Wind forecast west-southwest 5 to 6 and waves forecast according to KNMI 60 cm.
Measured myself: 25 knots average and 32 max.

At 8:30, most of the harbour is already empty, strange. It is drizzling a little, grey. Just as much wind as yesterday afternoon. Sleeping in isn’t possible, so coffee and croissants it is. Dad and Mom are walking over to the pier. I continue reading “Een meisje, een droom” by Laura Dekker. Of course, I knew the story, but I had never read the book before. It reads like a dream.

When I check PredictWind, I understand why all those yachts have already left. SW5 is predicted for the afternoon. Well, I’m not going to rush now, that would only make mistakes and it’s already blowing anyway.

Next, I listened to the forecast via IJsserlmeerpost (VHF 1) at 10:15. It is indeed 4-5 bft, with a warning for 6. Hmm, quite serious after all. Not much to be done about it, just be well prepared. It’s only an hour’s sail. I do check the fuel tanks briefly though; half full, fine.

The wind is blowing across the berth, from port side. On starboard the bollard is 4 meters behind me and the port one 2 meters away. That’s going to be a challenge with a left-rotating propeller: in reverse it pulls to starboard. But there is that bollard after 4 meters ánd the wind is blowing me (the bow) to starboard. Dad is having trouble holding the line already, once it’s off the cleat: the force on the line is severe. It’s not surprising he has difficulties to stand, I have the same problem at the stern. We haul in as much as possible to lie on the wind side of the berth, after which it’s a matter of acting quickly. It goes perfectly; with quite a bit of reverse power, Folly gets up to speed, than you can steer. Nothing hit, past the bollard. I do wonder how I would have managed this as a solo sailor.

There are quite a few waves on the Markermeer, especially since the Markerwadden are on the leeward side and it is blowing hard. It turns into a lovely warm shower with fresh water. There are gusts up to 32 knots. On the way, I realise I haven’t checked the propeller shaft… I just hope those 4 bolts stay in place. Visibility is very poor, like sailing in fog. Only at the very last moment does it clear up a little, and we see the entrance to the Houtrib Locks. Although I fear the locks will be a drafty place with a southwesterly wind, that is not the case at all. The trees are positioned exactly right, and mooring goes smoothly.

A wonderfully successful weekend, and another experience richer.

• Departure: 26-07-2026 10:50 (Markerwadden)
  Arrival: 26-07-2026 12:20 (Lelystad)
• Sailing time: 0 h
• Engine time: 1.5 h
• Sailing distance: 5.6 NM