Here are a few more pics of funny and/or interesting boats we have seen on our boating travels on the inland waterways through Netherlands, Belgium and France.
This was a one off – in Antwerp the Harbour Master, complete with white uniform and stripes meets all boats in his speedy rubber duck, asks details and how long you are staying and escorts you to a suitable berth. Very efficient!
So with all that efficiency and a lovely marina it was surprising to see such an unloved boat.
Still in Belgium we met this boat which was almost the same as Shangri La but with the novel but somewhat ungainly storage platform at the stern. Must have made finding a berth quite tricky.
France definitely takes first prize for deadbeat boats. This one and the next one were both in Digoin on the Canal du Centre. Obviously never been used in ages, but what makes it so annoying is they were both moored almost right at the Capitainerie in prime spots that could be used by visiting boats.
In contrast, the Netherlands waterways was full of interesting and well kept craft.
Passed this trimaran on the Rietdiep, a beautiful and relatively quiet waterway that avoids the busy Princess Beatrix Kanaal on our route from Groningen to Dokkum.
And another trimaran. Looks a bit of a home-made conversion. This time on the Sneekermeer.
Of course there was no shortage of a variety of traditional Dutch sailing boats. Most of them actually sailing too!
The first time I encountered one of these it was a bit daunting but I got used to them and never had a problem at all.
What memories these pics bring back!
Some more next time!
My love of boats goes back to my early years when I went on holiday with my parents to Knysna in the Cape.
We stayed at a hotel on stilts, and I played in rowing boats and little motor boats on the lagoon.