Sailing area IJsselmeer

Sailing on the IJsselmeer

The IJsselmeer is one of the largest sailing areas in the Netherlands with a surface area of approximately 1,100 km2. This extensive sailing area is very accessible for any kind of water sports. Especially sailing and motorboating are many practiced water sports on the IJsselmeer. Sailing on the IJsselmeer is not difficult, but certain precautions are necessary if bad weather occurs. You will receive this information from the professional rental companies before your departure. View the boat rental offer around the IJsselmeer sailing area here.

IJsselmeer area

The IJsselmeer and Markermeer are sometimes mixed up. Due to the separation of these two lakes by the Houtribdijk, there are two separate sailing areas. The IJsselmeer can be reached from the Markermeer via the locks of Enkhuizen or Lelystad. The depths and calmness of the water also vary considerably. The Markermeer is between 2 and 4 meters deep, where the IJsselmeer is 4 meters deep on average. As mentioned earlier, the IJsselmeer is easy to navigate. However, in the case of rain or wind, one should take into consideration having good navigation instruments on board, such as a compass, chart plotter or GPS. A mobile phone can also offer a solution, although coverage on the IJsselmeer is no guarantee.

Sailing on the IJsselmeer

Sailing is perhaps the most practiced water sport on the IJsselmeer. Because of the calm water and the presence of wind, one always gets along well with a sailing boat. This makes it possible to sail long trips such as a round trip IJsselmeer, or a crossing of the lake to various places in Friesland, North Holland or Flevoland. From the IJsselmeer, the Frisian lakes and the Wadden Sea are easy to reach and sail. The IJsselmeer is also a large part of the Standing Mast Route. There are numerous large marinas around the IJsselmeer to moor during a sailing trip. These can be found in the well-known towns of Enkhuizen, Stavoren, Medemblik, Lemmer, Hoorn, Urk and Hindeloopen.

Boating holiday on the IJsselmeer

Even with a motor yacht you can have an excellent boating holiday on the IJsselmeer. You can call at all kinds of harbours in Friesland and North Holland, or visit the Wadden Sea area. Keep in mind the ebb and flow of the tide and the sailing routes. Also falling dry is not always suitable with a motor yacht. A sailing license is not required, unless the motor yacht is faster than 20 km/h or longer than 15 metres. A tip is that sailing with a motor yacht on the IJsselmeer up to wind force 5 is acceptable and safe. Further information about sailing on the IJsselmeer can always be obtained from the rental company.