Where to moor in Den Helder?

[Ceirwan]

So we're planning a crossing this summer, normally we go to Ijmuiden and from there into the North Sea Canal, so I'm pretty familiar with that part.

This year however we're thinking of going in at Den Helder and making out way through the Ijsselmeer, Amsterdam and back out at Ijmuiden, a clock wise circuit so to speak.

We're looking at a 36 hour crossing so it would be good to stop in Den Helder before moving on.
Looking at the Almanac it looks like Willemsoord marina is the only easy ish option, the other one appears to be for Naval Officers only, has anyone stayed here before and can you recommend a good berth for the night?

Or is it worth pushing on and getting into the Ijsselmeer?

Cheers

 

[Old Harry]

So we're planning a crossing this summer, normally we go to Ijmuiden and from there into the North Sea Canal, so I'm pretty familiar with that part.

This year however we're thinking of going in at Den Helder and making out way through the Ijsselmeer, Amsterdam and back out at Ijmuiden, a clock wise circuit so to speak.

We're looking at a 36 hour crossing so it would be good to stop in Den Helder before moving on.
Looking at the Almanac it looks like Willemsoord marina is the only easy ish option, the other one appears to be for Naval Officers only, has anyone stayed here before and can you recommend a good berth for the night?

Or is it worth pushing on and getting into the Ijsselmeer?

Cheers

I have been into the Officers club marina but too longer to remember much about it.
How about Ouldeshielde on Texel, easy access & good facilities

 

[Ceirwan]

I have been into the Officers club marina but too longer to remember much about it.
How about Ouldeshielde on Texel, easy access & good facilities

We did think about that thanks, but if we carry on that far then we were thinking of just going straight to Den Ouever. We're hoping to do the tidal island another year.

 

[EdWingfield]

The Royal Dutch Navy YC you are talking about is good for visitor yotties, and easy to locate. Very secure as you might imagine. Friendly staff. Your trek to town will cause you to pass through the Maritime Museum with fascinating exhibits.

Town has a large street market. I cannot remember the days.

 

[Old Harry]

We did think about that thanks, but if we carry on that far then we were thinking of just going straight to Den Ouever. We're hoping to do the tidal island another year.

in that case get the very latest Dutch charts ,b 4 entering the Waddenzee

 

[Ceirwan]

The Royal Dutch Navy YC you are talking about is good for visitor yotties, and easy to locate. Very secure as you might imagine. Friendly staff. Your trek to town will cause you to pass through the Maritime Museum with fascinating exhibits.

Town has a large street market. I cannot remember the days.

I got the impression from their website that it was for military or ex military personnel only? Or is that simply to become a member? if they allow 'civvies' to visit then that would be ideal for us.

 

[thalassa]

I got the impression from their website that it was for military or ex military personnel only? Or is that simply to become a member? if they allow 'civvies' to visit then that would be ideal for us.

Scroll down on the site:
"Guests are very welcome in the marina of the RNNYC. Our marina is easily accessible, supplied with all necessary facilities and located within walking distance from the city centre."
In the Dutch version it's 'passant', normally meaning any visiting yacht.

 

[westhinder]

I got the impression from their website that it was for military or ex military personnel only? Or is that simply to become a member? if they allow 'civvies' to visit then that would be ideal for us.

I stopped there a few years ago. All visitors are made very welcome.
The alternative would indeed be Oudeschild on the Island of Texel, a large and convenient marina only a couple of miles further than Den Helder and very much worth a visit.

 

[Ceirwan]

Thanks for the advice people. Looks like we'll use the naval one as its by far the most convenient en route.

 

[Old Harry]

Thanks for the advice people. Looks like we'll use the naval one as its by far the most convenient en route.

then buy the local chart :encouragement:

 

[johnalison]

I haven't been there for about five years, but have only ever stopped at the first dock on the right going in. I don't have a pilot to hand but Google maps calls it the KMJC haven. There is/was a small clubhouse at the end which did basic but good food and was quite friendly. The Willemsoord needs to be entered though a gate of some kind. It was recommended to me by a local but I have not used it. As mentioned, Oudeschild on Texel is fine too, and more scenic, but gets busy in the season, like all the islands.

Approaching Den Helder is not difficult but the tides run at up to 4 kn in places, so timing matters. Look out for the ferries, which come and go at some speed. There is no need to lock into the Ijsselmeer unless you want to explore the area.

