Alain showed up in plenty of time. Quick breakfast, last goodbye to Robert and we were off. Pleasant, sunny day - alas very little wind. It looked like the trip was going to be quite boring, but at least it wouldn't be a long one. We took turns at the helm. Motorsailing mostly. Then, off Zeebrugge, the wind picked up. I quickly unfurled the genoa - finished with engines. A steady and healthy 7kts boatspeed. Alain would not let go of the helm so I just enjoyed the ride.

Good things never last - as Knokke came and went the wind dropped and then disappeared completely. Furled, stacked and packed the sails - on with the engine again. I prepared warps and fenders (the few fenders I had left - lost two in the storm) and discussed parking the boat with Alain. I know what to expect and I like to think I know what I'm doing, but as this was the first time I'd sailed with just crew and none of the family I felt a briefing was necessary. Alain grasped my intention straight away.

As it turned out I needn't have worried, the visitors pontoon was strangely empty. Plenty of room to park a flotilla of Guapas. Off to find the harbourmaster, strangely the good man wanted us to move. Must have been something wrong with my hearing. Nice enough place - our first visit in daylight.

Bar seemed pleasant enough to book a table for dinner. Quick shower and off. The food was delicious and reasonably priced too. I commented to the charming waitress that to my amazement I had never had food this good in Holland before. There was a reason for it - the chef was Belgian.

Passage planning to Antwerp was a waste of time - channel markers all the way. Only thing to keep in mind: big boat has right off way. Another early night.