FROM THE northern end of the Keeten-Mastgat-Zijpe entry to the Grevelingenmeer opens to port. Round the port-hand buoy ZG2 and enter the lock.

The tideless Grevelingenmeer is one of the most beautiful of all the inland waters in the south of Holland, with wooded banks, attractive islands and large quiet areas of open water with virtually no commercial traffic. There are several high quality marinas, but you could also consider tying up at any of the public pontoons on the islands where the facilities are more primitive but the peace beguiling. To do that you will need to buy mooring tickets from a yacht harbour or tourist office, for instance the Aqua Delta marina at Bruinisse to port as you enter the Grevelingenmeer.

If you fancy an historic town rather than embracing the charms of nature, then try Brouwershaven on the south bank in the north-west. Once into the Grevelingenmeer follow the south bank, as delineated by the buoys, until the channel opens out to the left beyond the port-hand buoy G 20. It is then about a couple of miles to the entrance to Brouwershaven.

Just before you enter the haven between the concrete pillars, tie up to the pontoon and climb up to the harbour master’s office to pay your dues and receive directions. Visitors usually moor not in the large marina to your right as you enter but at the town quay reached by following the Havenkanaal further on and then round to the right. There you will be required to moor with your bows facing seaward (there is little room to turn) and will almost certainly have to raft up. There are facilities on shore which, however, are quite inadequate for the number of boats.

The town is a typical attractive Dutch seaport with an open market place and gabled buildings. The Black Sheep restaurant close by on the quayside serves mussels by the galvanised bucket load. For a more refined dining experience try De Brouwerie (Molenstraat 31, T 01 11 69 18 80).

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