Carey brings a report of this annual event where a group of East Coast Gaffers joined their Dutch friends after a week camping and sailing in Friesland.
After our week in Friesland, we left Oudega, the land of trees, church towers and clay-tiled barns on a misty morning to head south. Roads became wider and busier. Very narrow country lanes grew to two carriageways then four, six and eight lanes. Then suddenly life slowed right down again and we were back to a quiet lane with passing places which took us into Reeuwijk and the Elfhoeven Sailing Club. Launching commenced immediately by crane or ramp with all hands on deck as usual. The weekend forecast was for very little wind following last year’s stormy blow out but no rain. A peleton of cyclists headed into Reeuwijk for a tour of the local Museum to see a lovely range of Edith’s pictures plus an explanation of the historical wet peat extraction and drying process that created the lakes we were to sail on. It was a useful warning that we needed to keep a look out for peat islands that just appear and challenge some vessels.
Saturday morning started gently with a palaver, coffee & cake so no one was in a hurry to leave, as airs were light & there was not much hope of improvement. With chartlet, route & bridges to pass through the raid began with displays of light air sailing skills then paddling & rowing, some more enthusiastically than others & not just the youngsters. The large fleet of boats from the tall & majestic Pagan, little sister Jan Blanc & a great variety of classic wooden & GRP boats headed to the start passing through the first bridge into Vrijhoef where we saw our first peat islands. A slow start eventually commenced, extra propulsion quickly came into use. One newly launched gaffer sped off under oars, & it transpired a sliding rowing position, so under ‘Dutch rules’ it was sent to the back several times while others watched /drifted on. A group of younger sailors were also showing highly competitive tactics & frequently bailing. Led by the yellow motorised lead craft, which some of us hadn’t even reached, we were guided towards the opened lifting bridge into the next lake. Fickle winds continued so people sailed, drifted & rowed as needed. The chartlet showed us where we were heading for lunch but the entrance was difficult to make out, so watching others drop sails & row in lead us to a green mooring area for lunch & time to inspect the variety of vessels moored alongside.
A combined evening cook provided chilli con carne for 31 English and Dutch Gaffers around the campfire with plenty of wood to burn. It was time to catch up and chat with old friends and new. Lunch ended and reinforcements had arrived, the smallest boat was now filled with five lads, paddling furiously (Vikings came to mind) while another vessel had acquired a bike stowed on board to take back to the club. A gentle sail, paddle or row returned us all to base and a very welcome drink at Elfhoeven Sailing Club bar. It hadn’t been an exhausting time but the chairs felt comfortable and the beer went down well. The prize giving exposed various exploits with gifts being given for:
getting stuck on the peat, twice;
turning the engine on before hitting the organiser’s boat;
the boat that almost hit ‘Seabird’ was instructed to grovel to her skipper with the given peace offering;
flying lots & lots of sail to ensure they would not be missed;
overcoming a broken halyard by converting to a motor launch.
Then the traditional first, second and third prizes were awarded, beautiful small hand painted plaques, a real gem to receive. Note to self, must try harder next year. A sliding rowing position overcame more traditional propulsion and won with the boys a close second. The evening continued with a tasty meal cooked for us at the club which is beautifully nestled on the Elfhoeven. What a lovely place to sit and just enjoy being outside. We were blessed by the Indian summer conditions. Sunday dawned magically misty with a beautiful sunrise, so another palaver with more coffee and cake, sculling into the mist with lessons for beginners and races for the more skilled. The overall sculling winner was voted to be our own Clare, hooray!
An attempt to sail commenced but alternative propulsion was again in need on and off, so out with oars and paddles to get us to a mooring area with ice creams. Plates, brushes and foam seat pads were amongst the items used to move the boats through the water but the ice creams proved non-existant. However the bar was open on our return after all the boats had been lifted out and put onto trailers with lots of helpers assisting. Many thanks to the members of the club too. The evening meal arrived at the campsite in multiple boxes filled with a variety of tasty pizzas that soon disappeared but not before everyone had had their fill. Interestingly the boxes were returned to be recycled, much to PTK’s disappointment as he was preparing to burn them. Those heading home in Holland began to depart and those remaining for the ferry the next day shared entertaining stories round the campfire.
The fire pit looked desolate on Monday morning and we were all very sad to be leaving after a splendid weekend to round off our 12 days in the Netherlands. Slowly people began to depart for the ferry where we were greeted by name as we booked in and great interest was taken in our small boats sailing trip.
Many thanks to all those involved in organisation the trip, particularly Sarah & PTK. Also Rik & Edith who once again made us so welcome at the raid along with all the friendly members of the Elfhoeven Sailing Club.
Report: Carey Stephenson