Medemblik 52:46.048N 005:05.845E

Pelagia
Frans & Sarah Toonen
Tue 6 May 2014 11:31
Monday 5th May. Wind: force 2 initially later during the night freshening to a force 4. No rain and partial overcast.

We decided to sail whatever the wind as we’d done an awful lot of motoring already to get here. Departed Middelharnis at 0915 with a gentle sail to the Stellendam locks to get us back out in the North Sea. The passage to Medemblik was to take about 36 hours and Paul wanted to do the midnight to 0400 watch as this would be his last night as sea. Had a lovely sail with fairly clear skies. Only motored for an hour to get us through a shipping lane an some light airs. 
Rounded Den Helder in to the Waddenzee where the Rainbow Warrior was anchored, unfortunately Paul was asleep as he would liked to have seen the vessel as it’s a cause close to his heart.
Another lock to take us from the Waddenzee into the IJsselmeer and a final few hours to get to our destination. The wind by this time had freshened to a force 5-6.

Loads of (presumably) shrimp fishers crossing the shipping channel yards away, difficult to avoid as the channel was only 50 yards wide.

Entry into Medemblik with the charter boats (the dutch call it the brown fleet, presumably because of the traditional colour of their sails) leaving.