Sailing boat aground on the Oosterschelde by Sander Poppe

On a quiet summer’s evening near Krabbendijke, the Oosterschelde once again demonstrated just how much the landscape is shaped by the ebb and flow of the tide. The water had receded and large sections of the seabed were exposed. In the middle of that landscape, a sailing boat lay at anchor, waiting for the water to return.

The mast rises high above the horizon, forming a striking contrast with the vast mudflats and shallow pools surrounding the vessel. The last light of the day coloured the sky in soft shades of pink, yellow, blue and purple. The sun itself had already disappeared from view, but its presence was still visible in the warm glow along the horizon.

What appeals to me about moments like this is the sense of tranquillity that arises as soon as the tide recedes. The hustle and bustle of the day fades away and the landscape reveals its structure. The pools on the exposed seabed reflect parts of the sky and enhance the sense of openness in the image.

The combination of the solitary sailing boat, the vastness of the Oosterschelde and the tranquil evening colours creates a serene atmosphere. As a result, this photograph looks particularly striking in a home, office or public space where nature, water and tranquillity are given a place.