Sudden rush

A late start in Amsterdam marina today- we intended going into the city to shop for food. But for good reasons, our plans changed quickly and we left the marina at 11am in a hurry to motor west on the North Sea Canal to Ijmuiden - see pics of large ships encountered on the canal. In Ijmuiden, amazingly, we were the only boat in a huge lock which let us back into the salty, tidal North Sea.

We turned left, put the mainsail up and headed south towards Scheveningen, a lovely seaside resort close to the Hague. Why were we in a hurry? Because today was fair weather and Friday and Saturday are looking pretty evil with 30 knot gusts predicted. So today was an unlooked for chance to get a bit closer to home before we are storm bound for the weekend.

We began motor sailing down the coast but eventually put the foresail up and bingo, the old girl was sailing beautifully after days and days of humdrum motoring. It was lovely close hauled sailing with white spray and blue sky and warm sun. 

The day took a turn for the worse when Lesley discovered a minor flood of seawater in the heads (bathroom). This was caused by our forgetfulness. We used to religiously close the sea-cock under the sink, in case the seawater came in  when we were sailing, heeled right over. We used to take this sensible precaution but today we forgot. The sink and its surrounds were covered in seawater which infiltrated Nic's wash-bag, killing his electric shaver and thermometer. This is serious because it means he will have a beard like Methuselah by the time we are home. We will never get the seawater stains off the carpet, but we have always known it's iffy to have carpet in the bathroom.

Now we are snug in the marina ready to do food shopping and other jobs tomorrow while it blows a hoolie.