offline
anywhere

playbook

Renting a sailboat for a day charter on the Markermeer

GroundLiving
Automatically translated · View original (Nederlands)

A day out sailing on the Markermeer with a rented sailboat from Monnickendam or Volendam, past Marken and the Hoornse Hop.

7u

duration

€ 200–700

budget

Ground

pace

The Markermeer is a large, fairly shallow lake with strong winds and few obstacles, ideal for a day of sailing just north of Amsterdam. No sailing licence is required for an open sailboat or dinghy up to around seven metres; Klein Vaarbewijs I applies from speeds above 20 km/u or a length above 15 metres. Those without their own experience can book a skipper for roughly 150 to 250 euros extra per day.

A day charter typically runs from 9:00 to 17:00 and costs an average of 200 to 450 euros per boat, excluding fuel and deposit. High season falls between May and September, with the most stable winds in June and September. Departure harbours are Monnickendam (Hemmeland), Volendam and Lelystad. From there, Marken can be reached within an hour, and with a favourable wind so can the Hoornse Hop or the Marker Wadden.

Checklist

0 of 6

  • Zwemvest passend per persoon

  • Zonnebrand en regenjas mee

  • ID-bewijs en pinpas borg

  • Lunch of broodjes ingepakt

  • Windverwachting checken

  • Telefoon volgeladen

by PlayTryBe team

Reserve an open sailboat or cabin yacht with a rental company in Monnickendam, Volendam or Lelystad, one to two weeks ahead during high season.

Check the wind forecast the evening before on Buienradar or Windy, and pick a day with wind force 3 to 5 for comfortable sailing.

Arrive 30 minutes before departure at the rental company for a brief briefing, key handover and check of life jackets, anchor and VHF radio.

Sail via the Gouwzee to Marken, moor at the harbour basin for a walk through the wooden village and lunch on the terrace.

Set course back via the open side of the lake towards the Hoornse Hop or Marker Wadden, with plenty of room for long tacks.

Return the boat by 17:00 at the latest, tidy up, report fuel consumption and wait for the deposit to be released.

For anyone copying this

Do as we did

PaceGround
Duration7u
RouteAny order
Budget€ 200–700

Suggestions

  • Book a skipper when wind force 6 or above is forecast, or postpone to a calmer day.
  • Ask whether the rental includes reef lines and a spinnaker, which makes a real difference in shifting winds.
  • Bring a waterproof bag for phones and keys.
  • Plan your lunch stop in Marken to give yourself an extra hour of sailing on the way back.
  • Check the bridge and lock times at Monnickendam if you are returning late.

Variations

  • - Vervang de lunch in Marken door een ankerstop op het meer met meegebrachte picknick.
  • - Kies voor een avondzeiltocht van 17.00 tot 22.00 uur in juni of juli, vaak goedkoper.
  • - Combineer met een overnachting aan boord en maak er een weekendcharter van.
  • - Boek een platbodem of botter voor een traditioneler beeld op het Markermeer.
  • - Volg een introductieles bij een zeilschool voor wie nooit eerder gezeild heeft.