Harlingen-Dutch harbour chaos

South Pacific Familyadventure 2008
Claes Brodin
Sun 24 Jun 2012 18:39
We left Enkhuizen at sunrise passing Ijselmeer with a prognosis of 5-6
Beaufort from SW.When arriving to the locks out to Wadenzee,the wind
increased and we contacted Brandaris Trafficcenter.The new prognosis
warned of "thunderrain and gale 8,perhaps severe gale 9
later".Subsequently we decided to abandon plans for Vlieland and headed
for Harlingen.Once into Harlingen we had to wait for 2 bridges together
with lots of other yachts seeking shelter, before coming into
Noorderhaven.When they opened the bridges there was a very heavy
thunderrain/hail and winds gusting 35-40kts pushing us into the narrow
entrance of the bridges.Trying to avoid crashing into each other while the
Port Control Captain was shouting through his loudspeakers, created a
chaotic scenery.Once tied up outside a dutch yacht, we could relax.

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