IJsselmeer sweat water?

apollo

apollo

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Hi

We are thinking of chartering a yacht in IJsselmeer after a successful charter in Zeeland last summer. Something around the 36/37 feet.

We have been told by some dutch friends that the IJsselmeer is locally known as "Sweat Water" as it gets packed in the summer.

Anyone visited this area - what did you think of it as a cruising ground?

What kind of conditions did you experience out in the IJsselmeer?

Any info gratefully received...

Mike
 
It's lovely. It's a huge area and there are a lot of boats, but well spread out, except, perhaps, at the locks. Much emptier than the Solent in summer for example. There are some super little towns to visit. People are friendly and helpful and all speak excellent english.

It can get windy - we had a full gale last time we were there, but the weather forecasts (in English every 4 hours, ch23 or 83, I think) are very accurate. And there's usually something to do when you are stuck in harbour by the winds - hire bikes, for example.

Consider venturing out into the Waddensea and to the Frisian islands if you have a longer holiday or are feeling adventurous - but buy up to date charts (in Holland).
 
Dutch education authorities are North, Central and South. They have different dates for their summer hols. I'd try to avoid the North hols.

Unfortunately the dates are at work. If you wish I will look them up and report back.
 
It can get crowded but that's all part of the fun !

Loads of interesting craft to see as well.

Great places to visit too.

My favourite area of Holland so far.
 
Having kept my boat on the Ijselmeer for the last 7 years I have a little local knowledge. It's a nice area to sail with plenty of small marinas within some very picturesque towns. The inland sea is split into two area’s the Ijselmeer and the Markenmeer, the Markenmeer being the smaller of the two but with a number of harbours to visit. There are locks between the two at Lelystad and Enkhuizen opening 24 hours. I am sure you will enjoy the sailing and the numerous places to visit If you need any help while over here PM me.
 
Dutch friends use the term "sweet water" as we would say fresh water, not sea water.
The Markermeer and Ijsselmeer are teriffic sailing grounds, yes a lot of boats at the weekend but it is not crowded, you need to get used to sailing in 3mt depth but the bottom is so flat you would think it had been graded.
Hoorn, Lemmer and Enkhuizen are a must, for shallower keeled boats try Marken, Volendam and Edam.
Probably no need to extol the delights of Amsterdam, always thought of it as a bit of a ripoff myself.
The local traditional boats are quite a spectical when racing.
Have fun.
 
Put the same question to the east coast forum a lot of dutch experience there, we avoid the Marinas when we go and aim for the harbours in the center of the towns, rafting up is the order of the day much like the solent, step off the boat and walk into a restaurant, if the weather is good there is nothing like Holland for sailing especially the ijsselmeer,its about a 2 day sail from the bottom of the Markenmeer to the top of the Ijsselmeer its surprisingly big and in my opinion having been in July and August not too bad, obviously weekends can be a bit busier, the further north you go the more hicksville it gets especially on the eastern side with cash machines quite rare in places a bike is a valuable asset as the shops also get further apart, but all in a charming sort of way.
 
Hired a 39foot Bavaria from Andijk Yacht Charter (www.andijkjachtverhuur.nl/) a couple of years back and had what was one of the best sailing hols I have ever had. Andijk's boats are foolproofed to an extent that makes them a bit frustrating for decent sailors - almost nothing adjusts but they are clean and in good nick. I agree with everything posted so far and would just add to learn about the Dutch method of marina mooring which is bow on between poles. Overall - go do it - great places to see
 
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