20180627

Published in Dinghy Cruising Journal 239

The Raid NL 2018 3

Day 3 - Bergumermeer to Langweer - 49km

Today's goal was to get to Akkrum. We set of at 1100 hours. When we crossed the Bergumermeer the wind was still very light. At the bottom of the lake sailed up the Lits. The canal was lined with trees. Soon we were rowing and paddling again. It was quite busy with motor boats. We did not see any sailboats. We then hoisted sail to cross the Leien lake. There was hardly any wind and it was very hot. We continued paddling and rowing along the Peinder canal in the direction of Drachten.

We skipped the industrial area of Drachten and turned right into the Wijde Ee. By now there was a little wind so we switched to sailing mode again. At last we saw some sailboats!

We picnicked at a small island. There was now a small breeze. No more bridges for quite a while so we sailed much of the time. Before Grou we turned left heading for Nes and passed the Loppe Aquaduct. Soon we were in Akkrum. We decided to continue to Langweer. First we had a very enjoyable broad reach across the Sneekermeer. Then we got on the Noarder Alde Wei and crossed the Langweerder Wielen to arrive at Langweer at 2000 hours.

In the evening light we moored our boats between the keelboats of the sailing school. We quickly pitched our tents and walked into Langweer to get a meal at the Drie Swaantjes. Unfortunately we got there too late so we had to content ourselves with a fried meal across the road. Moved Hatseflats to another jetty to get some comfort.