Do you like water and would you like to have a different holiday than the 'standard' with the caravan or sit in a cottage at the campsite? Then think about a boat holiday in the Netherlands. We did it a few years ago and our kids are still talking about it. Very funny! I would therefore like to tell you more about our holiday with the boat in Friesland, what we encountered and what we liked about it so much.
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We went on holiday with the caravan for years, until Frank suddenly had enough. That same month we put our caravan up for sale and decided that we would start planning different kinds of holidays. One of those holidays is our boat holiday in the Netherlands that we did a few years ago. And how we enjoyed it. Are you also considering renting a boat in Friesland for a great family holiday? Then be sure to read my blog.
We are not sailors, so when renting a boat for a week's holiday in the Netherlands we assumed a motor boat. I could already see myself lying completely on deck during a boat holiday, as you also see 'in the film'. Haha, relax together with Lotte.
Well, the idea for the boat holiday was born, but now the implementation is still needed. Renting a boat is not that difficult, you just do it online. But how are you going to carry out such a boat holiday? Do you prepare your holiday well, what do you take with you, are you going to map out a route for sailing and how does it work with a shower and toilet and the like?
We had no idea at all. The only thing we knew is that no license is required to sail this boat. A motorboat of almost 12 meters long is quite a colossus. Then we find it. But apparently that's not all that exciting on the water.
Good. When renting the boat you already know whether you need a sailing license because it is clearly indicated how long the boat is and how fast it can sail. You can sail a boat smaller than 15 meters without a license. As long as the boat can't go faster than 20 kilometers per hour.
But even if a boating license is not necessary, it is still useful if you are a little aware of the rules on the water. Frank has therefore picked up his knowledge a bit with this book. This way we were able to go on a boat holiday in the Netherlands without too much preparation.
The moment you get on the boat you will receive a short instruction about how to sail with that motorboat and after that you can go on the water yourself. In our case, the landlord sailed for a short distance (about 100 meters) and then jumped off the boat. We were 'passed' and as far as he was concerned, we could continue on our own. Super exciting of course, because actually you only know a little technically what to do. You only get the experience when you do it.
What you want to take with you depends a bit on yourself of course and on what is standard on the boat that you will sail with for a week during your holiday. Most – somewhat larger – boats are already quite well equipped. For example, on a boat with sleeping cabins, in addition to a toilet and shower, you will also find a kitchenette with a refrigerator, stove and often a microwave. That is perfectly comparable to a large caravan, right?
So you only need to bring your own items such as clothing, sleeping and toilet items. Ideal. If you go on a boating holiday in the Netherlands, there is often a map of the area where you sail on the boat. Or at least the area where the boat is in the harbor from which you will start your boat holiday. Now you can do something with google navigation, but we found the maps very useful. It's just a bit different on the water than on the road.
We found Friesland really fantastic to sail. Of course I do not want to indicate that other parts of the Netherlands are not suitable for a boat holiday, but Friesland is really beautiful. You have several lakes there that you can sail on, which are also connected by canals and rivers. This allows you to really take a boat trip through Friesland instead of bobbing around on one lake. In addition, you sail past all kinds of backyards and you can look at houses.
We have sailed on the Sneekermeer, but also on the Küfurd and the Langwarder Wielen. We even spent the night on the Sneekermeer without being in a harbor. So really moored on an island and spent the night there in the pitch dark. Super special and very 'into nature'. Delicious.
The other nights we just moored in a harbor and that is also fantastic. A boat holiday is really a completely different holiday, and even if you are in the Netherlands… you imagine yourself in another world. Fortunately, most 'skippers' are very helpful. So are you having trouble building? Then there is often someone nearby who will take the line to tie your boat to the quay. It is an 'us knows us' world that you quickly become part of.
The best tip I can give you is the following:Make sure you rent a boat with bow thruster and stern thruster. This makes it a lot easier to steer when you want to moor. This is usually stated on the website when renting a boat, so check it carefully. We had a boat with only a bow thruster so you can only 'steer' the back of the boat by using the rudder. But as soon as you end up in a current, for example, that can become quite difficult. With a stern thruster you can simply steer your boat sideways. Much easier and guaranteed less nerves and sweat drops.
Furthermore, we went on board rather unprepared. That's kind of our style, but it turned out to be no problem at all. Except on the first night. Then we really had to search for a while for a harbor where there was still room to moor. But that was also because we left later due to a double booking. It is therefore smart to reserve your berth, especially for the first evening. After that, you can plan ahead daily if you want, or go a little more on the spec and decide where to stay.
Whether you have a fixed schedule or not, a boat holiday is really worth it. We loved it and – despite the tense moments – had a really nice holiday. It gives a feeling of freedom to stay on the water in the Netherlands with such a boat holiday. And your view is also completely different. A glass of wine at the setting sun, children who jump straight from the boat into the water to cool off and have nothing else to do. For us the best relaxation we can imagine. It is also the only holiday that we have taken our dog with us. How nice is that?!