 

[Ceirwan]

then buy the local chart :encouragement:

The Imray number 2018, that covers the area is on my purchase list. I can see the advantage to buying a local chart if I'm exploring the area, but there seems to be a very well marked channel all the way from Den Helder to Den Ouever, so I think the Imray should be sufficient.

Johnalison - I need to lock into the Ijslemeer if I want to get to Amsterdam and then back out via Ijmuiden.

 

[Old Harry]

The Imray number 2018, that covers the area is on my purchase list. I can see the advantage to buying a local chart if I'm exploring the area, but there seems to be a very well marked channel all the way from Den Helder to Den Ouever, so I think the Imray should be sufficient.

6 month old waddenzee charts will be out of date remember The Shifting Sands

here is a useful link http://www.vaarweginformatie.nl/fdd/main/infra/enc#enc

 

[EdWingfield]

'The Shifting Sands'

You possibly mean the Riddle? Anyway, the short hop to Den Ouever locks via the channel is deep water. No need for latest Waddenzee charts.

 

[davidej]

I'd watch out in den Helder if i were you.

Last time we went there, firstly a submarine surfaced not far in front of us. Then a frigate was doing live firing nearby. Lastly, as we were leaving, the Dutch marines were doing an amphibious assault on Texel.

 

[Ceirwan]

6 month old waddenzee charts will be out of date remember The Shifting Sands

here is a useful link http://www.vaarweginformatie.nl/fdd/main/infra/enc#enc

I'm sure you're selectively ignoring the part where I'm going to be following the well buoyed deep water channel. Even at LAT I have a comfortable margin, if I do decide to change my plans and go traipsing off the marked channels, I will of course make sure I have the proper local chart onboard.

 

[johnalison]

I'm sure you're selectively ignoring the part where I'm going to be following the well buoyed deep water channel. Even at LAT I have a comfortable margin, if I do decide to change my plans and go traipsing off the marked channels, I will of course make sure I have the proper local chart onboard.

I wasn't sure how much further you were intending to go. You could, if you wished, go across to Harlingen, maybe Vlieland, and down the IJsselmeer via the East side, depending on time available. All the buoyed channels are deep, except a short section near Harlingen which is about 2m.

 

[Ceirwan]

I wasn't sure how much further you were intending to go. You could, if you wished, go across to Harlingen, maybe Vlieland, and down the IJsselmeer via the East side, depending on time available. All the buoyed channels are deep, except a short section near Harlingen which is about 2m.

Unfortunately time is fairly limited, I would like some time to explore around that area.

Of course its all weather dependant, last time I was over that way we got weather bound in Ijmuiden for 5 days with 50 knot winds, half of the beach was deposited in the marine, sand absolutely everywhere onboard the boat.
With this route, if the weather isn't looking good for the crossing on the way back I can leave the boat at Ijmond still in the Nord Zee Canaal, nice and sheltered and a lot cheaper than Seaport.

 

[Fossil]

I'm sure you're selectively ignoring the part where I'm going to be following the well buoyed deep water channel. Even at LAT I have a comfortable margin, if I do decide to change my plans and go traipsing off the marked channels, I will of course make sure I have the proper local chart onboard.

Timing, timing!

I well remember sailing a chartered Dehler from Den Helder towards Texel, off to one side of the well-buoyed deep-water channel. Having sailed happily past a port-side marker at slack tide in a fairly light breeze and then got lost in contemplation of a trio of oil-drilling platforms that were moored there, I was jerked from my reverie by a roaring noise, only to find that right behind us was the red buoy, throwing a fine bow-wave and seemingly overtaking us fast!

The tide had changed, obviously and having avoided the buoy and put the motor on, we then spent another frustrating couple of hours pushing the very strong tide to cover the couple of miles into the Texel harbour.

Local harbourmasters all have the tide tables on booklets which they will give you for free and it is well worth getting one and using it. And up to date charts are essential, whether or not you are using the marked channels. Up there, I would never consider going outside the marked channels - unless I was in a boat that could take the ground safely.

 

[Skylark]

I haven't been there for about five years, but have only ever stopped at the first dock on the right going in. I don't have a pilot to hand but Google maps calls it the KMJC haven.

We made a fuel stop at KMJC a few weeks ago, over Easter, on our way to Hamburg. Helpful and friendly staff. Very straightforward entrance. No pedestrian access to the surrounding area as it's within a gated compound. We were boarded by Customs, also friendly and courteous.