Netherlands standing mast route - make sure you check

[MK101]

Indeed! They do seem to be hoping to do the odd bridge opening, but certainly I wouldn't plan on the standing mast route. The restrictions on the coast are only for a week of course, so if you're outside that time you could (to go back over some old ground in this thread and others) pop out of the delta at Stellendam or Hoek van Holland/Rotterdam and wizz up the coast from there. In at IJmuiden or Den Helder/Waddenzee/Harlingen etc.

 

[Tradewinds]

Don't forget Sail Amsterdam this August.

https://www.sail.nl/en

 

[rgh27]

Are there still problems with the Standing Mast Route from south to north? I'm planning to travel from Vissingen to Hoorne around 12 to 26 June - and back again.

 

[MK101]

Are there still problems with the Standing Mast Route from south to north? I'm planning to travel from Vissingen to Hoorne around 12 to 26 June - and back again.

I'm afraid it seems so. As far as I can tell there has been no improvement in the situation with either the Buitenhuizerbrug, north of Haarlem or the Schipholbrug on the route through Amsterdam. Note also this: Restrictions Dutch coast 19 to 25 June NATO are in the Hague in June, and there are serious restrictions off the coast (although even at the height of the restrictions you can still avoid them by staying 12NM offshore).

Re bridges, they are talking of the occasional one off opening, but I can't see any dates as yet.

 

[eebygum]

Starting out Anglesey on my Westerly Storm several weeks ago and sailed from Dover direct to Nieuwpoort over the weekend. Was planning to do the Mast-Up root to the Baltic it looks like my plans are scuppered a bit with the bridges. I’m on all the websites and I believe the current update is:

“Schipholbrug Valid from 6-6-2025
In connection with repair the following applies:

Bridge - Schipholdraaibrug

No service from 6-6-2025 13:49 till further notice”

With the NATO shutdown as well from the 19th for a week, looks like I’m going to have shoot around the outside and up to Ijmuiden and possibly Den Helder.

I promised my partner I would take her to Amsterdam on the canals !! Off on the train to Bruge tomorrow in the meantime, setting off again on Weds.

Anybody got any good suggestions for passage stops going around the outside ? What is it like going down the main canal from Ijmuiden to Amsterdam ?
Any chance the bridges might get fixed in the next week ?

 

[westhinder]

Starting out Anglesey on my Westerly Storm several weeks ago and sailed from Dover direct to Nieuwpoort over the weekend. Was planning to do the Mast-Up root to the Baltic it looks like my plans are scuppered a bit with the bridges. I’m on all the websites and I believe the current update is:

“Schipholbrug Valid from 6-6-2025
In connection with repair the following applies:

Bridge - Schipholdraaibrug

No service from 6-6-2025 13:49 till further notice”

With the NATO shutdown as well from the 19th for a week, looks like I’m going to have shoot around the outside and up to Ijmuiden and possibly Den Helder.

I promised my partner I would take her to Amsterdam on the canals !! Off on the train to Bruge tomorrow in the meantime, setting off again on Weds.

Anybody got any good suggestions for passage stops going around the outside ? What is it like going down the main canal from Ijmuiden to Amsterdam ?
Any chance the bridges might get fixed in the next week ?

Do not count on the bridges any time soon, neither Schipholbrug nor Buitenhuizerbrug I’m afraid.
My homeport is Nieuwpoort and my normal routine when going to the Waddenzee and beyond is Zeebrugge-Scheveningen-Ijmuiden (if necessary to get the tides right into the Waddenzee)-Den Helder/Texel. If in a hurry or wishing to get some night sailing in, any or all of these steps can be omitted. We have done Nieuwpoort-Texel in about 24 hours, it is only 135 nautical miles.
There are no other stops that make sense on the Dutch coast if you want to move on. Breskens and Vlissingen, and Roompot and Stellendam locks are fine, but they involve a detour and getting out from between the sandbanks isn’t always joy in an onshore wind and sea. Rotterdam via Maasmond is a very interesting trip in itself but not something to consider when on your way north.

