Late in the sunny morning we motor off along the channel leading back to the Oosterschelde. The SE wind was very light but we could see some sails out there. We exit the channel, hoist sails, switch-off the motor, and after a few seconds we were completely becalmed. Here we go, just like in the Adriatic last month.
Past the bridge we found some steady wind and could enjoy the Oosterschelde at its best: sun shimmering on calm waters and a breeze pushing us nicely along.
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| Oosterschelde sailing at its best. |
Unfortunately, as we turned N into the Keeten the wind became weaker and weaker. All around us were boats with the sails hanging limp from their masts. It was then that two cargo ships appeared. The first took the reasonable course close to the middle of the channel, allowing the small boats to get out of the way to the sides. Then the second decided to go right on the starboard side, causing a frantic start of engines as the sailing boats tried to get out of the way.
Most of us decided to continue motoring the couple of miles left to the Grevelingen lock. A couple of attempts to sail ended up in nothing.
Just past the Krabbenkreek, we had the encounter that completed the Adriatic feeling: a dolphin, right next to Mekicevica.
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| Dolphin in the Keeten. |
The rest of the return to Bruinisse was uneventful. We got used to the mess of the Grevelingen lock and the strange behavior of some skippers. While waiting we moored along side an elderly couple who were returning home after 10 years cruising in Scandinavia. They were a bit surprised to see such a crowd!
