After the Grevelingen, where we had lovely weather when we stayed on Ossehoek island (for the first time) but storms at Middelplaat, we made our way south via Brouweshaven again, Bruinisse, then Kamperland. After there we exited the Inland Waterways and crossed to Breskens on a calm sea, and had to stay there an extra day before going to Zeebrugge, where we were meeting the Westerly Owners Association members on the National Cruise. The Cruise officially began on Wednesday 17th June, but a few people started to arrive earlier on the 15th and 16th as well. We had a pontoon party on Wednesday to welcome everyone and get to know each other, and on Thursday we had a coach to Brugge with a sightseeing tour arranged. Lovely city.
The next nine days flew by, with a passage plan race from Zeebrugge to Flushing, then up the canal to Middelburg where we stayed an extra day. Then on to Yerseke, on the Oosterschelde, which is well known for its mussels and oysters. We stayed there two days as well, before heading to Sint Annaland where we had an enjoyable barbecue despite the chilly wind and spots of rain. After there it was next stop Port Zelande at the top of the Grevelingenmeer, then back down to Mosselbank island where we had an excellent buffet prepared by the Dutch contingency of our cruise. They called it a ‘tastery’ of all the typical Dutch favourite foods and drinks. Very enjoyable. On to Zierekzee the next day where we all had a dinner together in the evening. They rafted the boats up five deep there! (See photo) But a lovely place to visit.
Rafted up in Zierekzee
Dutch ‘Tastery’ on Mosselbank
We had a short motor sail over to Roompot Marina the next day, which is near Roompot Sluice, the lock out to the North Sea. We left by that the next day at 4.45am and motor sailed all the way to Dunkerque. The others planned to leave the next day, so we were the first to leave. Met up with Brian & Karen in Dunkerque for an evening meal, then off the next day at 4.45am again. We had planned to go to Dover but decided to carry on to Eastbourne as the weather forecast not that good for the next day. As it was we had quite lumpy seas anyway, especially round Dungeness. Eventually made it back to Sovereign Harbour for the 11pm lock (or 12pm Dutch time). A long, long day and the end of our cruise.