Special encounters as skipper

Dutch version

[Intro] Doing something completely different next to running a deep tech global scale-up, meeting new people brings me lots of joy and special moments. Living on a small island in the oldest city of Holland, I'm always involved in water sports. For the past three years, I've been sailing with tourists on big rivers, harbors, canals, and even National Park 'de Biesbosch'!

Experiences and encounters as a skipper at Villa Augustus

For the last three years, I have regularly sailed with guests on Villa Augustus’ beautiful saloon boats. One is diesel-powered and has a fixed roof and the other is electrically driven and has a linen hood. The electrical boat can be opened completely albeit with some difficulty closing it again. The last boat which is battery powered is my favorite. It is visually appealing, quiet, and most importantly environmentally friendly. Although it is the slowest, it is the most entertaining as we spend more time cruising in the water.

Boating has always been a passion of mine and after hearing about Villa Augustus I offered my availability to take guests out every now and then in the summer. They have the option of choosing a one-hour ride through Dordrecht City or a two-hour journey to Biesbosch. Usually, the busiest time period comes at the end of summer, where I'll be working most weekdays including weekends. On a weekly basis, I receive calls from reception asking me to take hotel guests out on the boat. It is wonderful to experience sailing with many different groups as not only do you enjoy the ride but you also enjoy their company. Within the first two months, I began really liking this new job. ??

Special encounters

The Villa Augustus complex with a shop, restaurant, garden, and hotel

It is always a surprise who the guests are; a couple staying at the hotel, eight colleagues who have had meetings, or a family with grandparents. After the first acquaintance, an enjoyable conversation usually follows. Where they come from, their mutual setting, and the opportunity they are taking. Most often than not guests have something to celebrate and are usually accompanied by a personal story. There have been numerous occasions where it is their first time and I look forward to those moments as we are able to share that experience together. We tend to have beautiful conversations that sometimes lead to unexpected turns.?

The Wantij flows into the three-river point

Aldi bridge

We start on the river Wantij with its origins in the Biesbosch. We pass five beautiful floating houses that fluctuate daily in water levels (one meter twice a day) due to the ebb and flow. They are located in front of the peninsula where it was once home to shipyards and transshipment companies. It is currently being rebuilt. The old shipyard “De Biesbosch” and the two historic long crane tracks bring back many memories and serve as a reminder of the once-prosperous inland shipping industry.

We sail towards the new and imposing Prince Claus Bridge. We slow the boat so that everyone has time to appreciate the engineering quality behind the walking/cycling bridge. There are many special shapes including curved lines that are quite rare to find on a bridge. The technician in me likes to point out the difficulty of creating one of these and the many challenges you would face in a construction like this.

Locals call it the ‘Aldi Bridge’ because it is the shortest way for them to reach their favorite store located further up in the district ‘de Staart’. It is wonderful that we city dwellers, just like in Rotterdam, create our own nicknames for these types of things. Even more so when this bridge was budgeted at 9 million euros which exceeded a total of 12.5 million. In short, we would need to go to Aldi many times to cover the additional costs of this project.

Busiest crossroads in Europe

Below is the river Oude Maas, and in the top left, we find Noord with Beneden Merwede found in the top right.

Beyond the bridge, the VHF radio turns on so that we can listen to channel 79. Through this, we are able to hear the communication and coordination between large ships on the busiest crossroads in Europe. More than 150000 ships pass through this point every year. The powerful VHF voices that are heard are indicative of the seriousness of the communication.?This information is filtered through to the guests who eventually realize that this is not the quiet river they were relishing only a few moments ago.

The majority of boats passing through are inland vessels, originating from Rotterdam Europoort for example. These boats would then sail upstream to the Rhine and would eventually arrive somewhere in Germany or even Switzerland after a few days.

About 12 times a day a 270 meter long 6-bucket pushing unit passes by transporting 16,000 tons. The loaded pushers sails at an average speed of 9 kilometers per hour, taking 26 hours to arrive in Duisburg from Europoort. The route back, however, without the loaded carriage, only takes 12 hours with a speed of 20km/h.

