"To the bitter end" is a phrase that means "to the last degree," "until all things have been tried," "to the limits of one's efforts," or "to the last extremity."

Although the exact origin of the expression is contested, in 1627, Captain John Smith wrote A Sea Grammar . It is the earliest time that the phrase "the bitter end" was seen in print.

However, it is not certain if the phrase "the bitter end," was known before Captain Smith's writing or not.

The nautical connection: The anchor is shackled to the anchor cable (or anchor chain), the cable passes up through the hawsepipe, through the pawl, over the windlass gypsy (or wildcat) down through the "spurling pipe" to the chain/cable locker under the forecastle (or poop if at the stern (US fantail)) - the anchor bitts are on a bulkhead in the cable locker and the bitter end of the cable is connected to the bitts using the bitter pin, which should be able to be released from outside the locker to "slip" the anchor. This would occur if the windlass brake has slipped in a storm for example and you have reached "the bitter end". It originally applied in sailing vessels where the cable was a rope, and the windlass or capstan was powered by many sailors below decks.

(Sail)boats with an air draft over six meters can transit from Delfzijl to Flushing (and vice versa)  using the the Staande Mastroute (intercoastal route). Thanks to this route ships with a standing mast (not more than thirty feet high) can navigate almost the entire country.

At a speed of 9 knots, using the Staande Mastroute, you can sail from the IJsselmeer to the Volkerak locks in only 24 hours. The Staande Mastroute consists of a concatenated network of waterways controled by different authorities.

To ensure a smooth transit Rijkswaterstaat issued an agreement to harmonize service times of bridges and locks. Summer service schedule starts April 1st and end October 31st. Outside these months different bridge- and lock timetables may apply!
Staande Mastroute 2011 - Rijkswaterstaat (pdf file)

The decision to buy or charter a vessel is often an important one and can have profound financial consequenses. It binds you and possibly others into a long term obligation of money & responsibility.

And if you're selling, you need to know you've obtained the best possible return on your investment.

With all of this in mind, the assistance of professional shipbroker can help you sort through legal and business considerations and give you the confidence to make the right decision.

An experienced shipbroker knows the market and knows the process. Whether you're buying, selling, or chartering, they can negotiate on your behalf and guide you through the complexity and range of considerations you'll face in today's market.

5 Reasons To Use A Shipbroker

1. Save money. The most basic advantage of a broker is that he saves you from researching the market yourself yourself, a laborious task. Telented brokers study market conditions day in and day out. You specify your requirements, and based on your details, the broker will scout the market to match your needs to the most suitable vessel.

2. Save time. The broker will take care of advertising, inspections, negotations and administration.

3. Marketing. A broker can help present your vessel in the best light to maximize the price. He has an understanding of the key values that buyers are looking for and can assist in identifying changes that can lead to a better selling price.

4. Reaching potential buyers.  Brokers have the tools and resources to reach the largest possible base of buyers. They then screen these potential buyers for revenue that would support the potential acquisition.

5. Value added services. In addition to market knowledge the broker can also give valuable advice on other aspects of the deal e.g. ship registration, drafting of contracts, financing, legal matters, etc.