the helm decided not to work we didn't really miss it, as we were only looking at white space anyway.Fortunately, the autopilot worked like a dream so the boat knew where it was going even if we didn't.

As we neared the approach channel we thought we might have attracted the interest of the local customs as a fast cutter came out to meet us, but it turned out to be nothing more sinister than a pilot boat out to meet a commercial vessel. After a stop at Seaport Marina to fill up with diesel at the exhorbitant price of €1,05/litre we made our way to the sea-lock where we expected to hand in our Schengen forms, diligently completed in triplicate. However, with the Kleine Sluis standing open there was no need to stop and investigate at the waiting pontoon as suggested by the ANWB Book 2. The three boats locked through the huge (despite the name) chamber and were soon progressing efficiently towards Amsterdam on the Noordzeekanal. Sixhaven was typically busy, although it was no problem to find a space to slot alongside, although with a stiff breeze blowing up from the North there were some worried looks on the faces of the neighboroughing yachts as we manouvered around the narrow gaps. Work is still progressing on the adjoining metrolink tunnel, and piling started promptly at 9am the next morning.

We had allowed ourselves a couple of lay days in Amsterdam which we used to stock up on charts for the Baltic, and a second new folding bike to go with the one we replaced last year. The Dutch know a thing or two about bikes and the selection at Halfords is not to be missed. For our "gala" dinner prior to TimChris's departure for the IJsselmeer, we managed to book a table at the ever popular Cafe Bern, where we enjoyed the specialities of the house, their cook-it-yourself Entrecote Steak in secret sauce, and Gruyere Cheese Fondue.

Cruising Statistics

Distance: 119 nm

Total to date: 334 nm

Avg Speed: 9 knots

Duration: 11 hours

Diesel: 566 litres, €1,05/l

Wind: NE 3/4

Mooring: €17/night

Electricity: Included (6A)

Water: Included

Bridges

Ijmuiden lock (6.5m)

Locks

Ijmuiden sealock

Charts

AC1536

AC1543

AC1504

AC2322

1801.8

AC124