From the centre of Rotterdam on the first day, we sail through the Erasmus Bridge down the Nieuwe Waterweg to Maassluis. A relaxed start to the trip, with a cup of coffee through 4 bridges including the iconic Erasmus Bridge. Fun and special to see Rotterdam from the water with all the busy shipping. The Nieuwe Waterweg is divided into VHF block channels to guide shipping. Depending on the current, it’s about three hours of sailing until Maassluis, a great opportunity to go over everything on deck, get to know each other and for a nice lunch. At the end of the afternoon, we will make a sailing plan depending on the weather forecast, and can prepare for the crossing the next day.
We will then cross the English Channel to Ramsgate or Lowestoft, a distance of 120 miles with shipping lanes, wind farms and lots of shipping traffic. A learning crossing with one-night sailing where we will use radar and AIS, but will also practise with ship lights. Ramsgate and lowestoft are both beautiful and atmospheric old ports and if the wind cooperates, we can still spend the afternoon here enjoying the pleasant English atmosphere and sights and, of course, grab a pint in the pub in the evening.
We sail on a 3-watch system, 3 hours on and 6 hours off. That way, you still get enough rest and are alert when your watch starts. Especially when it is colder (at night), this makes it easy to keep watch.
The following day we sail back again, depending on the wind and tide we sail into Rotterdam after dark, very beautiful and an unforgettable experience.
The above schedule depends on weather, wind and tide, we will deviate from it if necessary.
Category A: Crossings, sea sailing, mile-makers where sailing also continues at night.
