Stay in the loop
Get discounts, early trip dates, and the latest sailing news.
Spanning roughly 200–250 nautical miles across the North Sea and the German Bight, this 7-day itinerary is designed to accumulate sea miles, practice night sailing, and experience offshore tides.
Leg 1: IJsselmeer to the Wadden Sea • Day 1: Medemblik to Makkum. Distance: ~18 – 22 NM Sail North East across the IJsselmeer. Enter the lock at Kornwerderzand. Makkum. Makkum to Vlieland. Distance: ~25 NM Pass through the Lorentz Locks at Kornwerderzand into the Wadden Sea . Sail the flood current northeast via the Inschot channel. Leg 2: The Offshore Passage • Day 2: Vlieland to Borkum (Germany). Distance: ~45 NM A long offshore leg. Exit the Wadden Sea and head northeast into the North Sea, passing the German Bight. With careful navigation through the tidal inlets to reach Borkum yacht haven. • Day 3: Borkum to Heligoland. Distance: ~55 NM The longest passage. Sail roughly east-northeast, staying offshore. Approach the iconic high-seas island of Heligoland. Moor at the Heligoland Marina and ensure you view the Lange Anna rock formation. Leg 3: The Return Journey Day 4: Heligoland to Borkum. Distance: ~55 NM Catch the prevailing southwesterly winds and tidal currents to re-enter the German Wadden channel and return to Borkum. • Day 5: Borkum to Terschelling. Distance: ~45 NM Sail west, riding the ebb/flood currents correctly through the Dutch Wadden inlets (such as the Texelstroom or Blauwe Slenk). Tie up at the West Terschelling Harbour under the famous Brandaris lighthouse. • Day 6: Terschelling to Harlingen. Distance: ~15 NM A short, sheltered sail southeast through the Frisian tidal channels. Re-enter the inland waters and moor at the historic maritime city of Harlingen. • Day 7: Harlingen to Medemblik. Distance: ~28 NM Transit the lock at Kornwerderzand back into the IJsselmeer. Enjoy an open-water sail southwest down to your home port of Medemblik.
