Boat jobs, guests, short trips, and a fishing festival we listened to from the deck.

By Ilse & Piet – Breskens Marina – Box 6A

The past few weekends have settled into a rhythm: boat jobs, family and friends aboard, short sailing trips, work, and a small dose of local culture. Not a bad pattern to fall into.

The weather has been playing along. Plenty of sun, pleasant temperatures, and just enough wind to sail properly. The current and the tides, too, finally feel like something we understand rather than something we’re negotiating with.

The Never-Ending Task List

The list of jobs is still practically endless, but it’s moving forward at a steady pace. Every so often there’s a raised eyebrow and some grumbling about yet another part that needs ordering, but overall things are going to plan. The list stays long — we just feel better about it, and we have a clear picture of the next few weeks and months.

Between studying the sails on our neighbours’ boats and quizzing a handful of AI models for advice, Piet is almost ready to cut the knot.

Looking Ahead

All of this is in service of the longer-term plan, but the short-term one is closer and rather exciting: our first proper holiday aboard.

• First two weeks of September — aiming for Cherbourg
• After that, Adriana comes out of the water for winter storage
• Come April, we head for Barcelona to spend the summer in the Mediterranean
• And then, we’ll see what the wind brings
• …

A Taste of the Breskens Fishing Festival

We caught the Visserijfeesten from the boat — the music carried perfectly across the water, along with the sounds of the festival market, the fair, and a food truck festival besides. We joined in with a certain reserve, but it turned out to be a genuinely good time.

The Guests Kept Coming

Marita and Bert came sailing again, nerve-free this time. Beautiful weather, glorious wind — proper champagne sailing. Afterwards we relaxed on the sun pads while the boys went to fetch pizza from La Casa, which we thoroughly devoured.

The following Saturday it was Jan, Piet’s brother, who joined us. The wind had some bite to it, but once again Adriana left us with a good feeling.

Last Sunday we had Elly and Jos aboard. The breeze was light to moderate — perfect conditions for their first time properly at the helm themselves. Two new sailing enthusiasts on board, and the usual pattern followed: good sailing and good conversation once the sails are trimmed and everything is under control, then good food and drink once it isn’t needed anymore. The tomato and shrimp starter by De Kluiver was very well received.

And yesterday, Arie and Else arrived back at their usual spot. Arie, quite spontaneously, spoiled us with delicious mussels and smoked fish.