3rd - 7th June Amsterdam This entry covers from Gouda to Amsterdam during which we had one stop off in the Kaager Lakes - well, the fringes because they get a little shallow and we had already visited them with Halley in the last century - 1 999. To our surprise we found a luxury boat yard "Feadship"having just launched their new super yacht "Sea Owl" that same day. At 62mtrs long it is colossal - a ship in fact - which easily stands comparison with the most lux...

31 May - 2 June Gouda The journey from Willemstad to Gouda turned out to be long journey with a strong 2k stream running against us most of the way and plenty of waiting for bridges and locks although we had our lunch at one. We were in company with German friends who had just bought their boat near Veer and were taking it back to the Baltic. It was the first go at sailing for the wife who was clearly having to learn fast. Just outside Gouda, we entered a lock ...

29 - 30 Willemstad It was not a bad day to push on to the North. Grey clouds rolling past and that dampness in the air which falsely gives the impression that you will not get too wet but with the light breeze it soaks everything very quickly. Gamma helped us slip the moorings and then out through the ornate white cast iron lifting bridge with a pleasant farewell from the Haven Master. This was to be an interesting passage having previously come from the strong...

27 - 28 May Middleburg The weather became calmer and Summer arrived for a few days and while there were high winds not so far away, in the harbour at Ostend the gulls were crying, the water was flat and a steady stream of Dutch festival boats came out of the locked in harbour ready to leave for home. It was not far off spring tides with strong tidal streams to reckon with - leaving after lunch meant the they would help us on our way - we left in company with ...