Marina Amsterdam

On previous stays in Amsterdam we have been to the Sixhaven. I believe it’s not quite as jam packed as it used to be but suspected it might not be very accessible for Sam. So we chose the relatively new Marina Amsterdam who have done us proud, with a berth alongside a huge pontoon which is also not the main walkway. 

We spent a day in  IJmuiden recovering from the crossing, which was probably sensible although apart from the beach there’s not much on offer. On Tuesday we left in a relatively relaxed way as even at the age of 26 Ben is not keen on early rising. The Kleine Sluis was fine but slow. 

Then we sailed slowly up the Nordzee kanal in pleasant sunshine, arriving at the marina in time to get the ferry to Centraal Station, walk gently westward through the city enjoying the canals and the appelgebaak,calling at a supermarket to stock up with basics, and then getting the other ferry back to NDSM. Sam was thrilled to spend time in the city, the sun shone and it all worked very well.

Sadly today has been less lovely with rain starting around 10am and continuing most of the day. I had a good 5km jog before it started but otherwise spent the day getting the laundry done, trying to work out what’s wrong with the VHF and catching up with this blog. 

Tomorrow’s forecast looks windy and wet again although it was a lovely peaceful evening. Our incredibly helpful HLR has suggested some options for people who could look at the VHF so tomorrow we need to contact them, reappraise the weather and decide what to do next.