Greetings all & sundry,

I am chartering a boat in the Netherlands next April (best weather month,
I'm told) and looking for tips and advice.

1) My sailing experience is San Francisco Bay, USA (traffic, currents,
tides, wind conditions, navigation, etc). What are the big differences in
conditions that are going to trip me up?

2) My boat experience is Catalinas/S2/American-made boats. What are the
big differences in the local boats that are going to trip me up?

3) I haven't done a great deal of investigation yet, but I'm thinking of
chartering out of one of the places in Monnickendam. Suggestions,
thoughts, issues?

4) Suggestions on gear I should and shouldn't pack?

5) Reading list suggestions?

Any and all advice is extremely welcome and appreciated. Thank you all
very much!