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Friday 8 July

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Left Gouda – had to wait to get into the Julianussluis which we are calling Julianacraplock – the waiting piles were extremely dangerous – sticking out bits that could easily penetrate the hull if approached incorrectly and then the lock, the lock, the lock. On the water line there is a piece of wood to which you cant put a fender between it and the boat as the fenders float. Crap lock! (we recently got a really good tip for locks like this – instead of using fenders – use rubber welcome mats as these sink).

Heading towards Dordrecht passed a number of lifting bridges – very impressive technology. As we were approaching one there were up to 20 yachts waiting to go through – one hell of a scramble to get through and then you need to get back over on to the starboard side of the river dodging barges.

When we found the entrance to the yacht haven it was a race to get the best position to get through the bridge when it opened. We succeeded to get in early and were squeezed into a spot with inches to spare (right in front of the pedestrian bridge). The marina manager and his assistant were brilliant in accommodating all the boats of different sizes and types.

 Wandered around Dordrecht – one of Holland’s oldest cities. Saw all the key sites in an hour.