With a schoolfriend I started for a week sailing today. The wind expectations were not so good, a West 5 at least, possibly 6. From Lelystad there are not really options for a decent route with that direction and wind force. We decided to head for Amsterdam. The locks Houtrib at Lelystad were passed, however it was difficult to get out from lee shore in the lock. Shortly after, we entered the Markermeer also called the Klotsbak (sloshing tank). The lake is well-known for short, steep waves. With  really maximum power (18 HP), I steered through the waves, that were build up from the other side of the lake. We experienced up to 1,5m waves, that was confirmed by the nautical authorities on VHF1. After about 30 minutes back to 2500 rpm. Loads of water were spreading and with a wind about 25 degrees from heading, nowhere to hide. We were soaked and didn’t have a good vision. The AIS inside helped a lot.

As we left with a bit less than half a tank of diesel (let’s say 25 liters), I got a bit nervous about the time we had to sail on motor. Normally 7 hours should be possible, but that is really to the bottom. You don’t want that with a lot of ships in Amsterdam and a lot of wind. It took ages to pass the De Blocq van Kuffeler a (former) safe harbour. After 4,5 hours just before the vuurtoreneiland (lighthouse) at the BuitenIJ with a bit les waves and water spreading, I put 10 liters diesel from the jerry can in the tank. This should give about 3 hours more engine time. That felt a lot more relaxed. .

The passage of the Schellingwouderbrug (bridge) and Oranjesluizen (lock) went prosperous and we finally docked at Amsterdam Marina.