Sailing on the Pelikaan – 25/07/11 to 39/07/11

Day one:

I was met at Schiphol by Ellis and Gus. We went via their flat to pick up all their luggage and food to the harbour at Monnickendam. We arrived a bit early, but soon the good ship Pelikaan was ready. Pelikaan is a Dehler 36 (10.95m long), built in 2007. It is an old friend, though last year we had the Ijsvogel. 

 

Anyway, the same day, at about 4pm we departed to go to Enkhuizen, Compagnies haven near the Houtribdijk between Markenmeer and Ijselmeer. For me it was the perfect start to get used to the sailing ship as we had no wind! I took her out of the port and motored her all the way there. That was about 20 nautical miles in day one. We arrived about 7.30pm. We also went and had supper at “The Mastenbar”. They have a good collection of whiskeys. 

Day two:

First thing after breakfast that I did was to go and buy a good sailing jacket and trousers as I was sooooo cold the day before. One of the best buys I have done. But at 11am we took off again to go to Den Oever just below the Afsluitdijk. So we crossed the Ijselmeer from bottom to the top. Again we had no wind, and though we tried to sail for a while it didn’t get us anywhere. So we motored, and this time I was warm. We also managed to escape any rain! We arrived in good time, but this time we stayed aboard to eat, and Gus cooked a great tasting supper. 

Day three:

This day started with blue skies and a soft breeze. It was an exciting day. We went through the Afsluitdijk and a bridge and found ourselves on the Waddenzee. Real sea! And straight away we saw a seal. So, selfishly, I gave Gus the steering wheel and took my camera and kept a look out for interesting things. This was a short crossing, only about 13 NMs, but the sun shone, the sea was calm, but there was enough wind to use the sail. First and last day I had my shorts on! Absolutely perfect. In the afternoon we arrived at Oudeschild on Texel. Got a great berthing place. Then went and had a shower and we went for a stroll around the place. Found a good supermarket and a fresh fish market. So did some shopping and later Gus cooked another wonderful meal. But first we also sat at a coffee bar and sampled some of the local produce. Overall a perfect day.

Day four:

We debated about staying for a day on Texel, but with the weather forecast in mind I voted for going on. This was supposed to be the last really sunny day (and so it was) and the wind force was increasing. Though Gus said we should leave later in the day to avoid the high currents in the morning, I pushed through that we should leave early, before the wind became too much. In the end we left early and after leaving the harbour, we stayed, more or less, in the same place for over an hour due to the currents! At last, after another hour of very slows sailing, we escaped the “Texel-triangle”, and made good speed towards Makkum at the other end of the Afsluitdijk. This was by far the longest journey we did, well over 35NMs. Most of it was very good and we did get some good speeds. But it was quite wavy and totally different from the day before, though the sun still shone. In fact for some time there was a good wind force 4 wind.  In Makkum we got an okay berth. We decided to eat out, after a long day no one wants to cook. Had pizza at a nice place. 

Day Five:

Windforce 3 to 4, with some 5. Gray day. Rain in the air. Cold. We get out of the harbour with the idea that we will go to Lelystad. It is also Gus’s birthday. The sailing starts ok. First we only have the fore-sail. The wind is considerable, but as it is from, more or less, behind us, we don’t lean over too much. But the waves! Oh the waves! They are large(ish) and come from the side. The ship skids and slides and you have the feeling that it is being carried wherever the waves decides. But she does slide through and when we add the large sail to it – she settles better into the water. I was quite nervous for some time, and not enjoying this part, so Ellis decides what we should go to Enkhuizen again, rather than Lelystad as it is 15NM closer. In the end the waves get a bit smaller and I am starting to enjoy the trip again. We do 25NM that day from Makkum to Enkhuizen with a peak at 9knots speed. I will never get to Lelystad it seems. Not last year, not this year.....

In Enkhuizen we go back to the “The Mastenbar” to celebrate Gus’s birthday with a 3 course meal and some good wine.

Day Six:

The forecast is even worse, wind force 3-4 with occasional 5. But we decided to sail on. And in the end it is not as bad as day four. The waves are smaller and we make record time from Enkhuizen to Monnickendam. It takes us 4:20 minutes at average speed of 5 knots. Well sailed, great day. In Monnickendam we get the toilet repaired (it was starting to overflow – Yurch!) and go and eat in the "De Ouwe Blauwe" restaurant.  

Day Seven:

I pack first as this is my last day. Ellis and Gus have another week, but I must go home to my dear felines. Then Gus gives me a test day. I and Ellis have to do everything. Thankfully there is very little wind. We do a short sail (just over 4 hours) to the light house and back. Then I have to dock the ship myself. I do ask a lot of questions still, but in the end all goes well. Gus says I have passed....Quick change of cloths and of to Schiphol. At the airport I want to eat something, so we get a pizza, only to find bits of glass in mine. We get our money back and opt for a salad for me and a burger for Gus from Burger King. Then I fly home. Sad to be leaving, though looking forward to seeing Vitia and Vali (my cats).