When we looked carefully at the weather forecasts and especially heard all the warnings for strong winds, we decided to take the safe option and stay put. As there was hardly any wind at that time, it was a difficult decision.
The problem lay with the tide, which was only going to be in our favour after 1pm plus the uncertainties of the big sea lock: the waiting time can be anywhere between 15 minutes and 4 hours, so planning the time becomes very tricky. Also once you are out on the Ems, it's not that easy to go back if the conditions are worse than expected!
So, we are still at the Kesselschleuse in Emden. Looking at wind and tide, the next gap is only on Wednesday morning.
Probably no blog posts until then, little to report!
You can also take the Oldersum lock.
ReplyDeleteShould be more predictable as to process times.
A nice trip to the lock but 5(?) more miles on the Ems.
Yes, that is certainly an option we are looking at!
ReplyDeleteTide-wise, we should leave Wednesday around 6am. But that lock only operates from 7. So we would have to go though the lock and overnight on the jetties on the outside. If I remember correctly, they are very small....
And I have just discovered that there is also a 'YC Emden", which has facilities outside the big lock, in the 'Aussenhaven'. So I am going to try and phone the harbourmaster there later on and ask if they have two places for Tuesday night.