Large blind spot and speed differences

From Switzerland to the sea

Sign on the Groothoofd

The Lower Merwede is part of the Rhine that is 1,230 km long and starts in the Swiss Alps and consists mainly of meltwater, but also ground and rainwater. If you want to arrive in Beneden Merwede you are able to via the Nijmegen in Maastricht or via Duisburg, Cologne, Koblenz in Stuttgart, or even Basel. Straight on the Noord there is a T-junction with the Lek at Kinderdijk; or to Arnhem or Amsterdam, or under the Van Brienenoord bridge to Rotterdam.

Finally, turn left onto the Oude Maas, below Rotterdam to the Europoort or on to the Moerdijk bridge and the Haringvliet. Every inland vessel that sails through the Netherlands from east to west or from north to the south must pass through this intersection. My passengers are always fascinated by the sheer volume of water and the realization that these ships still have a long journey with many days ahead of them.

Wijnhaven with Boombrug and in the distance the bridge over the Noord at Alblasserdam

Drop of 7 meters

In order not to have to cross twice, we sail for a short time against the traffic. We pass the water buses that can leave at any time and must cross between the incoming and outgoing ships. The motto is to anticipate and be as clear as possible and give maximum space to all ships. It sounds logical but because of the exceptional situation you sometimes see small boats making strange actions.

The water buses that commute between Dordrecht, Zwijndrecht, Papendrecht, Hendrik Ido Ambacht, Alblasserdam, Ridderkerk, Kinderdijk to Rotterdam

The current can vary greatly, from Nijmegen to the sea there is a decline of 6.80. The water has been flowing towards the sea for centuries. On average, one Olympic swimming pool flows through the Rhine per second. During the peak in 1995, this was five times as much. In the summer, it can also be only a third.

The open connection with the sea also causes a considerable tide difference and depending on the amount of river water and the phase of the moon (in combination with a stormy west wind), the current can change direction four times a day. If there is a strong wind parallel to one of the rivers, it creates a serious wave. One meter is no exception.

Flemish city?

The Stockholm building

Observing the oldest city in Holland from the boat is a sight to behold. The reactions from the guests makes you realize every time how this city, surrounded by water, is so beautiful. Wolwevershaven, a maritime museum, only displays authentic, riveted ships dating back before 1937. During the summer days many children and adults swim here.

Many people from outside of Dordrecht live in and around this port. As early as 1620, 4,500 of the 18,000 inhabitants in Dordrecht were of Flemish origin.

Wolwevershaven with Damiate bridge

West-Indies house at the Kuipershaven

“Is this Dordrecht?”

Back at the three rivers crossroads we pass the beautiful 15th century city gate 'the Groothoofdspoort' where Napoleon once arrived. This never impresses French tourists, and they tell me that it is only special when Napoleon has NOT been somewhere!

Large main gate with the Wijnhaven on the left and the Wolwevershaven on the right

Just in front of the gate is a wide staircase. As we sail past, I explain that we often swim there on summer days (with large orange swimming buoys). When we reach the stairs, the people sitting on them are often shocked. If they are tourists, I ask the control question as a kind of overtired Robinson Crusoe: "is this Dordrecht?" to which they ask deeply impressed where we come from.

Groothoofdspoort

Do you want to take over the helm?

To get to the Biesbosch we first must sail down the Wantij. This is a river with a tide and current where it is very common to find people rowing, especially in the morning and evening. However most of the time it is usually for pleasure boating. As soon as we have passed the rowers and it is quiet, I ask our group who wants to steer. This is followed up almost unanimously. I am left to slow down from time to time, to give advice and to be able to intervene quickly and adequately. After all, a boat has no brakes and does not stop quickly. Lets not forget the wind, current and other boats that are not under our control.

