A short 70nm from Ipswich across the southern North Sea finds Oso in Oostende, Belgium. A prime summer vacation spot for Belgians because of its long, sandy beach, the town also has allure for sailors because of its protected harbor with several marinas. Arriving after an overnight passage, we pulled into the harbor very happy to be moving the boat again and looking forward to the start of a summer of cruising. Our spirits were even higher than normal because it felt so good to have escaped the boatyard after a longer-than-expected stay.
We’d booked a spot at Mercator Marina because it is located nearly exactly in the center of town – roughly equidistant from the railway station, a line of waterfront restaurants, and the main pedestrian shopping area. The marina is protected from the area’s large tides by a lock, and once inside a boat is secure from nearly any strength storm.
Early May is still too early for the holiday season to be in full swing, which means the pace of town is just right for us. We wander to a likely looking restaurant, easily snag a waterview table, and a first lunch of moule frites is a perfect welcome to Belgium.
The town of Bruges is a quick 20 minute train ride from Ostend, and the crew whiled a way a day marveling at the quaint houses, cobble streets, and placid canals of the picture-perfect setting.
It’s great to be back on the boat away from the marina, and it’s great to be exploring new places again!
