We did a late start on a dull Saturday morning to face the usual mayhem of the Grevelingen lock. Skippers that want to push forward at any cost and boat owners that dread the prospect of the slightest scratch on their paintwork do not mix well.
The wind was indeed northerly... when there was any wind at all. It was again one of those situations of sailing a bit, waiting a bit with limp sails, loose patience and motor a bit, repeat.
At least there was not much shipping and most of the yachts were moving equally slow in the same direction. Even the skippers of the motor boats seemed to be in a lazy mood and passed respectfully slow.
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| One of the many interesting boats you come across in Zeeland. |
Once out of the Keeten and on the Oosterschelde the wind picked up and we had an easy reach towards the bridge.
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| Approaching the bridge was much easier than last week. |
Remembering the previous week when the winds kept pushing Mekicevica off the bridge I was really afraid that a gust between the pylons would send us spinning out of control. We head for a gap between the pylons trying to sail not too close to the wind while keeping a good angle to the bridge. With hand sweating on the tiller and a feeling of dry mouth we get closer and closer... and we're trough! We passed the bridge under sail!
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| Sailing under the bridge.... |
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| ...and on the other side. You can breathe now, Skipper. |
Once, west of the bridge, the NW wind continued to pick-up, and the ebbing tide started to be noticeable, resulting in choppy waters. Luckily our destination, Colijnsplaat, was just 1 M away.