Being at the helm gives people a special experience, but it usually takes a while before they feel how the boat behaves. We are used to the accuracy and immediacy of a car whereas a boat, especially a larger one, reacts slowly and indirectly. Most do want to steer, which is often captured in the photo.

It is quiet on the Wantij, and I ask a couple in their mid-fifties if they want to take over the helm. Without even looking at each other, they both spontaneously start laughing loudly.

As it turns out, they have both been captains on the high seas and steering on a saloon boat in the Biesbosch did not have the same meaning for them as for the average guest. A little later we arrive at a beautiful meandering part of the Biesbosch, and I offer to make them a time lapse. Promptly, they crawl like a couple in love behind the helm on their laps. The rest of the trip they stay at the helm, have a lot of fun and are like many other guests very happy with the time lapse video.

Unperturbed

When you get to know each other on the jetty, you get a good first impression of the group: a family with two studying children and supporters. The first conversations are spontaneous and interesting. With their son at the helm, we have plenty of time for very diverse conversations.

Right at the beginning of a very long narrow ditch, a steel launch sticks just in front of it and continues to sail painfully slowly for us. This can easily take 15 minutes. We remain patient assuming the best man would look back, which he doesn't. After about 3 minutes of patient waiting, I jokingly use the word 'autistic' after which the father of the house carefully and politely corrects me with "probably you mean unperturbed". His reaction indicates plenty of sensitivity with language. As it turns out, he's a writer and has just written a book about letting go. As a result of the many papers used in e-commerce, my field, there is currently a paper shortage. His book can only be printed in a month's time. The 'letting go' brought us to discuss with great pleasure numerous life topics until the end of the 20-minute extended journey.

Not on Sunday morning

During the summer there are weekly requests to sail two hours in the Biesbosch on Sunday morning. A wonderful moment if not for the fact that I always go for a 15km run with friends. If the guests are flexible, we leave a little later to sail the same route where we run just before on both sides of the Wantij. The reason behind this is that I get to enjoy the conversations and the time in the Biesbosch.

Some farms are only accessible by boat

60 wedding guests in the water

Pre-Corona we regularly sailed with bridal couples in completely different settings. Only the couple, with the photographer, bridesmaids and very occasionally with a witness are present. Upon their return, the company is waiting on the quay, which makes it special because at that moment they see the bridal couple for the first time that day. The time at which we are expected is fixed and normally they see us in the distance, from the city, arriving. I often suggest that we arrive from the Wantij bridge, so that we will only be visible at the very last moment. All bridal couples go for this, and this is a guarantee for fun on board. Moreover, I explicitly ask the bride if she wants to be at the helm, to sit crouched and out of sight next to it, so that their guests on the quay have the conviction that she sails the saloon boat independently and photos can be taken of it.

The planning of a wedding is carefully discussed with the master of ceremonies, as well as clear agreements about the maximum number of people on the floating jetty.

When we arrive, I see to my great shock the entire company of up to 60 people on the floating jetty! The jetty is dangerously low and can tilt at any moment with all the consequences if the group moved wrongly. I stop the boat about 20 meters in front of the jetty, climb outside and make it clear that they must get off the jetty immediately. Fortunately, they immediately followed my directions, and it was quickly emptied. I don't suspect that any of them realized how extremely risky that situation was.

Personal booking

It remains special to experience the last private hour of a bridal couple intensely on a wedding day. It often ends promptly when they get off the boat after which their holiday with family and friends begins. This gives a bit of a strange feeling, that you have that beautiful and special hour together on the boat, drop them off and then never see or speak again.

At least...

It is now the second year as skipper and there are a couple who have explicitly asked for me. This never happens so that makes you curious. Suddenly they are in front of me; 'my' very first bridal couple from one of my first trips! Upon arrival at their party, the bride had been at the helm, and they enjoyed reliving this special moment. We sail for two hours through the Biesbosch and give them the time lapse below.

