Ostend or Zeebrugge to break the journey?

**Burnham Bob** · 01-05-12, 18:39

We're going to hop up the cast from Dunkirk to Vlissingen on our first continental trip. Any recommendations as to whether Zeebrugge or Ostend is easiest? It will be a quick stop to break the journey so ease of getting in, availability of berths and lack of hassle is more important than facilities and dining/shopping ashore

**johnalison** · 01-05-12, 18:43

I don't think there's much to choose and they can both be a bit awkward. Blankenberg would be my choice. You would arrive on a rising tide and could leave with plenty of water for the short run up to Flushing.

**thalassa** · 01-05-12, 18:49

Oostende yacht basin is only a short hop after 'doing' the piers, in the middle of town (shops etc). Zeebrugge is an industrial basin with a village attached, quiet at night, a baker and two shops fifteen minutes off. However, getting in typically takes up to an hour or so. After crossing the outer harbour, you have to get permission (VHF 71) to enter the inner harbour.
Exiting is the same procedure!

**sailorman** · 01-05-12, 18:52

Originally Posted by Burnham Bob

We're going to hop up the cast from Dunkirk to Vlissingen on our first continental trip. Any recommendations as to whether Zeebrugge or Ostend is easiest? It will be a quick stop to break the journey so ease of getting in, availability of berths and lack of hassle is more important than facilities and dining/shopping ashore

Oostende is best, easy access, Zebruggi yacht hbr is too far in + lodsa commercial traffic

**OR4751** · 01-05-12, 18:58

If it's just a quick in/out, would also suggest Blankenberge.
Arrive on a rising tide - keep left when entering (don't know if they've dredged the entrance this year already).
Getting a free berth will not be a problem - 3 marinas.
VVW - cheapest - slog to town - swindlery nearby
VNZ - friendliest
Scraphout - expensive

Ostend can be crowded (you don't mention when you would be stopping over) and the port closures to let the ferry in/out can be a pain.

Zeebrugge - when you sail past the pier heads, you've still go +2NM to go.
Possible port closure due to movements on the LNG terminal.

**Lazy Kipper** · 01-05-12, 19:24

+1 for Oostende. The inner not the outer harbour if you want a nice town centre berth protected from the elements. Worth staying a day or two, a lot more fun than Vlis.

**davidej** · 01-05-12, 20:03

Originally Posted by The Lazy Kipper

+1 for Oostende. The inner not the outer harbour if you want a nice town centre berth protected from the elements. Worth staying a day or two, a lot more fun than Vlis.

I agree with Ostend but would stay at the RNSYC in the Montgomery Dock - more fun and no faffing around with locks.

The only downside that there is no diesel available in Ostend for yachtsmen