In the summer of 2016, we embarked on another unforgettable voyage aboard our Legend 466, an eight-week journey that began in mid-June from Portsmouth and wrapped up by mid-August.
Crossing the Channel once more, we slipped into the scenic waterways of Southern Holland, ready to explore at our own pace. Unlike a tightly planned itinerary, we let the canals and weather guide us. The trip unfolded slowly and beautifully, from lively locks and historic harbours to quiet stretches where we seemed to have the water all to ourselves.
This summer held a few extra twists. We welcomed two sets of visitors along the way, sharing parts of the journey with friends, always a treat to introduce others to the cruising life in Holland. There were also two quick trips back to the UK for work, where we swapped sailing gear for laptops and deadlines, before returning to pick up where we left off.
It was a summer of contrasts, working days and lazy evenings, visitors and solitude, bustling ports and wide, empty stretches. What follows is our cruising log, capturing the rhythm, surprises, and simple joys of a summer afloat in one of Europe’s most rewarding boating regions.
Portsmouth to Vlissingen 23-07-16 – 26-07-16
July 26, 2016
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On Route to Vlissingen Nothing very exciting to report. On route, we stopped at The passage from Brighton to Dover
Vlissingen to Wemeldinge 28-07-16
July 28, 2016
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So we left Vlissingen at 8 am but for a change we decided to take a different route to the
Wemeldinge to Jachthaven Bruinisse 29-07-16
July 29, 2016
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We left Wemeldinge about midday after spending an hour or two trying to find/work out the tidal streams and eventually
Bruinisse to De Mosselbank public mooring 30-07-16
July 30, 2016
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Well, today was not a day that we needed seasick tablets as it was a quick 1-mile journey from the
De Mosselbank to W.S.V Goeree Ouddorp 1-08-16
August 1, 2016
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After 3 days on that islands we needed a charge up and some provisions so we headed for Ouddorp a
Ouddorp to Ossehoek Island 04-08-16
August 4, 2016
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We left Ouddorp after being stuck for 3 days because of the strong winds. Although in fairness the wind hadn’t
Ossehoek Island to Oude Tonge 5.08.16
August 5, 2016
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Much better weather now the wind has decreased and the sun was out, so it meant we had a lovely
Oude Tonge to De Batterij marina Willemstad 06.08.16
August 6, 2016
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We left Oude Tonge after stocking up with French wine in plastic bottles (good on a boat) for €2 a
Willemstad to Oud-Beijerland 07.08.16
August 9, 2016
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We went to Oud-Beijerland via the Spui canal. It was pretty windy but only strong gusts so we waited for
Oud-Beijerland to Vlaardingen 08.08.16
August 9, 2016
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We left anticipating a short trip to Vlaardingen where we will moor the boat while I return to the UK
Vlaardingen to Helloveotsluis 09-08-16
August 9, 2016
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After returning from the UK we went into town looking for a child seat for our Brompton for Calla who
Helloveotsluis to Blankenburg 14-08-16
August 14, 2016
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We cast off from Hellevoetsluis early, aiming to make the most of the tidal stream heading south down the coast.
Blankenburg to Calais via Dunkerque 14-08-16
August 14, 2016
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Blankenburg to Dunkerque We slipped our lines at Blankenberge early morning, aiming to make the most of the calm conditions
Calais to Dover 16-08-16
August 16, 2016
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We left Calais early, timed to make the most of the tidal stream sweeping westward across the Dover Strait. The
Dover to Portsmouth 18-08-16
August 18, 2016
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We slipped out of Dover Marina at first light on 18 August 2016, with flat water, no wind, and a