The second leg of our journey was up the Volkerak, with moderate SW wind, becoming weak later. The Volkerak is a very busy shipping route, part of the connection between Rotterdam and Antwerpen. Sailing along the N edge we could stay out of the shipping lane for most of the time. About half-way we had to decide whether to cross the shipping lane (and cross back later), or sail for a bit on the port side of the shipping lane. It turns out that the commercial shipping takes the short route along the S side, and sailors have the N side to themselves. We arrived to the next lock, the Volkeraksluis without problems, except for the wind dying to close to nothing.
 |
| Goose-winged trying to get the most out of light-airs. |
Negotiating the Volkeraksluis was another nerve-racking affair with wind from the back. Luckily the wind now was weaker than in the previous lock, even if again a shower came down as we were entering. We managed to get by with only some scratches on the pulpit and nearly ramming a Bavaria 34.
On the other side of this lock is the Hollands Diep, which is very, very busy with huge ships. Most of the time we could keep well out of their way, but to reach Willemstad, our next destination, we can't avoid crossing the shipping lane. With Yo-Yo Ma doing his best, we crossed with our eyes pinned to the front of a huge container ship that seemed to grow bigger by the second.
Willemstad is a very nice town that retains the star-shape structure of the XVI century walls. Part of the former moat is now the very busy yacht harbour, where boats as small as Mekicevica, old gaffers, and huge gin-palaces jostle for space.
 |
| Aerial view of Willemstad. |
After a stroll in the town, and tasting some new herring (raw, of course) we settled down for the night.
 |
| The busy yacht harbour of Willemstad. |
