Family weekend at Stavoren

Thu June 19th: first family weekend at the boat in 2025. Forecast was N-NE, later E Bft 4, but soon after leaving harbor realized Genoa 1 was slightly oversized, esp. for the first sail of the season. Crew held very well, even the little Eric which didn't get the car-seat-in-cockpit treatment as in the previous years. He spent most of the trip on Mommy's lap though. Dan was very excited about heeling. We decided to stop at De Kreupel, and I decided to throw anchor at the Southern tip of the island, hoping he'd be sheltered from both the Northern and the Easter winds. After dinner and putting Eric to bed we realized the now Eastern wind and swell was hitting us from the side, so we moved anchor 2-300m further north. Bed decision of not going directly into the island's small harbor, since we were rolled the whole night, both me and Annette not closing an eye at all, and Dan being thrown out of berth at midnight. 

Fri June 20th: We had another neighbor boat, which left at 6 - prolly going through the same toils and tribulations. We also weighted anchor soon after, realizing even brushing teeth was impossible, and moved into island's harbor. It was still sweelly, but no comparison to outside, so we had a nice breakfast (with teeth hygiene afterwards). Despite feeling a tad sea-sick, we bet on weak winds and decided to sail to Stavoren - great sail, lifted all our spirits after the sheit night. Moored in Stavoren Buitenhaven (no answer on VHF31- need to check antenna again), on the steep side (30€) but felt heavenly still. Great walk to downtown over the locks (boat show guaranteed), along the channel (hundreds of boats, lots to see), visited the fish fountain and licked the mandatory ice. Spent the afternoon at the beach close to the harbor, with a lot of small cats belonging to the campers in the adjacent camping site. 

Distance: 7.9nm, 3:48hrs, avg 2.1kn, Bft 2-3E

Sat June 21st: Slept like 4 babies, made up a tad for the previously white night. Left Stavoren at 11am, and decided to go directly to Andijk due to stronger winds/rain forecasted for Sunday. Absolutely gorgeous sailing day, wind on the beam (E Bf 4-5), but the waves on the after quarter made Eric a bit seasick, so he spent around 2hrs on the lee berth in the cabin. Dan took a couple of pillows and spend hrs on the foredeck, thankfully didn't get a sunburn. We rounded de Kreupel's southern tip/shallow and changed course towards Andijk. Short trip to the pump out, and no problems mooring in the box. Made ship tip-top while sweating 3 liters, and realized the engine was completely oil-empty. Decided to postpone filling, and replace oil next time with the previously 10W40 with the right 15W40. I''ve also noticed that the boat is quite starboard heavy for unclear reason, will have to ponder redistributing weight. Used the great weather to spend the afternoon at the nearby beach, and closed the day with fries (and diahreea for Eric). Enjoyed another quiet and warm evening with the great view of the lake from the cockpit and a great quiet night. Next day strong winds and rain - confirming our decision to tuck in one day earlier. Drive home was 5+hrs (border control stau included), with 38C after the border, so cooling down in the pool @home was a bliss.

11.5nm, 3:15hrs, avg 3.5kt, Bf 4-5 E