“My husband Peter and I live in Rotterdam. After a career of 36 years, this is the first vacation where we don’t have to look at the clock. We are now about six to seven weeks away with our boat. Not entirely indefinitely, but free.
Twentieth season
Our love for sailing started when we did not yet live in Rotterdam. We had an open boat, discovered how nice that was and switched to the boat we have now. This is our twentieth sailing season with it, but it still looks good. Everything is in it: bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, cozy interior space and a large tub. That tub is actually our living room. In the rain, the tent closes, everything opened at the sun.
The boat from Anne-Marike and Peter. © Own image
Friesland
This summer we are sailing through Friesland, a province that both appeals to us. My mother was born in Harlingen and my grandfather came from Schiermonnikoog, so it also feels a bit like coming home. We started in Langweer, then lay on a Marrekrite place in the middle of nature and then sailed to Leeuwarden. Really a nice city, with beautiful canals and nice museums. Then on to Dokkum, with its old buildings and nice shops without large chains.
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The great thing about sailing is that you don’t have to plan tightly. We used to do that, but now we have a global route and we look on the way where we want to stay longer. Sometimes we stay somewhere for several nights, because it is so nice.
Anne-Marike: ‘The great thing about sailing is that you don’t have to plan tightly’ © Own image
All together
On board we do everything together, although there is of course one clear rule when sailing: Peter is the captain. You can’t have two captains, although I sometimes try to get involved. But we are well attuned to each other. At a lock we both know exactly what to do and because of our collaboration it runs smoothly.
Peter has been cooking all our entire marriage. He likes that and can do it really well. That is the same on the boat. I arrange the coffee, set the table and do the dishes, so we have a nice distribution. This year the dog of our daughter is also with us – a small Labradoodle – so we are walking a lot.
Anne-Marike: ‘Friesland feels friendly’ © Own image
Easy contact
We are quite social and make easy contact with people on the quay or in a restaurant. We also like that. It is also fun to sometimes go out with friends. The first week of this trip we sailed together with friends who also have a boat. Our daughter used to come along often, but she has now had a child, so that is different now.
Friesland feels friendly, you are greeted by everyone. But they are also straightforward, I like that. For those who are in doubt: rent a boat, start in Leeuwarden, sail on to Dokkum and be surprised. ”
Anne-Marike: ‘We are quite social and make easy contact’ © Own image
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