Course Content

The package will include a pre-planning meetings, safety equipment checks and mechanical assistance and advice, fuelling facilities on passage and meteorological and passage planning advice. Each vessel will be responsible for their own running expenses, fuel costs, victuals and any mooring fees etc.

We invite Students to board our lead Sail Boat or boat owners to join the fleet to journey to Northern/Southern Holland and/or Belgium. After considering the weather and other conditions the ultimate destination and route really depends upon the passage planning of the lead boat skippers.

Southern Holland Flotilla

Leaving Levington, with the lead boats at times to suit individual capabilities of different vessels, we make for Belgium.

The plan is, but we all know how things can change, to head for Blankenberge in Belgium and then head North East along the coast to Vlissingen (Flushing) where you enter the inland waterways through the sea lock.

From Vlissingen, traverse the Walcheren canal and take in the picturesque countryside via Middelburg and through the Veerse Meer into Oosterschelde to Zierikzee. Marvel at the bridge across the Oosterschelde and then explore some of the interesting historic ports on the Delta before leaving the Oosterschelde through the Roompotsluis sea lock and setting sail to Harwich.

The return journey could change, depending on the weather, but there will be plenty of opportunity to sample local culture, food and drink. Memories of the inland waterways will remain with you for a long time. The trip will have given you the confidence to tackle the trip across the North Sea or the Channel to explore more of the near Continent on independent holiday cruises in future.

If you would like to join one of our flotillas, either with your own boat, or by reserving a place on one of our boats, call Mally at the Administration Centre on 01473 659992.

Requirements

Your craft should be equipped and provisioned for a 100-mile/20-hour open sea passage.

Safety

It should have basic safety equipment lifejackets, distress flares, VHF radio, suitable anchor with chain, tool kit. A liferaft is recommended but not compulsory.

Engine spares

You should carry at least two spare primary fuel filters and two secondary fuel filters, one water pump impeller and alternator belt. Spare fuel (10 litres) if practical.

Charts

Imray chart C30 or its equivalent is best for the passage . Dutch charts can be purchased when we arrive as they are much cheaper there.

Flags

French, Belgium and Dutch courtesy ensigns will be required.

Route

This will depend on weather on the day.