A wet suit

The floating jetty is very popular for hanging up in the summer and going swimming from. However, it does not look hospitable when the jetty is full of youth and swimming there with the occasional sailing boat passing by is also dangerous. The skippers have therefore been asked to always lock the gate and to ensure that there are no young people on the jetty. Now they can also swim there which is very understandable. If there are young people on the jetty, I explain it calmly and ask if they want to leave because the guests come within 5-10 minutes. This is almost unanimously responded to and is therefore never a problem.

Today there were three hefty 17–18-year-old youngsters in swimsuits hanging around on the jetty. Once at the boat I explain the appointment and ask relaxed if they want to lie down on the grass. I just continue with the boat and remind them 4 minutes later that my guests will come at any moment.

My suspicion is correct, they do not want to be inferior to each other and then say it unequivocally; "man, do me a favor and lie on the grass 5 meters further". Again, no response whatsoever. After about 10 minutes the boat is ready, and I walk towards them without saying anything. Their fiery eyes are obviously at war, we are standing right in front of each other where one of them suddenly tries to grab me, apparently with the intention of pulling me into the water behind him. I dodge his hand and push him away from me causing him to fall into the water. Tempers have escalated and I am standing there in my pocket in normal clothes, telephone and keys and I expect my guests at any moment. By now I have quite a bit of adrenaline and order the two others to immediately get off the jetty. Perhaps startled by my conviction and energy, they both leave the scaffolding immediately.

I immediately picked up my phone to call the reception because reunited with the three of them they can still come and get a story at any time. Just at that moment my 'real guests' came running.

When they return, the men are fortunately not waiting for me. In the evening on the couch, it dawned on me that it would not have mattered much if I had been lying in the water with those young people.

30-year-old teammate from Amsterdam

On the Merwekade there are regular Rhine cruises

Four passengers for an hour through the center on a Friday afternoon was the information I was told. Two couples in their early 50s walk up the jetty and I immediately recognize Paul from a distance and welcome him by his full name. Paul is really amazed; we had not seen each other for 30 years and here he is smiling broadly, finding out that I'm here as “the skipper”.?We reminisce about the countless stories together, our hockey team, the many derailed dinners on Sunday nights, hockey tournaments and his graduation party where a neat young lady casually opened a bottle of beer at the door lock of the kitchen in front of our eyes.

Not a fan of uniforms

Growing up as generation X, I have something against authoritarian authority and against uniforms, if they are not necessary. For example, we once saw 1,000 passengers of a 'Club Med' cruise ship all dressed in the same T-shirt walking through the old city of Valletta to shop. As far as I'm concerned, everyone dresses uniquely and is therefore mainly themselves.

Against that background, we skippers were given a T-shirt to wear while sailing from now on. The front is the well-known logo of Villa Augustus in Dordrecht and on the back is written in white cow letters ‘SKIPPER’. A nice gesture, but still there is resistance in me; wearing the shirt makes me feel like I want to say something to everyone.

Nevertheless, I started using the shirt and cycled through the city to Villa with it. As expected, I suddenly get a lot of reactions from neighbors and people in my neighborhood at the ports, while they have already seen me regularly sailing with guests.

However, something else is also happening that I didn't see coming. As soon as I walk into Villa Augustus in the T-shirt it is clear to all guests that I work there, and I feel even more like a host. And, because all colleagues wear the same recognizable shirt, I experience much more connection, for example from the domestic service. They now see me as one of them and I strongly feel part of a large group of colleagues who are making it to their liking.

I could never have realized that wearing a uniform would make me so proud and happy. ??

Vegan or not today?

For many years I have not been buying meat and I also try to keep dairy products to a minimum. Nevertheless, I sometimes eat cheese and meat every two months with friends or family and exceptionally in a restaurant. A valid reason for me is to eat what the earth offers us; after all, on a large part of the earth only grass grows, which only animals can eat.

When a boat trip is booked, guests can order a picnic basket, which is then neatly prepared. Often there is something to celebrate and there are a few bottles of drinks and various snacks. I am often offered to drink with them, which I almost always kindly decline. It is their basket, and the skipper bears the responsibility for the company and must therefore remain sober. The baskets are well filled, and the hour of sailing is over in no time, so that often remains untouched.

