Netherlands: From Zeeland to the Waddenzee - via IJmuiden to Amsterdam

Well, are you off to Vlieland again?" Our summer ritual is a running joke for our neighbours on the jetty in our home port of Bruinisse, which is often met with a shake of the head. The 125 miles from the Oosterschelde to the Wadden Island do indeed seem quite long at first.

Over the past seven summers, we have organised our arrival and departure in every conceivable way: non-stop in 22 hours. Through the Staande Mastroute. Sometimes with breaks in Scheveningen or IJmuiden and even more often through the North Zeekanaal and IJsselmeer.

Many routes lead to the north

The choice of routes is so large that the trip is not particularly challenging in most summer weather conditions. This time we have planned the round Noord-Holland: Up the North Sea, through the Nordzeekanaal into the Markermeer, via Kornwerderzand to the islands. Then back across the North Sea - all the way round.

We set off from Bruinisse on Thursday evening. With the last light and the help of the low tide, three hours later we are in the Roompot Marina above the sea lock. We stock up on fresh fruit at the holiday park's supermarket in the morning and are at sea shortly afterwards. We sacrifice the tempting day on the Oosterschelde beach in favour of the prospect of "real" North Sea sand.

IJmuiden: somewhat outdated

We plan the route northwards so that the current runs with us for as long as possible during the 45 miles, especially off the mouth of the Meuse, which we cross after around 33 nautical miles. However, in view of the weather forecast, we decide on the first beat to leave Scheveningen on the right until the return journey. Instead, we sail 68 miles directly to the Seaport Marina IJmuiden.

It is a little dated, but the last sea harbour before Den Helder is sheltered. The beach is beautiful, spacious and cosy thanks to the numerous bars and restaurants. However, the view to the north-east is dominated by the industrial backdrop of the large steelworks. South of the world's largest sea lock, we change from salt to brackish water. Sailing is permitted in the Nordzeekanaal, which runs through Amsterdam, as long as the engine is ready to start.

Endless possibilities in Amsterdam

Twelve nautical miles later, we reach Amsterdam Marina. In recent years, a new neighbourhood has sprung up around it on the site of the former NDSM shipyard. Residential buildings, offices, post-industrial creative spaces and beach bars alternate. This side of the IJ alone, in Noord, is worth an extended discovery tour.

Ten minutes' walk from the marina, the free ferry takes you to the central station - and to the shopping and tourist highlights. Whether it's a stroll through the city, a canal tour or cheesecake in the café of the film museum with a view of the IJ, the crew will find plenty of reasons to extend their break in Amsterdam.

Also interesting:

• Netherlands: Area update 2026 - What skippers need to know.
• Netherlands: Staande Mastroute 2026 not passable throughout.
• Netherlands: Sea rescue - What German skippers should know.