After checking the weather forecast we decided that we should leave for Belgium today, or it is very likely we will be weather bound until much later in the week. It is a lovely clear day with a bit of breeze, probably around a force 4, so we checked with the Harbour Master who agreed we could lock out of the marina around 12.15pm
The first three hours of our trip were ok but when we started to reach open water, it got really rough, blowing at least a force 5 and at times a force 6. The waves were thrashing against the starboard side of the boat and coming over the top. I remembered from a previous trip that there was a high rise block of flats very close to the marina at Niewpoort and if I could only see them, we couldn’t be that far away – if only!! Eventually I spotted the flats, so much for being close when you could see them, it was nearly another hour before we got into the harbour entrance, around 6.30pm. We made it!! There is something very special about arriving in a foreign port under your own steam.
We were directed to a berth, which was a floating pontoon, but only a very short one. Getting on and off the boat was going to be tricky, but at least we were tied up for the night.
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| Niewpoort Marina |
After cleaning up, washing down the boat and having something to eat, we decided to have a look around the marina. The facilities are really good, there is a shower & toilet block, launderette, a chandlery, bike hire (free for 2 hrs) and a bar/restaurant. The Yacht Club was open so we decided to pop in for a quick one or two(it would be rude not to) before heading back to the boat for the night.
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| Niewpoort Marina Yacht Club |
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