Since I was assured that Villa Augustus should always throw away all food, I took it home and enjoyed the boat trip later that day...

Cannonball

For many years we residents of the historic port area have been swimming in the ports in the summer. There are even those who do this all year round, without a wetsuit! In addition to the Damiate and the Lange IJzerenbrug, the Roobrug is the ideal spot for children. This is because they cannot only jump from the bridge but also surrounding quays into the water and can easily get out directly by the stairs. Funnily enough, they perform cannonballs into the water to wet the people in the boats. Now the children know that it is not allowed and can even be dangerous.

Because I can regularly be found in swimming trunks on the Roobrug, most children recognise me and tend to make fun of me and do cannonballs into water on the same bridge. Usually, my arrival on the boat creates some enthusiasm. When we arrive on a beautiful summer day and the children recognize me, they think that they can make bombs with me. I would therefore be wise to lie still for a while and to insist to them in time that the person who makes a bomb is no longer allowed to hang behind my boat in the harbor.

This threat works well beyond expectations. The disadvantage is that I am then approached daily on the street by the youth when they are now allowed to hang behind my boat again.

Golden Wim

Once registered as skipper Wim would explain everything to me. Wim was an old inland waterway skipper, about 77 years old and always cheerful. He liked to talk, often using some typical stop words which made him a beautiful authentic person. Sailing was still his biggest hobby and the money he earned with it he gave to his footballing grandson that he liked to watch.

In everything Wim took his responsibility as skipper broadly, he kept the boats clean, saw points for improvement and regularly refueled the diesel boat. He quickly realized that not only sailing was my love, but I was also the history, technology, and people. Wim was always there half an hour in advance at the jetty so that, if we had to sail with both boats, he would have prepared 'my' boat a long time ago.

Suddenly I hear from the reception that Wim had died.

Wim, you were not only a beautiful boy but for me you remain a shining example of how you, well into your 70s, can still be so active, socially involved, and happy!

That last 5 cm

The rivers Noord and Oude Maas have a direct connection to the sea and that gives a tide difference of 80 cm twice a day. Add to that the effect of westerly storms, the moon and of course the amount of meltwater and rainwater in the rivers and it becomes clear that nature regularly imposes itself up to and in the houses.

The Scheffersplein is one big bridge

In an ideal scenario, the city loop goes under all 12 bridges, including the medieval Town Hall. The chance of that is not that big because the Roobrug between the Nieuwe Haven and the Wolwevershaven can only be passed underneath at low tide. But also, the Boombrug between the Nieuwe Merwede and the Wijnhaven is sometimes too low. Now you can call the bridge keeper, but the chances are that you will not be able to pass under the (Arie) Scheffersplein or the City Hall. If the Boombrug is a doubtful case, I ask the passengers to look in the back of the boat to decide together whether it will succeed. We must not forget to take the flagpole out of the tube. Even if we all think we can pass under it, I pay close attention to whether a large inland vessel is not just arriving, because both its waves and the stowage easily push us that last 5 cm against the bridge. If it really is not possible, we sail around and extend the route to the Zwijndrecht railway bridge.

East side of the Town Hall

Grounded

However, even low water can cause problems in the Voorstraathaven, especially if the boat is full. Skippers know the shallowest point and sail there super slowly, which makes it a bit exciting. Today Wim and I sail one after the other through the Voorstraathaven until he gets completely stuck in front of us and he can no longer move. Five of his passengers were young teachers who saw the fun of it. Let's climb to the foredeck of my boat. Wim is still stuck after which we pull with two ships, Sirio Barone sails behind us, full force after which he is finally released. Because you certainly can't turn around there at low tide, we have to sail backwards with three boats for everyone's amusement.

