Motor Boats Monthly Cruising Club blog
Latest weblogs from the 2008 cruises in company
Web log entry dated 13 August 2008
Day 11 - Holland
51° 45.555N 003° 51.564E
The sun came out today and after quite a tiring day yesterday most people were in the mood for doing as little as possible, simply flopping about on their boats or exploring the town of Willemstad.
The crew of Blue Fin and Time Flies busied ourselves this morning getting everyone that needed to refuelled, ready for the next leg of our trip. Claire was also to be seen running along rafts adding shorelines as the winds picked up quite aggressively.
John, our handy ex-naval engineer found time this morning to take a look at Rosie's engine problems and take her out for a test run but it looks like her problems are electrical so the next plan is to contact the local Volvo service centre. Also, Smitten seems to have a leak in one of its exhaust hoses, which needs to be looked at, so it's been work as usual for the MBM crew.
I took a stroll around Willemstad this afternoon and fell in love with this quirky town, my favourite stop-off so far on the cruise. The centrepiece of the town is the working windmill that has stirred coos of appreciation all round, and there are a few nice shops (although the chandlery is overpriced by all accounts) and restaurants. It is also possible to walk around the perimeter of the town, which I have been assured is well worth it.
Unfortunately due to high winds, which will not only make our passage to Goes tricky, but also means the marina doesn't have space for us because boats are refusing to leave, we will not be moving on tomorrow as planned. So we have an extra day in Willemstad, but as it's such a lovely place nobody seems too disappointed.
Sally Coffey
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