During the long cold winter

During the long cold winter we often dreamed about the new sailing season. Although the winter was long and cold, the Echoes did well in the cold water.  It was also time for repairments and maintenance.

Sprayhood
We planned to make a new sprayhood.
Without any experience and with a good dose of confidents, we started first making a new wheel cover. The result looked so professional that we were enough motivated to start making a new sprayhood.

On the Internet we found some webshops where we could buy canvas and other materials for a price much lower than a ready sprayhood.
We bought a second hands industrial sewing machine. Afterwards this was a big succes. The canvas was to thick for standard machines.

Here the results of the sprayhood:

A big difference if you compare is with the previous one. What a quality! During its first trip on April 11th he did well.
It was a nice project a easy to do.

We planned to start at the first opportunity to sail to England.
On April 30th is the big day. The shortest route to England is on the drawing board. Lowestoft is the goal. The wind is came from a wrong direction and was to weak for a quick crossing. The voyage plan must be reviewed and we decided to sail towards Hook of Holland to sail, where we crossed the shipping lane. Then we set course to Lowestoft (295 degrees). After a very cold, but beautiful night, we arrived at Lowestoft. The total distance is 95 nautical miles.
Lowestoft is not very special. We stayed in the Royal Marina, directly on the North Sea. A somewhat dated marina with a beautiful yacht club.
 

After a hearty English breakfast, we left again on May 2nd in the direction of Stellendam. The return trip was spectacular. There was little wind. We saw many dolfins (porpoises). We sailed across a large anchorage with huge boats which were anchored there. The return trip had only 90 nautical miles. The next morning at 05.45 hours we moored our boat in Stellendam.  It was a very

Een tot leuke ervaring en de eerste keer dat 's nachts werd gevaren.
Wel goed en warm kleden!.

Summer 2009
On Saterday, June .., we wanted the sail our ship to Medemblik, a marina at the IJsselmeer. toDe Echoes was al ruim voor de reis naar Medemblik gebracht de 'zusterhaven' van Stellendam. Vanuit Medemblik zouden we vertrekken via de Waddeneilanden richting Denemarken.

Medemblik
When we arrived in Medemblik the weather was so beautiful that we dicided to stay an extra day in Medemblik. Medemblik is an old West Frisian town. It has city rights since 1289. One of the most interesting place is Radboud Castle on old fortress at the mouth of the harboure. Medemblik has a completely renovated steam tram station. The tram track goes to Hoorn. 

Vlieland
After a very beautiful trip we arrived at the marina of Vlieland. Vlieland a one of the Wadden-slands.  No cars are allowed on the Island. Get out of your busy life and discover the sandy beaches and fresh air! 

Texel
Texel is the biggest Waddenzee island. We stayed one week in the marina (Waddenhaven Texel) of Oudeschild. The marina is not a tidal port and it can be approached 24 hours a day, although you need to beware of the strong tidal streams in that region.