 

[MK101]

I agree, the bridges are unlikely to be sorted anytime soon. There may be the odd one-off opening, but I wouldn't rely on it. But you can still enjoy some Dutch atmosphere on the way north without too much of a detour, should you want to. If you go in to the North Sea Canal at IJmuiden you can get to Amsterdam very easily - it's not the same as going through the canals in the city but does take you to the heart of things (if you want to stop, then Sixhaven is the best spot, one short free ferry ride from Central Station). From there you could continue through the Oranjesluis into the Markermeer. Hoorn is a lovely old traditional Dutch town that's worth a visit, or you could go through the next lock as well and stop in Enkhuizen - which is super. From there it's a relatively easy trip across the IJsselmeer and out through the locks at Kornwerderzand to the Waddenzee and further east, back on to your original plan without much delay.

 

[johnalison]

Yes, Ijmuiden is the obvious destination. It is a long time since I went that way but Scheviningen was OK, if sometimes quite busy, though the possibility of a trip to The Hague made it worthwhile. In Amsterdam Sixhaven is the most central and enjoyable but we liked the Aeolus a lot too as a very friendly place.

 

[eebygum]

Do not count on the bridges any time soon, neither Schipholbrug nor Buitenhuizerbrug I’m afraid.
My homeport is Nieuwpoort and my normal routine when going to the Waddenzee and beyond is Zeebrugge-Scheveningen-Ijmuiden (if necessary to get the tides right into the Waddenzee)-Den Helder/Texel. If in a hurry or wishing to get some night sailing in, any or all of these steps can be omitted. We have done Nieuwpoort-Texel in about 24 hours, it is only 135 nautical miles.
There are no other stops that make sense on the Dutch coast if you want to move on. Breskens and Vlissingen, and Roompot and Stellendam locks are fine, but they involve a detour and getting out from between the sandbanks isn’t always joy in an onshore wind and sea. Rotterdam via Maasmond is a very interesting trip in itself but not something to consider when on your way north.

Thanks, that confirms my pragmatic thinking which is reassuring if nothing else !

We are going to move up the coast tomorrow to Blankenberge, then The winds are looking fair on Thursday for a long hop up the Dutch coast.

Not looking forward to all the shipping outside Rotterdam, any tips on the best route up the coast ? I know I need to report in to cross the TSS.

 

[Pye_End]

any tips on the best route up the coast ? I know I need to report in to cross the TSS

There is a recommended MAAS crossing point at the place you are supposed to report in. The details are in the almanac. MV and MN1 I think.

I am told by some local sailors (currently on the Ijsselmeer) that there is at least one problem with the northern standing mast route, though I havn't managed to understand where this is, or the implications as they also spoke about a detour 'through the town (all lifting bridges)'. They spoke of a full dismantling of a bridge which will be replaced (temporarily) with a fixed bridge, until a new one replaces it - and they were talking years not weeks. Couldn't work out if they were talking two different bridge problems or just one. Will post if I find out more.

For getting to the Baltic you may wish to consider exiting at Vlieland (from Harlingen), and if day sailing then Lauwersoog, Borkum (or Norderney) onwards. Den Helder one of the windiest parts around here so if you wish to avoid at the moment with so much unsettled weather then the North Sea Canal / Ijsselmeer is a good option, though it does add a bit to the time. Having said that the forecast for the next week or so looks significantly better than it has been for the last 3 weeks.

There is also a fixed mast route from the North Sea Canal to Den Helder if that is of interest.

The North Sea Canal to Amsterdam is straight forward. Take a little care in the lock at Ijmuiden as there is often a bit of unexpected current. Keep in to the right, and watch out for traffic (and ferries) - it is very busy in places. The newer Amsterdam Marina is also a good option (in addition to Sixhaven) - facilities are good, and is also close to a free ferry to take you over to Amsterdam. Supermarket near by.

 

[MK101]

There is a recommended MAAS crossing point at the place you are supposed to report in. The details are in the almanac. MV and MN1 I think.

I am told by some local sailors (currently on the Ijsselmeer) that there is at least one problem with the northern standing mast route, though I havn't managed to understand where this is, or the implications as they also spoke about a detour 'through the town (all lifting bridges)'. They spoke of a full dismantling of a bridge which will be replaced (temporarily) with a fixed bridge, until a new one replaces it - and they were talking years not weeks. Couldn't work out if they were talking two different bridge problems or just one. Will post if I find out more.

