Zarro sloops on the Wadden Sea

The great crossing to the Terschellingmet Zarro club.

At the beginning of last season suggested water Jachtbouw Zandbergen bv the idea with some boats Zarro stabbing into the Wadden Sea to the Wadden Islands. The perpetrators get caught up in conversation, and start thinking how the idea can be transformed into an executable plan. The first call is on May 17 in all, known at that time, Zarro email addresses of owners. The first reactions were enthusiastic. Gradually there are more email addresses that are accessed, and there will be questions about safety, navigation, tidal, wind, currents, insurance, seaworthiness, and a lot of detail. On June 11 is at an introductory meeting Zandbergen Dronrijp organized. Over coffee, the plans on the table, and creates a lively discussion about sailing in fresh and salt water, and the difference. The conclusion of this first meeting is that there is enough interest for a crossing to Terschelling and Vlieland. To further prepare the case, agreements are made about matters that still need to be purchased, such as radarreflectors, signal horns, and swimming and life jackets. It was further agreed that weekends would be pinned on the basis of the HP33 (tide table) and that an itinerary would be made. For boaters who have no salt water under the keel had a saltwater introduction organized. The main deal was we do not sail if the wind exceeds 3Bft. The saltwater introduction is a good test to see if anyone dares to do it. On July 6 it so far. We sail with five boats. The sea lock at the first surprise waiting in Harlingen. The announcement reads: Wind SW, Wind 4/5Bft. Unanimously decided to test it and sail half hours in the Wadden Sea, once at the end of the Pollendam and go back to Harlingen. On August 2, the second meeting and agreed that we either 9 and August 10, or 16 and August 17 sailing. The first weekend will be disappointed because the wind blown warning 7Bft. In the run of the weekend it looks very favorable expectations are: wind Saturday 2 / 3 and Sunday 3/4Bft. On Thursday is already decided this weekend to make the crossing. Saturday 16 August 6 boats depart towards Harlingen, Harlingen and closes the 7th joined the convoy. After the sea lock wait (again) a surprise, the wind is not 2 nor 3Bft. There is a serious NW 4Bft of it. and we start plowing the journey. Halfway Terschelling we get beautiful weather, sailing ships are silent because they have no more wind in their sails. After crossing a beautiful 4 hours we moor in the harbor of Terschelling, making a clean sweep and go enjoy a drink on a terrace. In the evening we enjoy a common meal in Hoorn. This was not only delicious but also so terribly nice all together. Of sailing, chatting, eating and drinking a pink person, so all early in the cage. Sunday morning at 8 o'clock the trip. The weather looks bad out, it's overcast, it has night light rains and there is a strong wind. Of the traffic control center on the Brandaris we hear on the radio that a SSE wind with wind 4/5Bft. (5 more than 4). The retreat is a bar, but it's exciting and a great experience. With the flow of rising water after three hours in the port of Harlingen. There are two sailing boats alongside their admiration for the seamanship of the boat captains. That feels good. During a final container of hot coffee and a snack in the Noorderke, unanimously decided that the trip is beautiful, wonderful and exciting, and that the club but Zarro down to start thinking about a next trip. If you want more information, or you want to join the Zarro skippers, or want a full report on the long journey ahead, please contact us.