Sailing Up the IJssel

Sunday started still grey and wet, but we had to get going to ride the tide up the IJssel. The Maas was already busy, even on a Sunday morning, but as we turned into the IJssel we left most of the shipping behind. First mission: passing the Algera bridge, the first construction of the Delta Works, a huge Dutch project to protect the country from floods, initiated after the tragic events of 1953.

Passing the Algera bridge.

The passing of the bridge went smoothly and from than on we could sail with both wind and tide, in improving weather. Next destination: Gouda.
Before that, however, we had to negotiate the Juliana lock. We just missed one opening, courtesy of inconsiderate "yoties" who cannot possibly be left behind and give full throttle leaving little Mekicevica bobbing in their wake.
The Juliana lock was the busiest affair we have experienced so far. With one cargo ship and dozens of yachts of all types, there was little water that was not covered by one boat or other. People were mostly courteous, the general mood was agreeable, and the process went smoothly. Only the weather decided to spoil the fun by turning nasty again.