Dolphin 3 was supposed to be heading to Greece by now. Instead, we spent two weeks sailing through the Netherlands — and it was exactly what we needed.
After 650 water-kilometers and over 150 bridges across our own country, we're a whole lot richer in experience. We wanted to leave for Greece in early June, but between work demands and not yet having the funds for remaining boat work, it didn't happen. So we let go of the original plan and went sailing through the Netherlands instead.
Across the IJsselmeer
In early July, Sheila came to housesit and we set off to Heeg to visit friends Bob and Yvonne — the couple Robert had met on the Azores. After an overnight in Heeg harbor, we sailed to Stavoren, a charming coastal town on the IJsselmeer. Naturally, we had coffee at the famous 'Vrouwtje van Stavoren.'
The next day we sailed across the IJsselmeer, through the locks of Enkhuizen to Volendam. Wednesday morning past Marken and Durgerdam to Amsterdam. Through the Oranjesluizen and onto the North Sea Canal, passing Zaandam — where Daniëlle grew up. Late that evening we found a beautiful spot at the quay in the center of Haarlem.
Robert at the helm near Enkhuizen · Daniëlle enjoying the view · Passing Marken
Under 'The Swan' — Through Rotterdam
On Friday we sailed straight through Rotterdam — Robert couldn't resist. The Erasmusbrug (the 'Swan') opened just for us, which was quite special. Through the Spui and the Haringvliet we arrived at our destination that evening: the harbor of Hellevoetsluis.
In total, we spent 6 days doing what normally takes 3 hours by car.
The Erasmusbrug opening for Dolphin 3 · Through Koningshaven and under the Brienenoordbrug
Good Friends Make Every Port Better
After the weekend, we had to head back immediately — at least another 6 days needed. This time our friends Piet and Odiel from Oostvoorne came along for a day. Odiel wanted to sail on the Haringvliet. We laughed so much along the way.
It was thrilling whether our 14-meter mast would fit under the Haringvlietbrug, which also has a 14-meter clearance. We just clipped the underside of the bridge with our antenna… hilarious.
Willemstad: A Fortress Town Gem
In Willemstad harbor, friends Rob and Marieke were waiting for us. They'd moved recently and we'd promised to come by boat. What a lovely fortress town — highly recommended! Marieke brought fresh rolls and local cherries for breakfast the next morning.
Via the Hollands Diep we sailed toward Dordrecht. That evening we found a quiet harbor in Krimpen aan de Lek, where beavers swam past the boat at dusk. On the way back, we even passed Noah's Ark…
Breakdown at the Algerabrug
At the Algerabrug in Krimpen aan de IJssel, while waiting for an opening, the starter motor suddenly died. No way to get it going again. Thanks to a lightning-fast rescue mission by Piet and Duarte — a friend from the Azores who happened to be in town — we had a brand new starter motor within 4 hours!
Our plan was then to sail through Amsterdam at night. We passed right behind Schiphol, but a broken swing bridge blocked our way into the city, forcing a 5-hour detour back via Haarlem and Spaarndam.
Nick Joins in Haarlem
Nick came aboard in Haarlem and sailed along to Zaandam. Finding a place to drop him off on the busy North Sea Canal wasn't easy — you can't just moor anywhere. We found an old jetty near the Hempont, where Nick could jump ashore — just in time before the ferry came rushing toward us.
News from Greece: The Encounter Joins the Fleet
Broad Reach, the maritime branch of Hellenic Ministries, recently acquired a magnificent vessel — the Encounter. This ship was originally built in Africa with the explicit purpose of serving in God's Kingdom. Capernwray Bible School used it for years for programs around the Greek islands.
"I have never seen God give a boat that was already finished."
Three Summers of Work — And Counting
We've learned so much together. Docking and waiting at bridges and locks is getting better, and we now have a much clearer picture of what sailing is really like — especially when you have a goal: that things always turn out differently!
It was wonderful spending two weeks admiring our beautiful country from the water, especially in the gorgeous weather. Sometimes it was almost too hot — which helped us understand why a sprayhood is not a luxury but a necessity.
Looking back, we're glad we did it this way and that the boat isn't in Greece yet!
Robert sailing on the IJsselmeer · Beautiful Dutch waterways
Wonderfully, the stream of donations started flowing this summer. Later than we'd hoped perhaps, but in hindsight we see God's hand in this too.
We are grateful for all the help we've received in whatever form! Our thanks go above all to God, our Heavenly Father. He is always there, and for Him we want to keep doing this.
Help Keep Dolphin 3 Moving Forward
Every gift — whether large or small — helps prepare this boat for her mission in Greece.
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