For getting to the Baltic you may wish to consider exiting at Vlieland (from Harlingen), and if day sailing then Lauwersoog, Borkum (or Norderney) onwards. Den Helder one of the windiest parts around here so if you wish to avoid at the moment with so much unsettled weather then the North Sea Canal / Ijsselmeer is a good option, though it does add a bit to the time. Having said that the forecast for the next week or so looks significantly better than it has been for the last 3 weeks.

There is also a fixed mast route from the North Sea Canal to Den Helder if that is of interest.

The North Sea Canal to Amsterdam is straight forward. Take a little care in the lock at Ijmuiden as there is often a bit of unexpected current. Keep in to the right, and watch out for traffic (and ferries) - it is very busy in places. The newer Amsterdam Marina is also a good option (in addition to Sixhaven) - facilities are good, and is also close to a free ferry to take you over to Amsterdam. Supermarket near by.

We came down part of the northern route last week. The obstruction you mention is at Uitwellingerga, near Sneek. The diversion takes you through Sneek itself, via Ijlst. Perfectly fine (and a pleasant stop) for a yacht or recreational motorboat, although if it's busy then the canal through the town is a bit narrow and I think there will be a convoy system in high season. There are restrictions in terms of size: 40 x 6 x 1,9 m, according to RWS. The Uitwellingerga bridge closure doesn't currently appear on Waterkaart live for some reason, but it was certainly in place and is open ended, according to Rijkswaterstaat. Once through Sneek you should be clear all the way to Harlingen, Lauwersoog or Delfzijl - as far as I know there are no further restrictions in the north.

Note that there is ALSO a blockage on the Amsterdam - Den Helder Standing Mast Route which you suggest: the Coenbrug at Zaandam is out of action until 10th July at least. So it's not a great picture, but there are still lots of options via North Sea Canal, Markermeer, IJsselmeer and Waddenzee.

 

[westhinder]

Thanks, that confirms my pragmatic thinking which is reassuring if nothing else !

We are going to move up the coast tomorrow to Blankenberge, then The winds are looking fair on Thursday for a long hop up the Dutch coast.

Not looking forward to all the shipping outside Rotterdam, any tips on the best route up the coast ? I know I need to report in to cross the TSS.

As Pye End says, the recommended crossing point is quite straightforward. Maasmond VTS will advise on any incoming or outgoing traffic, but the decision to cross is yours. Do not underestimate the speed at which the ships are approaching.
Thursday does indeed look promising for a longer hop, that’s what we are going to do too. We will be going from Stellendam, either to Ijmuiden or straight to Texel.
Enjoy your trip.

 

[johnalison]

We came down part of the northern route last week. The obstruction you mention is at Uitwellingerga, near Sneek. The diversion takes you through Sneek itself, via Ijlst. Perfectly fine (and a pleasant stop) for a yacht or recreational motorboat, although if it's busy then the canal through the town is a bit narrow and I think there will be a convoy system in high season. There are restrictions in terms of size: 40 x 6 x 1,9 m, according to RWS. The Uitwellingerga bridge closure doesn't currently appear on Waterkaart live for some reason, but it was certainly in place and is open ended, according to Rijkswaterstaat. Once through Sneek you should be clear all the way to Harlingen, Lauwersoog or Delfzijl - as far as I know there are no further restrictions in the north.

Note that there is ALSO a blockage on the Amsterdam - Den Helder Standing Mast Route which you suggest: the Coenbrug at Zaandam is out of action until 10th July at least. So it's not a great picture, but there are still lots of options via North Sea Canal, Markermeer, IJsselmeer and Waddenzee.

I always preferred the northern route via Harlingen which is a nice town (as is Sneek), with Franeker as an alternative stop but avoiding weekends for the locks if possible. Vlieland- Lauersoog as mentioned is an alternative, though it takes you a few miles the wrong way, mitigated by a strong current if you get it right. Borkum again takes you out of your course but we much preferred Norderney anyway.

 

[Pye_End]

We came down part of the northern route last week. The obstruction you mention is at Uitwellingerga, near Sneek. The diversion takes you through Sneek itself, via Ijlst. Perfectly fine (and a pleasant stop) for a yacht or recreational motorboat, although if it's busy then the canal through the town is a bit narrow and I think there will be a convoy system in high season. There are restrictions in terms of size: 40 x 6 x 1,9 m, according to RWS. The Uitwellingerga bridge closure doesn't currently appear on Waterkaart live for some reason, but it was certainly in place and is open ended, according to Rijkswaterstaat. Once through Sneek you should be clear all the way to Harlingen, Lauwersoog or Delfzijl - as far as I know there are no further restrictions in the north.

