Course Content

The package will include a pre-planning meetings, safety equipment checks and mechanical assistance and advice, fuelling facilities on passage and meteorological and passage planning advice. Each vessel will be responsible for their own running expenses, fuel costs, victuals and any mooring fees etc.

We invite Students to board our lead Sail Boat or boat owners to join the fleet to journey to Northern/Southern Holland and/or Belgium. After considering the weather and other conditions the ultimate destination and route really depends upon the passage planning of the lead boat skippers.

Southern Holland Flotilla

Leaving Levington, with the lead boats at times to suit individual capabilities of different vessels, we make for Belgium.

The plan is, but we all know how things can change, to head for Blankenberge in Belgium to refuel (cheap fuel!) and then head North East along the coast to Vlissingen (Flushing) where you encounter the very impressive lock.

From Vlissingen, traverse the Walcheren water ways and take in the picturesque countryside via Middelburg and through the Veerse Meer into Oosterschelde to Zierikzee. Marvel at the bridge across the Oosterschelde and then on through to Gravelingenmeer which is an area of notable interest and visiting Brouwershaven. Then back to Colijnsplaat (Oosterschelde) out through Roompotsluis to Harwich.

The return journey could change, dependent on progress of the flotilla but by which time you will have sampled the food and beverages, the outstanding waterways and mooring situations that will remain with you for a long time. The trip will have given you the confidence to tackle the trip across the channel to allow you to explore more of Holland and the many ports opposite the East coast.

Northern Holland Flotilla

As the with the Southern Holland flotilla trip,the plan is to make for Ijmuiden and rest for the night after a 125 mile trip. Then motor up the North Sea Canal to Amsterdam and moor in Amsterdam Marina, if possible, where visits to the Netherlands largest city once the center of the world economy is now the city known for its tolerant character. On leaving Amsterdam we would navigate through the Orange Sluice lock to Marker Meer leaving the busy bustling boats for the open water. After a stay at Volendam watching local Dutch people in their national costume, an opportunity to visit the surrounding area and to sample the famous cheeses at Edam.

The return journey could retrace our outward journey through the Orange Sluice or take the route down to Stellendam and return to Harwich. This trip gains you experience of a longer passage than the Southern Holland flotilla route and have the experience to embark on even longer duration trips that you may wish to take.

If you would like to join this flotilla or the flotillas planned for June and July, please reserve your place on our boats or your own boat to accompany us. Call Jim at the Administration Centre on 01473 659992.

Requirements

Your craft should be capable of cruising at 20 kts

Safety

It should have basic safety equipment lifejackets, distress flares, vhf radio, suitable anchor with chain, tool kit, But a liferaft is not compulsory.

Engine spares

You should carry at least two spare primary fuel filters and two secondary fuel filters, one water pump impeller and alternator belts per engine. Spare Fuel if practical.

Charts

Imray chart C30 is best for the passage or its equivalent. Dutch charts can be purchased when we arrive as they are much cheaper there.

Flags

French, Belgium and Dutch courtesy ensigns will be required.

Route

This will depend on weather on the day.