Sailing with a flat-bottomed boat – how does it work? Have you always wanted to sail with a flat-bottomed boat but aren’t quite sure what it entails? We’re happy to provide you with more information. Flat-bottomed boats are classic vessels that have been sailing on Dutch waters for years. A flat-bottomed boat has shallow draught, making it very suitable for sailing on the Wadden Sea.
Sailing with a flat-bottomed boat on the Wadden Sea
The Wadden Sea is a UNESCO World Heritage site and, in our opinion, the most beautiful natural area in the Netherlands. In the Dutch Wadden Sea, you’ll find the islands Texel, Vlieland, Terschelling, Ameland, and Schiermonnikoog. Planning to visit all the Wadden Islands during your vacation? Then island hopping with a flat-bottomed boat is a great idea! Besides the islands, there’s a lot more to see and do on the Wadden Sea. For instance, you can experience grounding with the low tide.
Grounding with a flat-bottomed boat
Grounding is perhaps one of the most stunning experiences you can have on the Wadden Sea. With high tide, you sail your boat onto a sandbank. As the water gradually recedes, the boat settles on the sandy bottom. You can step off the boat and stand on the seabed. Take a walk on the sandbank and explore the marine life. Make sure to return to the boat before the tide comes back in, as the boat will then float off the seabed again.
What is a flat-bottomed boat?
A flat-bottomed boat is a vessel with a flat bottom. These boats have almost no keel; instead, they have leeboards. Flat-bottomed boats can easily beach or run aground.
Flat-bottomed boats were historically used for fishing and transportation in shallow waters. In Friesland, tjalks and prams were used to transport peat and manure through shallow canals to the cities.
Different types of flat-bottomed boats from Varen met Sil
Currently, Varen met Sil rents out various types of flat-bottomed boats. The fleet currently consists of two Lemsteraken, two Zeeschouwen, and one Grundel.
Frisian flat-bottomed boat, the Lemsteraken
The Lemsteraken is a traditional Frisian flat-bottomed boat. The design originates from Lemmer. The first Lemsteraken was built in 1876 in Lemmer by the shipyard De Boer. Initially, these boats were intended as fishing vessels for the Wadden Sea and the Zuiderzee.
It was soon discovered that the Lemsteraken was also highly suitable as a pleasure yacht. The first Lemsteraken built as a yacht was constructed in 1907. A well-known Lemsteraken is “De Groene Draeck,” belonging to Princess Beatrix.
What is a Zeeschouw?
The Zeeschouw originated in the early 1900s out of economic necessity. The fishing industry on the Zuiderzee was declining, and the boats built for it were too expensive in construction and maintenance. The new Zeeschouwen were built as seaworthy, large, and robust vessels. They needed to be able to navigate the sea in all weather conditions and seasons. The Zeeschouw features a “bottertuig”: a mainsail with a straight gaff, a jib, and a jib-headed topsail on a loose boom.
What is a Grundel?
The design of the Grundel evolved from the Aalsmeerse punter, which was a versatile watercraft used in and around the former Haarlemmermeer. In the Grundel design, the stern of the punter was replaced with a flat transom. Originally, it used a sprit rig or a gaff rig; nowadays, it often uses a gaff rig.
Flat-bottomed boats
Flat-bottomed boats are stable and spacious vessels with a flat bottom and shallow draft. With a flat-bottomed boat, you can easily beach or dry out. Are you curious about sailing with a flat-bottomed boat?
Visit our flat-bottomed boat page, choose a boat, and go sailing and beaching on the Wadden Sea!
Sailing with Flat-bottomed Boats
At Varen met Sil, you can rent a flat-bottomed boat for your sailing holiday. Starting from the Lunegat departure port in Dokkumer Nieuwe Zijlen, you can first familiarize yourself with your boat on the Lauwersmeer. Then, passing through the lock at Lauwersoog, the Wadden Sea awaits you. Within an hour and a half, you’ll be confidently sailing on the beautiful Wadden Sea.
From there, you can sail to the marina of Schiermonnikoog. You can beach at Engelsmanplaat and spot seals at Kuipersplaat. If you’re planning a longer trip, you can hop between islands. Sail through the tidal inlet to Ameland, Terschelling, and Vlieland. If the wind isn’t favorable, you can also head in the opposite direction. Sail along the dyke to Noordpolderzijl, the smallest tidal harbor in the Netherlands, and beach under the eastern tip of Schiermonnikoog.
Renting a Flat-bottomed Boat Without a Skipper
At Varen met Sil, you can rent a flat-bottomed boat without a skipper; you just need sailing experience. If you’re new to flat-bottomed boats or sailing on the Wadden Sea, we offer additional lessons. We have three courses available:
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Course 1 is for those with flat-bottomed boat experience who want to get to know the boat. You’ll practice maneuvering in and around the harbor with an experienced flat-bottomed boat skipper.
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Course 2 is for those with sailing experience on the Wadden Sea but no flat-bottomed boat experience. You’ll go out on the Lauwersmeer with an experienced skipper to hoist the sails. Along the way, you’ll receive tips and tricks for handling and sailing a flat-bottomed boat.
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The third course is for sailors without experience on the Wadden Sea or with flat-bottomed boats. In this course, you’ll become familiar with the boat, take time to hoist sails, and gain experience on the Wadden Sea with the tides.
This way, we ensure that every sailor sets out with a flat-bottomed boat worry-free. Interested in more information about our courses? Contact us today.
When will you come sailing with one of our flat-bottomed boats?
