Low water had fallen inconveniently at 8pm for the first day of our sumemr cruise. And with the bi-annual maintenance scaffolding recently installed there was no way we could pass under the Haven Bridge, even at low water. With some determined negotiation we agreed an early morning lift at 7.45am and an overnight berth at the obliging Bure Marine, potential site of a future Great Yarmouth marina.

We had 2kn of tide under us as we approached the bridge, and could barely read the air draught on the scummy tide gauges. Fortunately we had the Yarmouth yacht station officers standing by to assure us that we would be 'just about OK' - which we were, clearing the bridge by 6".

We consulted three sources of weather information for our cross-channel trip, with the Met Office offering the most pessimistic view of 4-5, possibly 6 later. We deduced that this would only be in the north of the Humber region and set off on what the radio described as the 'hottest day of the year so far'. The weather got calmer as we crossed and conditions were hazy and still as we approached IJmuiden. A strong wind blew up out of nowhere as we entered the marina, just to add an extra challenge to mooring in the box berths - not one of our strong points at the best of times.

Despite having spent the previous morning on the phone giving advice about Schengen forms we had omitted to bring any with us, but it was not to matter as Seaport marina provide the forms and a posting box for fulfilling immigration requirements. New in this era of increased terrorist threat, all visitors, even from continental Europe are required to submit a crew list.

Our cruise continued the next afternoon with an exploration of the harbours along the Noordzeekanaal, finishing up at JH Aeolus. Just east of Sixhaven this small yacht club offers a quieter berth, without the need for constant re-rafting and shuffling, next door to the supermarket and still near to the free city centre ferry.

Cruising Statistics

Distance (inland): 37 nm

Distance (tidal): 105 nm

Total to date: 322 nm

Avg Speed: 9.5kn

Duration: 15 hrs

Diesel: 690 litres

Mooring: Free at Bure Marina, €27 at Seaport, €13 at Aeolus

Electricity: Included

Water: €0,50/100l at Seaport, Included at Aeolus