Voorstraathaven with Leuvebrug and Pottenkade

Pelserbrug at low tide

Voorstraathaven in Lombardbrug

Half of the city center is located outside the sea dikes

As we sail through the harbors, I show how high the water sometimes gets. This only really comes through when they look at some pictures. All residents of the area outside the dikes are warned in time and we can grab sandbags in several places. Before the Haringvliet locks were there, it happened more often and that can be seen in some front doors where planks can be pushed.

Houses on the Korte Engelenburgerkade can withstand high water.

The houses on the Voorstraathaven form the seawall, so everything to the west is outside the dike area.

Partitions are placed between the houses at high tide to complete the seawall.

No playground

I love children and it gives me immense satisfaction every time they have a good time on the boat. No matter how bored a few are sometimes, it is up to me to captivate them for something. They love sitting on the chair and operating the rudder. What also impresses is to give them the VHF radio with the instruction to listen carefully to what the other skippers say to each other. Almost all children follow the instruction of their parents to behave on board. They are allowed to walk around but of course NOWHERE to climb.

The company today had four adults and a boy who were atypical. After introducing them they sit still without responding to my animated explanation. The boy of +/- 9 years, on the other hand, is on everything. With some caution, the boy is told several times that he is not allowed to climb on the side of the boat because it is life-threatening, especially on the river with currents and waves of the inland vessels. After he has received an obvious last serious reprimand from me, I assume that from now on he will adhere to that rule, especially since his parents are also there who have absolutely understood and felt my message.

The ships in front of me ask for my concentration and to my astonishment I see out of the corner of my eye that the boy is climbing on the side of the boat again. I turn around and without having to say anything, apparently, he feels discovered, he lowers himself back into the boat. Stunned, I suspect that there may be something wrong with that boy and kindly ask the company if they want to keep an eye on the boy from now on. Then follows a snarl: "What am I interfering with?! If he wants to climb, he does that, right?!" I then explain to them that a skipper is responsible for all passengers and that the risks if the boy falls into the water here are very high.

From now on I will enjoy parents who consciously give their children valuable baggage.

The wrong boat

Villa Augustus attracts a certain audience, some of whom also book cruises. Generalizing, you could describe the guests as: refined, cultural, well-read, interested in nature and history. At the reception I ask how many people it concerns, is there a lunch basket and if there are any details. This time five people and a lunch basket. The boat is far from ready when a group gets into the boat 10 minutes before time, this never happens without asking. After a short greeting, their attention goes directly to the lunch basket in which, according to them, the ordered beer is missing. I suggest calling the reception to briefly close the misunderstanding and arrange the beer. Even before the bell, she tells us about the route and what time we must be somewhere to pick someone up. However, I was not told this, so she assured me in an urgent tone that she had clearly agreed on everything by telephone. Finally, I called the front desk and explained the story. At that moment another group of 5 arrives and reports to my boat. It was the group that had booked with me. The group that was already in my boat had booked with Si Barone...

Steam tug the Pieter Boele in the Wolwevershaven

Skipper on order

Most guests who book a cruise are hotel guests. In addition, there are also groups that have booked separately. Because it is never clear in advance whether a skipper is available, the reception always indicates that they will submit the request to the skippers in the hope that someone can. At least 95% of the guests probably show their joy that we skippers are available and willing to sail at that time. Especially in summer, guests want to sail spontaneously, and the reception will call the skippers. At the end of a working day, it is wonderful to go sailing for an hour. Unfortunately, upon arriving at Villa Augustus I am told that the guests have just cancelled the tour. Fear that they have no idea that a skipper makes time especially for them and is already ready. Do they see us as a product that you can order or return? Let's hope they remain as exceptions.

On the right the Voorstraathaven, on the left the Maartensgat and the Nieuwe Haven behind the large church.

Tip

Sailing with guests is a hobby for me, meeting new people, good conversations and offering them a beautiful experience. The fact that they pay me is above all a pleasant side benefit. Especially sailing with older people gives a lot of satisfaction. Almost all of them are grateful, sweet, attentive, pleasant to deal with and entertaining.

