20190422

On our first trip of 2019 we returned to the Ijsselmeer. We left Marina Muiderzand at 1000 hours and set course to Volendam on the western shore of the Ijsselmeer. Despite the early date it was very nice sailing weather with a F3-4 blowing from the SW. At 1400 hours we reached the picturesque village of Volendam and sailed into the shallow Gouwzee.

Compared to the Markermeer, the Gouwzee was more choppy. Not sure why, maybe just because the Gouwzee is quite narrow. En route to Monnickendam we received a message that friends Kees and Sabine had just left Volendam. We had tentatively set up to meet with Kees and Sabine who were sailing their new Breehorn 41. While we sailed back to the Markermeer we saw the babyblue Breehorn lying at anchor just outside Volendam. We decided to sail back to Muiderzand in company.

Kees and Sabine gave us a headstart and we were off. It was a really nice sail with enough pressure to make good speed but no need to reef. After a while we were caught up by Kees and Sabine. It was impressive how they overtook us without the least effort. Soon they were just a dot on the horizon. We continued on our way and reached the outskirts of Almere and began to think we had nearly made it. Even then took us more than an hour to reach the entrance of the marina. We were back at 1800 hours. A very enjoyable sailing trip!