The predictions for wind direction were not so good for today. Too much probably to raise the mainsail and too much from the North for our goal to sail to Stavoren. At least we should start early, as the wind would increase a little during the day and it would be a long journey anyway. We started the day at 7am after a perfect sleep. Nice “French” breakfast and off we go, even 20 minutes earlier than planned.

Sybren liked to do the first lap by engine, to get used to it again. After we’ve left bay Van Eesteren, we use the genea to sail to my EZ waypoint on 10 degrees. Perfect with the WNW wind, we get a nice 4.6 knots. Sybren falls a sleep, he’s relaxed, so do I. After EZ I try to get as close to the wind as possible. This is awesome, the course is 230 and this is almost impossible with only the genua, at least for this ship. The last time I experienced this, was with the Randmeer 30 years ago. The wind had increased from 3 to almost 5 Bft (21 knots of wind) and a boat speed 5.2 at least and sometimes 6.2. Only when it drops to 3.5, I should be careful. The wind shifts a little and this amount of sail you don’t want to get them back, since they are set fixed. From time to time lots of rain and poor visibility. We enjoy it very much though. The last lag, just before Vrouwezand, we start the engine. It takes an hour to get 4 miles with the wind head wards.

The lock is a perfect entry, it is still open when we arrive. The lock steward was a nice guy, we talked about the weather, experience of sailing at young age. He helped and supported Sybren in learning the sailor boy skills. After the lock it is a 2,5 hour sail to Woudsend / Indijk. The direction is perfect, even with not the full genua, we get a high speed. Also it is a long sail and you get tired from all the wind. After 35 miles, it’s enough. Unfortunately the meal is not instant ready, but very healthy and enough for two hungry sailors. The first day of this vacation was a good start. 

• Departure: 05-07-2026 08:40 (Lelystad)
  Arrival: 05-07-2026 16:40 (Indijk)
• Sailing time: 4.5 h
• Engine time: 3.5 h
• Sailing distance: 35.5 NM