Ijsselmeer

Given the blockage on the Noordhollandsch Kanaal, we decided that we should transit to Amsterdam by the Ijsselmeer and the Markermeer. These are two retained bodies of water to the east of North Holland. They were formed from the former Zuiderzee when a dyke was built across the mouth in 1932. It is accessed through a large lock in the barrier and once inside it is a delightful sailing area.

Medemblik on our route through the Ijsselmeer turned out to be a charismatic winner.

We moored in the Pekelharinghaven, which is the original port and it was such a delight, under a cloudless sky, we all relaxed and enjoyed one of my very best Paellas – although I say it myself.

Richard writes:

Medemblik was recommended by my sister, Davina, who is married to a Dutchman, Gerry. They spent many a long weekend in this lovely Dutch port, racing a Dragon. It is vibrant and characterful and we were recommended to try ‘Rumours’ a bar & restaurant run by their friend Joyce, a delightful hostess who served us a variety of local beers, including Skuumkoppe, which tickled Nick for some reason?

This was followed by dinner on board; a pate and guacamole ciabatta followed by paella. Really fabulous and all credit to David and Nick our on board, almost Michelin starred chefs.

A relaxed and memorable day. Then Nick put the jazz on and ruined it all; I’m off to bed.

David writes:

Today was a reminder of why we sail. Almost gone are the recent memories of our overnight passage from Lowestoft to Den Helder, with rough and windy conditions and the business of avoiding uncharted wind farms under construction, and the focus of crossing busy multiple shipping lanes, replaced with bright sunshine, a gentle breeze and calm waters as we enter the Dutch inland seas.

This is what cruising is all about, relaxed adventuring even if the certainty of our route south is still to be resolved, the Dutch seem very welcoming and friendly.

It is over 30 years since I first adventured with Nick and although Hejira had changed, other aspects have not, giving as good as you get is an essential aspect of sailing with our Skipper.

With this in mind, Richard and I have developed a new ‘sport’ that involves both speed and quantity metrics, but rather than knots and destinations as the measures of success, it is to our amusement how long before and how many recruits Nick can make from neighbours in the mooring or the bar, to read about where to adventure and the trials and tribulations of this cruising lark!

It is perhaps also reassuring that although there is only the Nick way to get something right, he is not without his foibles, as demonstrated by his recent reaction to a message arriving on a mobile phone with the usual ping. Nick asked ‘who was that for and where is my phone anyway’, only to realise a few seconds later it was his phone and that it was in his left hand!…..