Whit Monday started, and remained, wet and windy. Overcast, SW 4-5, with frequent showers. We planned to sail towards the E under the big bridge, into the Haringvliet. We motored out of Willemstad harbour, which was already a real mess at 10:00 (nearly got rammed by a motorboat reversing without looking). Across the shipping lane, only a couple of ships that we could easily avoid, and sails up. With one reef in the main and a couple of rolls in the genoa we made fast progress towards the bridge. I must admit I had to mentally reassure myself several times that I had read the pilot-book correctly and that we had enough clearance under the bridge.
Past the bridge, there is no more shipping to look-out for and we could just enjoy the sailing. My newly-designed reefing system works wonderfully, and we got it just right for the conditions. Fast, but perfectly in control, we could follow the ideal course passing N of the Tiengemeten island, on a windward shore, briefly close-reaching towards the S of the Haringvliet, again to a windward shore, and make the last couple of miles towards Middelharnis. Still following along the shore we turned downwind to roll the genoa and than up-wind to douse the main and motor into the channel towards the town. Perfectly planned and executed! Did not have to do a single tack or jibe. If only the weather had been any better this would be a serious contender for the best sail ever.