Note that there is ALSO a blockage on the Amsterdam - Den Helder Standing Mast Route which you suggest: the Coenbrug at Zaandam is out of action until 10th July at least. So it's not a great picture, but there are still lots of options via North Sea Canal, Markermeer, IJsselmeer and Waddenzee.

Sounds like the one you posted about in #11. The conversations make sense now.

I nearly tried to come down the Den Helder canal last week - thankfully, instead there was a break in the incessant wind for a day.

Thanks for this.

 

[eebygum]

Hi all. Just a quick note to say that, should you be planning to use the Standing Mast route through the Netherlands, there are a number of issues currently. At the time of writing it isn't possible for mast up yachts to get from the south (i.e. Zeeland, Rotterdam etc.) to the north (IJsselmeer etc.), and vice versa, except by sea. That's because the Buitenhuizerbrug which blocks passage from Haarlem/Spaarndam to the North Sea Canal is now out of action until further notice, whilst the availability of the Schipholbrug on the alternative route via Amsterdam (for the night convoy) has been delayed. The Schipholbrug was supposed to be back in action earlier this month, but is now also delayed until further notice.

The latest info is best found on the Rijkswaterstaat waterways info service Fairway Information Services Apps like Waterkaart live also have the latest info. It's not clear how long the Schiphol problem will last - they found more problems when testing before putting it back into service. In the meantime I can recommend a stop in Scheveningen or IJmuiden...

We safely arrived in Amsterdam marina after sailing up the Dutch coast (Nieuwpoort > Blankenberge > Scheveningen > IJmuiden and into the North Sea canal).

I still cannot see any access through the Standing Mast Route (SMR) for the Baltic via Delfzijl from Harlingen due to


“In connection with repair the following applies: Bridge - Stationsbrug Franeker
No service from 12-6-2025 11:42 till further notice “

The Waterkaarten App is not showing me any alternative route via Sneek (I’m 1.7m draft, 14.5m airdraft) at the moment ?

My current plan is to depart Amsterdam on Monday for the IJsselmeer and meander up to Harlingen through the Kormwerderzand. Then head for Vlieland from Harlingen via the deep ferry routes, outside of the Frisian Islands to Norderney and finally onto Cuxhaven.

Anybody got any experience/suggestions on the Northern SMR from here based on the current bridge situation ? Or any better outside route from Harlingen ?

All feedback is really appreciated.

Cheers

 

[MK101]

Sounds like a good plan anyway, but it seems the problem at Franeker is already sorted: Fairway Information Services says it’s open again.

Certainly it’s not a long term blockage - we came that way 10 days ago.

The other SMR options (not going as far as Harlingen) are to go into Friesland at Lemmer or Stavoren, and then make your way to Leeuwarden and onwards. That’s when you will have to divert through Sneek.

If you go outside at Vlieland/Terschelling the rws has wave heights on their website too. Always useful. Search for rws golfe hoogte. Wind over tide has a big effect in that part of the world!

And if you’ve gone outside and then regret it, you can get back in at Lauwersoog. Again, watch the wind over tide and don’t cut corners!

Glad you’re enjoying so far. Have a good rest of the trip!

 

[westhinder]

Sounds like a good plan anyway, but it seems the problem at Franeker is already sorted: Fairway Information Services says it’s open again.

Certainly it’s not a long term blockage - we came that way 10 days ago.

The other SMR options (not going as far as Harlingen) are to go into Friesland at Lemmer or Stavoren, and then make your way to Leeuwarden and onwards. That’s when you will have to divert through Sneek.

If you go outside at Vlieland/Terschelling the rws has wave heights on their website too. Always useful. Search for rws golfe hoogte. Wind over tide has a big effect in that part of the world!

And if you’ve gone outside and then regret it, you can get back in at Lauwersoog. Again, watch the wind over tide and don’t cut corners!

Glad you’re enjoying so far. Have a good rest of the trip!

Just so you get the search term right: wave height = golfhoogte
Rijkswaterstaat Waterinfo