The last trip along the Belgian and Dutch coast went much faster then expected. The wind gradually veered to the southwest, and slowly increased to a force 7. So I flew the spinaker for as long as I dared, (not too long, as I didn't want to risk to break anything this last trip), then set the High Aspect jib. I flew along at a steady 9.5 knots, having almost a knot and a half of fair tide. So late in the morning, I called Jurrien that, if I kept on going, I could be in IJmuiden that evening. So she hurriedly finished her job of that day, raced home on her new Bromton bicycle, getting soaked in the process, got in the car and raced to IJmuiden. We got there at the same time, she going up to the inner pier (Kop van de Haven, near the restaurant), and I sailed into the harbour and temporarily tied up along the pier for a long kiss...

Then we both went to the Seaport Marina, she by car and I by boat, and had another long kiss and a dram of whiskey.... Went to bed early...

The next morning, when I was to finish this 4 month trip officially, we first had a visit of the insurance expert, who came to see all my damaged equipment. Then we went off to the lock, where both our parents, my sister, brother in law, friend Saskia and my aunt Bep all waited to see us in. It was a very heartwarming welcome! After that, Jurrien and I sailed to Amsterdam, where we had a quiet night at the Levanthaven, before we this morning went over to the Sixhaven. All day people came in, some that I expected, some completely unexpected. Very nice indeed.

I would like to thank everybody who visited my website. The number of hits is beyond belief, with visitors from all over the world! Many people either wrote in the Gastenboek, or sent me a private message of encouragement or congratulations. The fact that so may thousands of people apparently enjoyed this site, and my trip, greatly motivated me to keep on writing blog messages, although I did not always like to write things, especially when things didn't go so well. I thank you all.

Bart

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