HEADING on inland from Zierikzee or Colijnsplaat your first obstacle is the rather beautiful Zeelandbrug (Zeeland Bridge) which divides the Oosterschelde into two unequal parts. Small yachts and motor cruisers can safely pass underneath; larger yachts can either wait for the opening span near the northern end of the bridge or calculate whether they have clearance. If in doubt you can consult the height gauge on one of the two recommended ingoing channels marked on Dutch charts, or radio the bridge for information (VHF Ch 18, T 01 11 41 32 37), but frankly, as the bridge opens every half hour it’s usually better to wait (just hang about close to the opening span, there’s no need to radio).

Once through, pick up the line of port-hand buoys starting with Kt 2 which will guide you round to the left and up the Keeten-Mastgat-Zijpe. About five miles beyond the bridge another creek opens out to the right. Being quite shallow and on the way to nowhere, Krabbenkreek offers the prospect of a respite from barge traffic and an agreeable stop for as long or as short as you fancy. Take the buoyed channel from the starboard-hand buoy Kr 1 and then when sufficiently away from the madding crowd either drop the hook for a spot of lunch (but don’t go too far off the channel as it shallows quickly), or if the mood takes you continue up the creek as far as the St Annaland haven and spend the night. Inside the marina steer round to the waiting pontoon where you will be allotted a berth. The haven restaurant is locally famous.

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