The MBM fleet reaches Dordrecht
Torrential rain had dominated the fleet’s second night in Willemstad and had disturbed a few crewmembers’ sleep. The fleet awoke to a grey overcast sky but the blustery wind had died off and the sun was beginning to break through.
Support RIB Time Flies departed Willemstad at 10.30am, with the intention of reaching Dordrecht first. The late departure at 11am meant that many participants had the chance to nip to the supermarket for some much needed provisions (it was closed yesterday). A trip to the local bakery was also on the agenda, Dawn from InMotion said that the smell of sweet pastry was hard to resist and she managed to snap up the last of the chocolate croissants.
En route, the Hollandsch Diep was busy with barge traffic, which made the 13-mile passage exciting. Nearing the junction for the Oude Mass, the landscape changed from country green to industrial cityscape.
The fleet assembled on the KDR&ZV Yacht Club moorings in
Dordrecht’s Nieuwe Haven Basin
The fleet had a strict window of 1-2pm to arrive at the Nieuwe Haven in Dordrecht. At 12.30pm Time Flies arrived to find lots of empty pontoon spaces ready and waiting for the fleet’s arrival, the Yacht Club harbourmaster had even hoisted a British flag to mark our presence. By 1.45pm the last boats had tied up and had set foot ashore to explore.
A pontoon party was held at 6.30pm. Unfortunately the heavens opened and the participants sheltered aboard motor catamaran Top Cat and Hardy 32 Commander Tidesend. Thank you for your hospitality Mike and Jill Tidesend, Jeff and Erika Top Cat. Not many boats can accommodate up to 22 people in their cockpits.
