Author Archives: Richard Hewson

We awoke to a chilly morning in Veghel under a thick blanket of fog and waited for the bridge to open at 0840 before proceeding down the Zuidwillemsvart. In the morning we passed through who locks rising over 20m before passing the Belgium boarder. Max doing some school work The next lock was our firstContinue reading “Day 6 Dutch & Belgium canals 4th November”

This morning was the coldest so far with outside temperatures starting at 1 degree and climbing no higher than 5 degrees. Thermals and full doilies was the clothing for the day while the kids stayed below and played. Issy and Max have found the starboard aft bunk on top of the heater the warmest placeContinue reading “Day 5 Dutch Canals 3rd November 2021”

Today we experienced a mix of events and a mix of weather. We woke up in a small river village called Heusden, surrounded by windmills and a stone fortress that was built by Dutch Count Albrecht of Bavaria in 1392! We enjoyed a morning stroll around the town. Issy loved the small village and bakery,Continue reading “Day 4 Dutch Canals 2nd November 2021”

This morning we began our day with a walk to the bakery in Nieuwegein and to inspect the massive stone locks prior to our entry. Back onboard we started our Perkins engine, which is still running strong dispute being as old as the boat, and motored towards the canal. Unfortunately we found the lock wasContinue reading “Day 3 Dutch Canals 1st November 2021”

This morning we woke up to an overcast winters day in Muiden N.L. It is Halloween and also daylight savings time. Kids adjusted instantly to daylight savings waking up at their normal time of 0630 (new time)! We made the most of our early start re securing rigs, removing the spreaders and clearing the decks.Continue reading “Day 2 Dutch Canals 30 October 2021”

Last week I came aboard our new Koopmans 45 in Hinderloopen N.L and began preparations for our first expedition from the North Sea to the Mediterranean by way of the canal system. The beauty of a Koopmans 45, apart from her stunning lines and solid 6mm Aluminium construction is that she has internal ballast andContinue reading “Canal Adventures from NL to FRA”

And we are off! After two years of marking time we have finally purchased our new expedition yacht, a Koopmans 45! For those unfamiliar with the Koopmans they are an Aluminium Dutch designed yacht, https://www.dickkoopmans.nl/over_ons/het_ontwerpbureau.html ”Classic design by the famous D. Koopmans Sr. As with all his designs, they excel in seaworthiness, cruising performance andContinue reading “Koopmans 45 Adventures”

Good luck to all Hobart sailors racing in this weekends Pipe Opener! Stay safe and enjoy the drifter conditions! Don’t forget to check your registration and insurance. Please contact Salus if you require a pre purchase survey for your new yacht, commercial survey or insurance survey. https://dssinc.org.au/racing/pipe-opener-series/