Sep-2014
Our private boat in the canals of Ghent
It’s Wednesday evening and the weather is good. Many people in Ghent are trying to catch a glimpse of the bright sunshine that is still taking care of the summer feeling we all wish to have.
I see couples sitting on the side of the canal drinking a glass of wine, some holding hands while looking in each other’s eyes and others staring at the boats passing by through the canals of downtown Ghent. I notice that I would like to do something similar yet different and create my own romantic setting. I walk on the Belgium pavement and reach the Minerva Boat Company. Perfect. A company that will allow me to steer a boat and make the canals of Ghent an unsafe place. Of course I’m kidding about the unsafe part, since I’ll let my amore do most of the cruising.
That’s when I realize the romantic mood is set as we get on board of the Cabrio boat that’s just for the two of us. We bring some olives and crackers aboard and also a delicious bottle of white wine that Minerva sold us at the port.
After a short yet detailed information talk – about how the boat works and what the rules of the canals are – the owner of the company, Andy, unties the knot from our fancy little boat to the port and off we go.
Andy – the friendly owner of the Minerva Boat Company
The Minerva port
The canal part in downtown Ghent is the most gorgeous area to go to if you walk around but definitely when you’ve got the luxury of being able to go there by boat. I see a bunch of (possibly) students who are peddling with their raft and splashing each other with a lot of water as we overtake them. An old lady is sitting on the terrace of her house and the neighbors dog barks at us in a greeting way. I get the feeling I as if we are on our way home with the boat since it’s so easy to operate and everything actually starts to feel familiar. That means we’re getting pretty comfortable. What a great feeling to be so relaxed.
The country side of Ghent
You can imagine that it’s quite unique to get the chance to operate a boat in Europe as there are many laws and these things normally require a license. However, Minerva arranged that anyone can captain their boats in Ghent. The boats have a maximum of 9,9 horsepower which allows you to pilot it without having to do any exams. You only need to be 18 years or older. Great thing, right?
Have you ever cruised through the canals of Ghent? Was this with your own boat or perhaps you went on a guided boat tour or did you rent one?
Details & information
Company: Minerva boat company
Cost: €60,-
Note: Minerva has different kinds of boats you can rent. There are standard boats that you can rent, but also Cabrio (the one we operated) and Family boats. You choose how many hours you’d like to rent a boat and it’s good to say with how many persons you’d like to be aboard (just to make sure you get the right boat size).
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About Renate Rigters
Ever since I left my home country I felt at home at any other place I went to. I enjoy getting to know more cultures by talking to strangers and hearing their philosophy about life. Speaking with gestures when you can not find a shared language, finding places only the locals go to and learn about their customs and values. Hanging out with local people makes me happy. The experience of every new place is a step out of your comfort zone where I like to wander around until it feels like a second home.
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