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The name “Small Venice of the North.” and the vast tulip fields are the main reasons why thousands of people a year decide to rent a yacht in the Netherlands. Not only it is a flower centre, but this country stands out with its historic architecture and stunning landscape that can be observed onboard your boat.
The Netherlands is a well-known home for many water sport enthusiasts and events. There are numerous canals throughout the country and the cities themselves. These canals enable you to explore the great water sport of sailing and, at the same time, you can enjoy sightseeing in different well-known cities, including the unforgettable capital – Amsterdam. Besides, you will notice that life on a houseboat is a pretty standard and normal thing to do there, bearing in mind that there are more than 10 000 houseboats in use until now.
The Netherlands has many miles of coastline and many inland waterways, which enable you to rent a yacht and explore the landscape.
As a Dutch boat charter company, Tubber is also found and located in the beautiful city of Groningen, at the northern side of the Netherlands. For your sailing holiday, Tubber gives you the opportunity to rent a yacht in different sizes and for various periods. We also give you a choice to either be with a skipper and crew on board, not to worry about the navigation, or you can opt for sailing bareboat if you are skilful enough.
The Netherlands has many canal routes that are suitable for both the novice sailors and the more experienced ones. The country is open for tourists during the entire year and is hosting many music festivals, art events and even sports marathons and competitions. There is definitely something for everyone.
Due to the close connection with the North Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, the weather is moderate. This is benefiting the sailors as the climate is marine, and the country experiences significant rainfalls annually. Even though there are some rainy periods, the rest of the time is perfect for a sailing holiday and sightseeing.
Winter and autumn are not too cold. However, the weather is significantly windy and rainy, with an average daytime temperature between 2 and 6 degrees Celsius. During the summer, the air is not that moist as it does not rain that much. It is never too hot, and the average daytime temperature is between 16 and 24 degrees Celsius. The advantage of the summer is also the long-lasting daylight - more than 16 hours a day, making it the busiest and most touristy period for the Netherlands.
The best time for a sailing holiday in the Netherlands is from middle April until middle October. In these months, you will enjoy your sailing trip under the shining sun, you will see the blooming tulips and all other flowers, and you will avoid the rainy days.
Every city in the Netherlands has its own remarkable character and history. Moreover, renting a boat will help you explore the cities on board and enjoy the waterfront of the Netherlands. As all the lakes and canals are connected, it is fast, easy, and convenient to get from place to another every day.
The IJsselmeer is the biggest lake in the Netherlands. It is located in North Holland and what is spectacular about it is that people made it an inland lake. The Dutch people built the dyke named “Afsluitdijk”, which separates the lake from the Waddenzee. Nowadays, this inland bay is mainly used for water sports and sailing enthusiasts, as well as for fishing. Another essential function of the IJsselmeer is that it is used as a large water reservoir, which provides fresh tap water for the northern areas of Friesland and Groningen.
Many sailing routes start precisely from this lake. That is due to its strategic and convenient connection with many regions of the Netherlands.
Ranked as the most beautiful province region in the country, Friesland should be on top of your destination list. Like any other city, it has many inland canals that get you through the inner parts and enable you to observe the authentic culture of Friesland.
It is important to mention that one of Friesland's cities - Leeuwarden, had been ranked as the European capital of culture in 2018. When you rent a yacht and sail through it, you will see all the beautiful artistic statues and architecture that have grabbed the attention of many visitors.
The spectacular capital and party centre of the Netherlands - that is just a small part of the definition of Amsterdam. Amsterdam is well-known for its artistic culture and remarkable narrow houses across the canals, with architecture dating from the 17th century. Many museums show the history of the country, the incredible art of Van Gogh as well as Rembrandt and even modern art.
The city has so many canals, connected with each other, that you will fall in love with sailing in Amsterdam. That is why to rent a boat in Amsterdam is one of the first things to do.
While onboard, you will notice the diversity of cultures in Amsterdam. The reason is that many people from different parts of the world not only visit but also enjoy living in the capital.
The Biesbosch National Park is one of the largest national parks in the country. It is full of rivers and small islands that appeared during the years on the surface of the water.
Nowadays, the park is rich in vast flora and fauna, and it also welcomes visitors with a boat.
It is good to have this place on your visiting list with a boat. Sailing within those islands of the park and enjoying the flourishing nature, there, is an unforgettable experience.
As we mentioned above, the IJsselmeer lake is a starting point for many sailing routes. From the old gem Stavoren you can head to the well-known city Enkhuizen.
Enkhuizen is a historic harbour city, which attracts many sailors with its 17th-century architecture, monuments, and churches. The old culture and traditions are kept alive, and the cosy restaurants welcome the guests with delicious food. You will also see the lovely shops in the outdoor area selling the traditional Dutch wooden shoes.
Finally, you will have the chance to see the old city defence tower, Drommedaris. Until today, this tower enables observation over the harbour and is one of the main attractions for tourists. As you will sail on a boat or yacht, you can easily see everything onboard.
Another place that can be reached from the IJsselmeer lake is the fishing village Volendam. Rich in history, this village has kept the Dutch character and traditions over the years within the infrastructure and culture.
The old fishermen's houses are positioned in a labyrinth of lanes, and they have inspired numerous painters and artists throughout the centuries. Moreover, the old Dutch clothing and wooden shoes are still used in the city, and you can easily notice that while you sail through the city canals.
These and many other cities like the capital Amsterdam, the city of Utrecht, Groningen, Delft and others deserve your attention. For more information about sailing routes, you can contact our Tubber team at any time.
There is no requirement for a sailing licence in the Netherlands, as long as your boat is under 15 meters, and you drive no faster than 20 km per hour. However, if rent a yacht that is longer than 15 metres, and you control it, you may need to look into the exact specifications and laws for licences.
Depending on the season you are planning to sail in, you will need different clothing and accessories to pack.
If your sailing trip is during the cold seasons, you will definitely need raincoat, waterproof and windproof warm clothes and shoes. Woollen garments are preferable as they will keep you warm in windy times.
Things are very different for sailing in summer. You will again need a waterproof jacket due to the rainy days that occur, but your summer clothing should include t-shirts, shorts and flip-flops. Remember that it is vital to have good and comfortable shoes onboard! A pair of sunglasses is also handy.
The short distances involved mean that a sailing holiday in the Netherlands is easy to access. Moreover, the entry-level in terms of sailing experience are very basic.
You can start to gain experience on the small waterways, then begin to explore the IJsselmeer and eventually make your way to the North Sea. So, there is plenty to do for sailors of all levels. Sailing on the small waterways is not possible, but they are charming to see. So, we recommend starting the engine of your yacht and experience the inland waterways of the Netherlands. Using the services of Tubber means a memorable boating holiday. Do not hesitate, book your charter today!
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