Renting a sailboat with skipper for a weekend on the Markermeer
2 days€ 1200-2500 Calm
Two days of sailing on the Markermeer with a hired skipper, departing from Monnickendam or Volendam, with an overnight stay in the cabin.
A weekend charter with skipper on the Markermeer is perfect for those who have no sailing experience of their own, or who simply want a fully taken-care-of getaway. The skipper handles navigation, communication with locks, and docking. No sailing licence is required. A cabin yacht of 10 to 12 metres sleeps four to six people.
The price is typically between 1,200 and 2,500 euros per group for two days and one night, skipper included but excluding food and fuel. Boarding Friday afternoon and returning Sunday evening is the standard. Popular routes run via Marken to Hoorn for the overnight stop, or through the Houtribsluis to Enkhuizen. The Markermeer is navigable year-round, but May through September offers the best chance of steady wind and mild evenings on deck.
Checklist
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Plunjezak met laagjes
Regenjas en boord-schoenen
Eten en drinken voor weekend
Slaapzak of dekbed
Borg en ID-bewijs
Zonnebrand en pet
Powerbank en oplader
Book a cabin yacht with skipper at least a month in advance through a charter company in Monnickendam, Volendam, or Lelystad.
Discuss the preferred route plan with the skipper beforehand, along with the desired comfort level and whether a stop in Hoorn or Enkhuizen is on the cards.
Pack a soft duffel bag instead of a hard suitcase, and bring layers of clothing, a rain jacket, and deck shoes.
Board Friday afternoon, get a tour from the skipper, and sail to a quiet mooring spot for the first evening.
Spend Saturday out on the open lake with a lunch stop at anchor and an evening in the harbour at Hoorn or Enkhuizen.
Sail back Sunday via a different route, return the boat in the afternoon, and settle up for fuel and any harbour fees.
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For anyone copying this
Do as we did
Suggestions
- Ask whether the skipper cooks or whether you arrange your own food, it makes a big difference to the budget.
- Book a berth in advance in Hoorn or Enkhuizen in July and August.
- Split the group costs right away via Tikkie or Splitwise, and keep the skipper's tip separate.
- Bring earplugs, yachts can slap against the bow at night.
- Check whether there is an outboard motor or dinghy on board for getting ashore.
Variations
- - Verleng naar drie dagen en vaar door naar Medemblik of Stavoren via de Houtribsluis.
- - Boek alleen een dagcharter met schipper als een weekend te lang voelt.
- - Kies een traditionele klipper of tjalk in plaats van een modern kajuitjacht.
- - Combineer met een fietstocht over Marken op zaterdagochtend.
- - Reserveer in mei of september voor lagere tarieven en rustigere havens.
by PlayTryBe team