Netherlands Waterway Trip – Gouda to Rotterdam

Leaving Gouda

Thursday 27th July

Today’s trip would be a bit different.

The route was down the Hollandse Ijssel River, and joining the River Maas, which is a big waterway compared to all the ones we have been on so far.

Weather forecast was good, with light SW’ly wind.

Approaching Julianasluis

We left Gouda marina at about 09.50 am and motored a short way down the Gouwe River to the huge Juliana Lock where we locked up to
the Hollandse Ijssel River.

The lock had a BB (Beweeg Brug – closed clearance of 3.4 m) at either end.

When we arrived, the lock-keeper opened the lock gates but not the bridge.

Julianasluis

I take it he thought we could fit under.

Anyway, after a minute or two he must have realized,because he stopped all the traffic and opened the bridge.

It was a large lock and took over 15 minutes to fill.

We were the only boat in the lock.

On the Hollandse Ijssel

Once clear of the lock we joined into the Hollandse Ijssel, which is tidal from this point onwards.

A very pleasant passage, making only about 10 km/hr as were were against the tide, passing several small picturesque villages, including Oudekerk aan der Ijssel, Capelle aan der Ijssel and Krimpen aan der Ijssel.

Flood Barrier at Krimpen a/d Ijssel

Here, we went under Algerabrug and under the stormvloedkering or flood barrier which was raised at the moment.

Then we joined the Maas river.

Loads of big commercial barges and traffic, along with ferries, water taxis and Water Police craft.

We now also picked up speed from the river current and were making 13 km/hr without and increase in engine revs,

V. Btienenoordbrug on the Maas

Compared to the rest of our waterway travels, this part now became relatively rough, mainly from the wakes and wash of all the traffic.

One water taxi made a huge wave as it passed, right when Karen and Caron were making lunch, causing some minor havoc in the galley.

Approaching Rotterdam – on the Maas

We passed under the V. Brienenoordbrug, Nieuwe Willemsbrug  and the Erasmus Brug, passed the passenger terminal and immediately into Veerhaven.

We arrived there about 12.45 pm

We opted for Veerhaven rather than the City Marina, as this one was closer to town.

Veerhaven in Rotterdam

One is never sure quite what to expect from these marinas.

This one was much smaller than I had expected, and was surprised to find it nearly full, mainly with a lot of large traditional yachts which seemed to be
permanent there.

There were a few passing boats there, and only one space left.

Veerhaven – Havenmeester office and facilities block

The marina turned out to be excellent, though more pricey than normal.

But electricity and water was included.

The ablution facilities were very good, the wifi worked well and there was a washing machine and dryer available.

We were tied up to floating pontoons.

The tide range here is about 2 metres.

Trying out our braai (barbeque)

Also, with all the continual passing river traffic, we were bobbing about quite a bit all the time.

Helped rock us to sleep.

Walked up town and had a couple of beers, found the VVV (tourist info), got a map, and located the Maritime Museum, Mini rail world exhibition, and the vegan restaurant we planned to visit next night.

That evening, decided to try out the portable barbeque I had bought. It worked well. Fish for the carnivores and veggies for the veggies, with the obligatory bottle of red wine! Eet smaaklik! (Eat Tasty) As the Dutch say.

Statistics:

Distance:            25 km
BB:                      2
Fixed bridges:      4
Locks:                 1
Time:                   2 hrs 55 mins