It is therefore mainly older people who would like to give a tip. When they leave the boat, they already have a note in their hand, grab my arm, look at me happily and stop the note, while they thank me for the beautiful experience. It comes across as if they say "boy, tackle". It feels a little uncomfortable, taking money from old, lovely people while I'm an entrepreneur and considering boating a fun hobby. You notice from everything that they value me accepting it.

Today the guests apparently only realized in the hotel that they want to tip me. When I returned, the ladies of the reception looked at me with big eyes. They had received a tip for me, even 20 Euros. Their surprise was beautiful, "those people were so happy with you!", we really had to say that. I ask them to give me only 10 Euros and insist that they also keep 10 Euros.

Meandering over the Wantij

The course of Het Wantij

Stella and Magnus symbolize the many children on board.

It is an autumnal Sunday afternoon, and a young Belgian family comes up the jetty. The elderly and certainly Belgians can have a nice form of reservation whereas some Dutch people already do and take everything, they show themselves to be careful and ask a lot to coordinate things. This is also the case with young children from Mechelen. We sail two hours to the Biesbosch so as soon as it gets quiet past the Dordrecht Rowing Club I ask if daughter Stella of 6 wants to be behind the helm. Rather not, she still finds it too scary. After her father has been at the helm for some time and she is asked again, her eyes shine: YES! Keeping a saloon boat on course with currents and wind is not easy. Because the rudder reacts slowly, it takes even many adults time to understand that you must steer as minimally as possible to stay straight. Children are of course much more impulsive, so Stella always corrects violently from left to right. We were the only boat on the wide Wantij at that time, so I gave her time to experience the effect of her corrections. The boat makes violent swings and no doubt adjacent residents of De Staart will think that there is someone at the helm who does not yet fully understand it. Stella's parents also see the fun in it and over time she improves considerably.

Magnus of 3 obviously also wants to but while sitting behind the helm he sees little. That does not detract from his enthusiasm and pride that he is now driving the big boat. There are plenty of photos and videos made of the children and they have enjoyed the many herons and the wild horses. Not only Stella and Magnus are full of the trip, to see the eyes of the parents at the farewell will be a beautiful memory.

"What do you do with such a big boat?"

That is what a wise 6-year-old girl asks her father as we very slowly pass a large yacht up close. We adults laugh hard, and her father gives her and her older sister a striking answer. ??

Medical specialists

It is 17:00 on a summer Friday afternoon and 7 ladies cheerfully walk up the jetty. They are busy chatting but immediately show their genuine interest and the first jokes are quickly made.

They all have the same specialism in a hospital outside Dordrecht. Within 10 minutes, the mutual conversation is about various colleagues who are not present, and it becomes quite personal. Until suddenly someone in the group demands the attention of everyone and turns to me; "Herbert, you can see that we want to discuss certain things that we normally cannot discuss in the hospital." Apparently, she sees my consenting smile, because she immediately continues to appreciate the fact that they feel familiar. The hour is one series of many frustrations, surprises, and strong emotions. My assessment is that they are not unique in this, and that their important and strenuous work occasionally requires a strong outlet.

Nieuwe Haven with Lange IJzeren Brug, left behind Wolwevershaven with Damiate bridge

Everything that floats

Collection of vessels on the Waters of Dordrecht.

Our men are accountants

Westside Voorstraathaven parallel to the large church

As soon as the guests are on board, there is always a link that creates a conversation. Occasionally, a group is so busy with themselves that they are not waiting for an interaction. In those situations, you literally become 'only' the skipper, as perhaps a bus driver will feel.

It is Friday late afternoon and the 6 ladies between the ages of 40 and 50 come chatting. While we sail, they have little regard for their surroundings and keep talking all the time. When asked what unites them and what the opportunity is, they proudly explain that their men are all fellow accountants. Furthermore, they assure me that this is an important profession with ditto lease cars and earnings. In that hour it seems to me that this is pretty much the most important thing in their lives; be the spouse of an important person. Because it's so unequivocal and shameless, my initial annoyance turns into a 60-minute amazement and quiet enjoyment.

