Hello,

For people intrested in sailing inland , the south of the Netherlands offers a big chance, we have lakes and rivers all connected togehter with locks and bridges and dikes.

You can (motor)sail through the Netherlands, from Vlissingen in the south, up to Delfzijl in the far north, without being one minut on the open sea. This is called the ' 'Staande mast route ' ', wich means, standing mast route. All connections have opening bridges, some are more easy than others, but you get thru. Like the passage of Amsterdam is in the middle of the night, not to disturb the day traffic, but that has it s own charm.

Here in the South there are so many places to visit, one with more middle age roots as others, it is too much too tell. I ll put some pictures, and you can get an idea.

It is an idea to do if you re coming from the South of Europe, and heading for the Baltic, and there is extended Northeasterly winds, you can beat them outside, or motor your way up North, and if the weather turns favourable, there are different places where you can leave and head for the open sea. Of course is this also possible the other way, heading South from the Baltic, instead of waiting and waiting on the wadden isles, go inland and a small week later you re 80 miles from the English South Coast.

There is one minus, you 're draft should not exceed 2 metres, because that 's the maximum! Not for the southern part up to Amsterdam, but north of the ijselmeer you ll be in canals where you might even touch the soft mud bottom with a 2 meter draft.

On many lakes in the Netherlands, there are state owned pontoons, you can stay for free, or a small amount /week . In high season it is busy over there, but except half July half August, youll find room there and time to relax and enjoy the scenery.

People intrested in more precise information about one or more places to visit, do not hesitate and contact me, i ll be glad to help.

Tom Dujardin P.o. Bruinisse