Dryfall weekend report

During the dry land weekend of 26 September, Tornado Yachting in Makkum again attracted many Wadden lovers and Delphia owners to Makkum.

On Friday evening, 15 Delphia's and 70 sailors gathered and calculations were made for the next day's departure time during the theory evening. Different theories were put forward and bridge times at Kornwerderzand were interpreted differently. "Given the work on the bridge last year, we had to wait as much as an hour, so let's leave on time" someone shouted. Either on Saturday morning (well on time), the keelmidships left and chose course towards the Wadden Sea, "15 Delphias in the lock is a beautiful sight" explained Jurre Jan Muurling, owner of Tornado Yachting. At 11.00 am, the first ships let themselves tie up at the edge of the Verversgat after which all other ships followed. After you feel the ship coming to anchor, it is only a matter of waiting. With a view of the beautiful Wadden Sea, waiting here is not a punishment at all... You see the water go down, first on the waterline then you see the bow thruster tunnel come free. At that point, the first fanatics were already walking through the water, trouser legs up and taking a quick walk around your boat. "Surely it is fantastic to be able to walk around your boat like that" one of the participants told us. Children are catching crabs and others are enjoying the wide view of the Wadden Sea. As we walk around, we suddenly realise that the water has subsided very quickly and the boats are almost dry. Tables are set on the beach and lunch is served - with a group of 70 people, it's quite something on the beach among the Delphias. Oysters and cockles are sought, enthusiasts show how to prepare them. After lunch, many stroll around the slab, people go to chat with other Delphia owners. "Cool to be able to see the different models like this" says one Delphia owner. At one point we notice that the water is coming back, not even because we actually saw that the water was coming back but the sound. The lapping of small waves were the announcement of the water. So beautiful to suddenly hear the water coming back in that silence. Within moments, we see the water coming back up the beach and everyone chooses their boats again. Within two hours, everyone is off again and we sail back to Tornado Yachting's harbour in Makkum. Upon arrival, the barbecue is already on and the cooks have already cooked delicious pieces of meat and fish. In the heated tent, everyone talks about the great experience we had that day.

Tornado Yachting organises this event every year. If you think it would be a fun experience, register now and Tornado Yachting will keep you informed about the next event....