At 6:00am I awaked spontaneously and a beautiful sunrise was presented. My alarm was only set 15 minutes later. Need to get sailing soon. Last night I changed my Predict subscription to be able to get warnings and see lightning predictions. For today at the end of the day some lightning was predicted by KNMI (see my weather page). Is this sunrise the old wisdom: Morgenrood, water in de sloot? Anyway, today will be a trip of at least 5 hours (25 NM), but probably more for getting fuel and passing 2 locks and 1 bridge. I made breakfast, lunch and coffee. Had a look at the latest wind and lightning predictions. Looks good, the first part with not a lot of wind I will be able to sail toward Durgerdam. My goal is to have the 10:00 opening Schellingwouderbrug and to sail at least 1 hour today.

The anchor is very and I mean very muddy, also the chain. Incredible heavy to lift. Next winter I will definitely install an anchor winch. That is not luxury, I almost wasn’t able to leave and had to climb outside the railing to prevent hitting the anchor the last shift into the hull. At 8:00 I had left the anchor spot. Quit and peaceful left behind. One other yacht joined my early leaf, but took track to Almere. My sail in the direction of Durgerdam was perfect. Only the idea of thunderstorms, the end of the day, didn’t give a relaxed feeling. Also with only 2 Beaufort from the South didn’t help. So after one hour, as promised myself, I started the engine.

 

The pass of the Oranjesluizen (Orangelocks) went smoothly. I get confident in passing locks as a solo sailer. Till now my “easy” starboard side, because with a counterclockwise running propeller, in reverse you get pulled starboard.

On the IJ there is a new new sector (VHF 5), called Amsterdam stad. I missed the announcement (30 September last year). I did prepare and bought new electronic charts, however Navionics failed to update my plotter though. Still need to get that fixed. Since Navionics as brand of Garmin and Raymarine with it own charts, I doesn’t get easier. Anyway, I know the way and am used to the crowd. Actually I love this.

Just for sure I get some diesel (2.60 euro per liter …), but only 30 liters to top-up the tank. With 5 knots I travel towards IJmuiden.

The wind increases. I don’t see lightning yet, only sun and light rain alternate. Also a bit chilly from time to time. I am a bit concerned: what happens with a lot of wind, when I need to pass the locks, alone. I try to remember fresh to salt water, force from behind. Wind from the head. The locks of IJmuiden are special to me. This is the door to the Noordzee (Northsea). I’ve been here many times, especially the piers, from very young age. Probably because that, they feel huge. This time I will pass them alone!

It went perfect. The officer on duty was a pro. After I crossed to portside in the Velzerkom and communicated with the sector leader about that move, she opened the doors in front of me. I could enter the lock without delay. No difficulties with salt water or wind. Relieved and proud I called the IJmuiden port (61) to announce the last track to the marina. The sun appeared and temperature even raised in the afternoon. No lightning and no rain (it did heavenly in other parts of the country).

I cleared the anchor chain, the anchor, the deck. Had a cold beer on deck. Prepared food and the day tomorrow for a long way to Den Helder.

• Departure: 02-05-2026 08:10 (Pampushaven)
  Arrival: 02-05-2026 14:10 (IJmuiden)
• Sailing time: 1 h
• Engine time: 5 h
• Sailing distance: 24.9 NM