In the meantime, I became very curious what kind of men they are who are married to these proud ladies. ??

"We have a 42Ft sailboat"

Often based on the background and interests of the guests, a conversation arises about a certain topic. Soon today we are talking about sailing, which is also my hobby. While we see and discuss many sailboats in the harbors, she proudly announces several times that she (and her husband who is not there) have a sailboat of 42 feet (13m); a lot bigger in any case than our saloon boat!

During the hour I try in vain several times to give the conversation a different twist by asking her what her favorite sailing trips are. Her answers are invariably a story with something with 42. ??

The Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything is 42.

320 Euro fine

One of the most beautiful works of art is the imposing double railway bridge between Dordrecht and Zwijndrecht. If time permits, this invariably becomes an extra part of the route through the city. Only when you sail under it do you get an impression of the size and beauty of the construction.

Already on the Beneden Merwede we see a large seagoing ship with tugs coming under the Papendrecht bridge towards Dordrecht. When we leave the Voorstraathaven half an hour later, they slowly meet us towards the Zwijndrecht bridge. This means that the bridge will soon open, the most beautiful moment to spoil the guests with this spectacle.

We sail under the bridge and the bells ring for car traffic. Both the road bridge and the railway bridge will open soon. In the distance the seagoing ship with tugs is waiting, they will take at least 15 minutes before they reach the bridge. Just below the bridge we turn the boat to sail smoothly back under the soon opening bridge. At about 20 meters a RIB (Rubber Inflatable Boat) of Rijkswaterstaat happens to sail. The man makes a gesture, apparently so that we hurry to do what we do and continue with full force under the opening bridge.

The RIB comes after us and 'holds us up' just in front of the Kalkhaven. The double red light had just turned on and we should have turned around at that moment. Quietly I give an explanation but to no avail, the fine is € 320, and they expect my e-mail with a copy ID, boating license and VHF certificate. Still stunned by his incomprehension, I write the following e-mail.

Now we are 6 months further and there has never been mail. So, I am still grateful to him for his understanding. ??

Dear Mr. D.,

Hereby the promised ID, boating license and VHF certificate.

As mentioned, I had not seen the red light and I assumed that I could pass the bridge in time. I always sail very consciously and responsibly, always listen to channel 79, and commercial shipping. I never want to be?a nuisance and of course I never drive through red lights in my car. Sailing towards the bridge, I gathered from your instructions that I had to speed up.

You have rightly pointed out my mistake. Of course, I will never do such a thing again!

If, above all else, you still consider offering me leniency for my violation, I am very grateful to you.

Regards, Herbert

I promised to forget everything

The only thing I want to say about this two-hour trip in Biesbosch is that it was special and probably a one-off for everyone involved. ????

Seaport of Dordrecht

And when I’m not sailing for Villa Augustus...

On https://www.villa-augustus.nl

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Boat trips

Discover how surprisingly beautiful the Island of Dordrecht is. And what better way to do that than over water? That is why Villa Augustus has two tour boats in the Wantij behind the hotel. Welcome on board!

On a one-hour trip, our skipper sails along the historic center of Dordrecht: via Europe's busiest river junction and the Groothoofd immortalized by countless masters, past centuries-old houses that stand with their feet in the water and where the waves ripple against the windows ...

A cruise of two hours (or longer) takes you to the Hollandse Biesbosch; the green maze of pilot whales and creeks, the domain of beavers, sea and ospreys and of course Hare!

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Boating? Take a picnic basket with you on board!

View the contents of our baskets here.

1.??€ 90,- per hour, per boat

2.??maximum 9 persons per boat (including skipper)

3.??just book in advance

4.??please note: we do not sail in bad/extreme weather conditions

https://www.villa-augustus.nl/rondvaarten-en-rondleidingen/