The picturesque town basin of Goes is on the horizon
The fleet awoke to a grey threatening sky overhead. Able to limbo under the Engelinberger Brug at the entrance to the Nieuwe Haven Dordrecht, support RIB Time Flies was the first to depart the basin at 7.45. The next groups of boats departed with the 8, 8.30 and 9 o’clock bridge lifts.
The 45-mile passage to Goes meant the fleet retraced their steps towards the tidal Oosterschelde, going back through the Hollandsch Diep and the Volkerak traversing three locks. It was a breezy, squally day out on the water but by the afternoon the sun had broken through making the last sedate four miles up the canal to Goes something to remember. Upstream of the lock the canal is lined with beautiful tall trees with rich green fields either side, and further on, the first lifting bridge surrounded by quaint riverside homes. There are two further lifting bridges to tackle before the town basin where the fleet were destined. These are both controlled by Goes Harbour Master Cornelius. He had emptied the entire town basin ready for the MBM fleet.
Going up –
In Motion Fairline Phantom 43 in Goesse sas Waterlock
Time Flies was the first to arrive, and Claire and Keith moored the fleet as they arrived in the picturesque basin. Unfortunately fleet boat Lagoon Power 43 Top Cat is too wide to enter the town basin and is moored on the quayside just outside.
Tomorrow the fleet will enjoy a rest day in Goes, so a chance to relax and explore. Distant screams and shrieks can be heard from the high street – the fair is in town and so should provide some entertainment for the big kids amoung the partcipants.
Nightfall in the Goes town basin
