17th July
We awoke to another beautiful day and after our usual morning routine we got ourselves ready for the 10 o’clock bridge lift. On the dot of 10, the bridge lifted and we followed an Italian-flagged yacht through the canal to the Goes lock. We tied up nicely in the lock and adjusted our lines as the water level dropped just over a metre. As soon as the gates opened we were away and once Carole had stowed away the fenders and spare lines we let the reefed genoa out with the wind almost behind us. We had 19 knots of wind and a boat speed of 5.5 knots. The Oosterschelde was fairly busy today with all types of watercraft, from small boats under oars full of teenagers on holiday to large commercial boats busy at work. Keeping an eye out for boats tacking across us or creeping up on us kept us occupied as we made our way to the Grevelingensluis. We got the mainsail out for a while when the wind direction allowed. The wind was not so constant here, ranging from about 14 knots to a peak of 22.2 knots and we were happy with how we had the sails reefed as some other boats were heeled right over under full sail, but we were still keeping up with them. Carole kept us refreshed with drinks and snacks and we took it in terms to helm during the 16.7 NM. Before we knew it we had the lock in our sights, so the engine went on and the sail was taken in.
There were already quite a few boats waiting for the lock to open. As we approached Chris could hear water behind him and looked round with surprise to see a large mussel fishing boat 15mtr off the stern. This then turned sharply to starboard and continued to fish. As we arrived, a Dutch boat very kindly allowed us to raft up against her and we had a brief chat as we watched the gates open and empty. A large commercial boat went in first and then it was a free for all to get in. The lock master spoke excellent English and guided everyone in. We tied up right behind the large commercial boat with instructions to watch the big boat’s propeller wash. Once tied up safely, we were rafted upon by a slightly smaller Dutch boat crewed by some older people. Chris took some photos of the packed lock (we haven’t been in one so packed for a long time) and one of the ladies on the Dutch boat offered to take a photo of us. Chris gingerly passed over his phone and we posed and she clicked away. Before we knew it, the lock gates were opening and so began the process of all the boats moving out. The lock master had everything under control, but there were still lots of shouts and pushing away of boats as the wind was not behaving itself. Finally, it was our turn and we were out. Phew!
Bruinisse Marina was just a short hop away and once inside we received our berthing directions. At this Marina, the Harbourmaster stands at the entrance with an IPad making the allocation as you enter. We then headed for N42 which we discovered, was a nice wide box mooring with a short pontoon on one side. Carole hoped she could jump off with a line but the wind was not having any of it and she ended up getting a spring line round a post and hugging it while a very nice Dutchman took a line and helped us tie up. The only thing to be said for box moorings is that practice WILL eventually make perfect! We have been here before, but we had forgotten how nice it was. We are going to have two nights here. Laundry has to be done and a visit into town, too.