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Experience a Sailing Weekend

Aboard our traditional sailing ships with a skipper, you’ll experience the Netherlands from its most beautiful side. Enjoy the surrounding nature from the water and get to know the basics of sailing maneuvers. A special moment awaits you when, after setting sail, the sails are raised, the engine falls silent, and the ship surrenders entirely to the wind – propelled only by the breeze. This is one of the most captivating moments of any sailing trip. And you don’t need any sailing experience for this.

Join a Sailing Weekend

Experience the adventure of sailing on a flat-bottomed boat for a weekend on the IJsselmeer, Markermeer or Wadden Sea! The Holland Sail fleet consists of traditional sailing ships, some over 100 years old, each with an impressive history. Our skippers will tell you more about them, and you’ll learn about life on the water. Of course, our sailing ships are equipped with all the amenities for your comfort. Sounds good? Then why not stay for a longer weekend! At Holland Sail, you can sail over the holidays.

Learn more about our fleet
Borrel an Bord eines Traditionsseglers von Holland Sail über das Wochenende auf dem IJsselmeer

Weekend getaway in the Netherlands: Sailing at its best

Sailing means playing with the wind and enjoying a unique time. Here's an example of what a sailing weekend on the IJsselmeer, Wadden Sea or Markermeer might look like.

Friday: Welcome Aboard

Your sailing weekend begins at the departure port in Enkhuizen or Stavoren on the IJsselmeer, Harlingen on the Wadden Sea, or Kampen on the IJssel. The skipper and crew will warmly welcome you and your fellow sailors. You’ll receive safety instructions and an introduction to life aboard a traditional sailing ship. Now it’s up to you: either spend the first evening aboard in good company or go on an excursion to explore the surroundings.

Saturday: The First Day at Sea

After breakfast, the crew will introduce you to the main nautical tasks and explain the upcoming maneuvers. Whether you relax and unwind, shorten your reading list, or take the helm and navigate the ship together with the skipper, it’s entirely up to you how you spend your first day at sea.

The catering onboard depends on the trip you’ve booked. On shared trips, the kitchen crew serves your meals. If you’ve booked a ship for your group, you can choose whether to cook for yourself or order catering from us. After a day full of sailing experiences, you’ll head for the harbor. Once ashore, you can explore the charming harbor town on foot, try traditional “Borrel” – a kind of Dutch tapas with various delicacies and drinks – or take a bike tour. Most harbors offer bike rentals.

Sunday: Heading Back to the Departure Harbor

After breakfast, it’s time to head back to the departure harbor. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can now handle activities aboard that were new to you yesterday. In the afternoon, it’s time to say goodbye to the ship, crew, and an unforgettable sailing weekend, filled with memories and certainly looking forward to upcoming sailing adventures aboard one of Holland Sail’s traditional ships.

The Perfect Sailing Weekendgetaway

  • No sailing experience required
  • Sailing trip on the IJsselmeer, Markermeer, Wadden Sea
  • Activities: hoisting sails, steering, navigating, enjoying and experiencing
  • Suitable for all ages
  • Professional crew (skipper and 1-2 crew members)
  • Harbor fees, tourist tax & fuel costs
To the ships

Segeln mit De Vriendschap

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Netherlands weekend getaways: Around the IJsselmeer

Depending on the preferences of your group and the current wind and weather conditions, you will discuss the options aboard the ship. Only then will the exact route for your sailing trip around the IJsselmeer be determined. Here are some examples of a sailing weekend:

  • A sailing weekend on the IJsselmeer could take you to the idyllic harbor towns of Medemblik or Den Oever.
  • Alternativ navigieAlternatively, you might navigate from the IJsselmeer towards Hoorn, Volendam, or Lelystad on the Markermeer, passing the Naviduct Krabbersgat – a combination of a lock and aqueduct specifically designed for connecting the IJsselmeer and Markermeer.ren Sie vom IJsselmeer in Richtung Hoorn, Volendam oder Lelystad am Markermeer und passieren das Naviduct Krabbersgat – eine Kombination aus Schleuse und Aquädukt, das speziell für die Verbindung des IJsselmeers und des Markermeers entwickelt wurde.
  • From Enkhuizen, you can start your weekend sailing trip on the IJsselmeer and head for Makkum or Lemmer in the province of Friesland.
  • From Harlingen, you can either pass through the Kornwederzand locks to reach Makkum or Stavoren, or sail towards the North Sea to the islands of Texel, Terschelling, or Vlieland.

West Frisian Islands

Wadden Sea

IJsselmeer

Markermeer

Friesland

Frequently asked questions

Ready for your sailing adventure? You probably already have some questions about your weekend sailing trip. Here are some answers. Please feel free to contact us if anything is still unclear.

  • Do I need sailing experience?

    No sailing experience is required for our sailing trips. Our qualified crew will provide sailing instructions. During the sailing activities and smaller tasks aboard, everyone is welcome to actively participate in this exciting sailing weekend.

  • What are the prices for sailing on the IJsselmeer?

    The prices for a sailing trip on the IJsselmeer, Markermeer, or Wadden Sea vary depending on the ship, amenities, and duration of the trip. 

  • What should I pack?

    We recommend packing the following items in a travel bag (preferably not in a hard-shell suitcase):

    • Clothing for all weather conditions: cold, warm, and rainy weather
    • Headgear (hat or cap)
    • Sunglasses, sunscreen, and swimwear
    • Towel or beach towel
    • Sturdy, closed shoes
    • Rubber boots or water sandals for the Wadden Sea
    • Books or games for entertainment
    • Earplugs (optional)
    • Depending on the booked trip, towels, bed linen, and blankets may also be required
  • Are there life jackets on board?

    There are enough life jackets available on board. If you need child-sized life jackets, please let us know the number and weight of the children. The crew will be happy to provide the appropriate life jackets for you.

  • How long does a sailing day last?

    The ship typically departs from the harbor around 10:00 AM. There is the option to have a leisurely breakfast and run errands beforehand. Of course, the departure time can also be earlier or later. In the Wadden Sea, departure and arrival times are determined by the tide schedule. The daily sailing duration is mostly up to the guests, in consultation with the skipper. For example, if you plan a bike tour at the next harbor or a museum visit, the time at sea will be shortened.

  • Does the ship sail even when it's stormy?

    The ship will only not sail in extremely adverse weather conditions. The decision is made by the skipper, always with the safety of the guests and the ship in mind.

At Holland Sail, your sailing trip is in the best hands!

The enthusiasm for sailing is deeply ingrained in all skippers and employees of Holland Sail. Sharing this passion has therefore become our trademark for many years.

With great care and dedication, we maintain and preserve our traditional sailing ships — true ambassadors of a maritime tradition that has been making sailing history for over a century. This ensures that every sailing trip with Holland Sail becomes an unforgettable experience.

Holland Sail is a member of HISWA.
Book your sailing trip safely and with confidence!

9,6
Customer satisfaction 2534 experiences
  • Active sailing
  • Comprehensive services
  • Experienced skippers
  • Our customers rate us 9.6 / 10
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info@hollandsail.nl
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