Sailing Into The Horizon

On Wednesday we finally sailed on IJsselmeer.
The day started sunny, but still not much wind. We motored out of the very busy Krabbersgat, got out of the navigation channel as soon as possible, hoisted sails, and mostly drifted in the wake of the busy traffic, hardly moving forward. It took us mealy half hour for the first hundred meters.

Motoring along the Krabbersgat, past Enkhuizen town centre.

We finally got some wind and got going. Only to be completely stuck again in a lull about noon. It was hot in the hazy sunshine, and millions of insects seemed to be attracted to Mekicevica's white sails. We tried all sorts of tricks to get wind on our sails, including having skipper holding the boom out, as a sort of human whisker-pole. All around other boats were struggling to move.

IJsselmeer in light airs, every boat hoisting as many sails as they have.

Eventually, some people lost patience and started their motors, creating waves on the flat waters that made life even more miserable for others still trying to sail.
Finally in the afternoon the wind picked-up and we had a few fantastic hours of sailing. Our aim was Stavoren, on the W of IJsselmeer and for the first time we were sailing towards the horizon, with nothing but the compass to show us the way. That did not last long and soon Stavoren was in sight.
Entering Stavoren we randomly opted for the new marina. We didn't know it, but it is aimed more for large yachts. The harbour master directed to a box where four Mekicevicas woul have fitted. Getting out onto the pontoon involved climbing up more than one meter.

Little Mekicevica in a huge box in the new Stavoren marina.

Everything was spacious and comfortable, including the cafe where we celebrated our arrival to IJsselmeer with enormous beers.