Veere then home. August 2015

Leaving Middelburg we intended to go to Veere. First we had to go through a lock. This was a different experience to the lock at Vlissinghen which we had to ourselves. Many boats were milling around waiting for the lock to open. Once the lock opened it was every man for himself to get in. But once we were in everyone was helpful, taking ropes etc. It was a bit like how many boats can you fit in one lock.

Our original intention was to stay at Veere but it was full so we went to a Marina just beyond. We were able to walk from Veere from here. A picturesque town, we were there at a festival so it was full of stalls and folk in national dress. Despite the rain it was fun.

Veere - totally full.

Luckily there was room down the road.

 We had been keeping a close eye on the weather and realised that to get a good weather window we would have to go back to the UK sooner rather than later. From Veere we went to Colijnsplaat and the Roompot Marina. Here we were able to refuel before going back home. Between Colijnsplatt and Roompot we were actually able to sail, albeit very slowly with lots of tacking but it was fun.

Leaving Holland we had decided on a day sail. This was a good day but the downside was hitting the Suffolk coast as night fell. We decided that in future the night bit is best in the north sea. However we successfully navigated our way back to Ipswich Haven Marina. The whole journey took 21 1/2  hours which included going back up the Orwell.

Sunrise off the Dutch Coast

Sunset off the Suffolk Coast

Next year we have decided we will go back to the Netherlands but we will start where we left off and head straight for Roompot. I will write a blog as we go along rather than a retrospective one.