We left our idyllic moorings on the nature reserve and had an easy day to the Volkerak Sluice. This huge lock is in two parts – one ‘small’ lock of 200 feet long for yachts and pleasure craft and two really big locks for commercial. Obviously we chose commercial – no sorry, just joking – the yacht lock where we moored up for a quiet free night. The next day we set off at a leisurely 10.30 for our next destination which was to be via the ‘scenic route’ according to our programme Noodersoft. Unfortunately at the very moment where we were entering a labyrinth of small islands the area involved as shown on the screen became devoid of any detail whatsoever. More than that, an area of dense blue covered the layout of the islands closest to us so that we had no idea where we were supposed to be, although we suspected we were off course.
You have to go somewhere, but naturally the route we decided to take became shallower and shallower, with some small areas which were very very shallow, until we went aground. We tried to reverse, to pull ourselves off, but the rudder dug deep, swung round and rammed hard to starboard, bending the operating ram. We managed to move forward again, then went ever harder aground with the port side up some 6”. Oh hell!
We closed down and had lunch, then Alex replaced the ram. But there was now a problem with the power assistance. We were also still very much aground.
Then a little power boat appeared and after much frantic waving by Louise, headed in our direction (only slowing for a few moments while the lady of the couple put her bikini – both parts – back on!) They told us that the area had a small tide, which would lift us about 30cm later in the day and we might get off then. They also gave us the number of the Police Patrol who would be able to alert a local barge to tow us off (for a small fortune no doubt) if we couldn’t do it ourselves.
We thanked them profusely for their help, saw them on their way and sat back waiting for the tide. To our amazement, 1½ hours later the couple reappeared in their speedboat with a 50 ft police patrol power launch and a 350 hp RIB (rigid inflatable) in tow (not literally of course).
The police were pretty disappointed that their RIB wasn’t man enough to pull us out, but the 75-metre rope which we had strung across to the launch did the trick! They were all so pleasant and friendly, gave us a chart, recommended the onward route, shook hands and were off. Hopefully pics will appear although Louise had to be careful not to be seen photographing our rescuers in case it made us look really amateur!
We eventually limped to the next lock, moored up for the evening and treated ourselves to a meal at the local restaurant. When we told the waiter we had gone aground, he said ‘No shame in that, everyone goes aground here – even the trip boat captains who go out 4 times a day!’ And he also added that you should never reverse or you wreck your rudder – and this from a waiter!!!!!! Hey Ho!
So here we sit – safely moored – while Alex does his best to correct the steering problem before we can venture further.
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