The Netherlands

Have you ever thought of visiting The Netherlands during your holidays? The Netherlands: a country that delivers an eternal war against the power of water, and that exists of more water than land.

We offer a large fleet of bareboat sailing yachts. There is also a large fleet of bareboat motoryachts for exploration of the canals. Those interested in maritime traditions, will take the opportunity to sail on the sailing barges. As you might notice, most of the traditional rigs on offer are sailing under dutch flag. A few of them tend to come back to Holland each year again. Finally, other crewed yachts are only rarely seen on dutch waters, but we might offer you a few suitable vessels for your exploration.

Ever heard of the 'Staande masten route' or the itinerary of the standing masts? It even allows you to pass on the canals right through the heart of Amsterdam with your sailboat ! This happens once a night in convoy: all the bridges are open and a fluent passage is guaranteed. A spectacular affair!

The province of Zeeland is one of 'more water than land'. This varied area is a paradise for children and for grown-ups. The Oosterschelde is an important sea arm, that has the purest water of the North Sea. Therefore you shouldn't be astonished when a dolphin jumps up near your boat. An abundance of seals, fishes, mussels and crayfishes live there in perfect harmony. Coming to Zeeland, you would never dare to neglect the local gastronomy! We can arrange hundred of 5* restaurants for you, eventually only a few steps away from your mooring place !

Both in modern marina's and in small fisherman's villages the sanitary facilities are perfect. The harbour masters are co-operative and always available for advice and tips.

Not to forget are the Waddeneilanden. Vlieland is one of the five Dutch islands and the only one where you won't find any cars. With low tide you can walk from the main land to the Waddeneilanden. , but there are also some lovely harbours where you can go to by boat.

Once you have visited the Waddeneilanden, the next stop of your trip would be the IJsselmeer. This inner sea was partitioned from the North Sea by a dam of several kilometres. Here it is still very clear that the Netherlands continue their battle against the sea: parts of the IJsselmeer have been dried and new polders have been created. Steaming up North, you will discover during your trip that many little villages are still very religious and their inhabitants are proud to wear their costumes and keep their traditions.