Enkhuizer Klipperrace | Experience regatta sailing on the IJsselmeer

Arrival: Fri 09.10.2026, 20:00
Arrival: Sun 11.10.2026, 16:00

Departure: Enkhuizen, Netherlands
Destination: Enkhuizen, Netherlands

Sailing area: IJsselmeer

Price:

Multi-berth cabin for 2–4 persons: € 335 p.p.

— ENKHUIZER KLIPPERRACE: REGATTA SAILING ON THE IJSSELMEER —

Experience an intensive regatta weekend on the IJsselmeer and be actively on board for the Enkhuizer Klipperrace. Since 1975, this regatta has been a fixture of traditional sailing in the Netherlands. In Enkhuizen, clippers, crews and sailing enthusiasts gather for two varied days of racing on and around the IJsselmeer.

On Saturday, the famous Drie Steden Race focuses on tactical route choice. On Sunday, the race takes place on a regatta course off Enkhuizen, testing speed, manoeuvres, sail trim and direct competition with other vessels.

As a crew member, you're not just a spectator. You're part of the crew, helping to set sails, handling lines, thinking along and experiencing first-hand how a traditional sailing vessel is sailed under regatta conditions.

— WHY THIS VOYAGE IS SPECIAL —

• Active regatta weekend on the IJsselmeer
• Participation in the renowned Enkhuizer Klipperrace
• Drie Steden Race with spectacular anchor start in the Krabbersgat
• Regatta course off Enkhuizen on Sunday
• Traditional clippers, competitive atmosphere and plenty of teamwork
• No prior regatta or sailing experience required
• Accommodation, bed linen, participatory full board and drinks included
• Ideal for anyone who wants to experience traditional sailing, not just watch it

— SATURDAY: THE DRIE STEDEN RACE —

On Saturday, the famous Drie Steden Race is sailed. This race begins with a spectacular anchor start in the Krabbersgat near Enkhuizen.

As the winches rattle, sails are set and skippers call out their final commands, the clipper fleet sets off almost simultaneously. This start alone is an impressive moment and ranks among the special sights of the Enkhuizer Klipperrace.

Subsequently, two of three designated buoys must be rounded. These are located near Medemblik, Stavoren and Urk. The finish is back in the Krabbersgat near Enkhuizen.

This creates a race where speed isn't the only factor. Equally crucial is which route the skipper chooses. Wind direction, weather, vessel characteristics and experience all play a major role. A vessel that's fast on paper won't necessarily win. A clever tactical decision can make all the difference in the end.

— SUNDAY: REGATTA OFF ENKHUIZEN —

On Sunday, the clippers gather once more off Enkhuizen. This time the race is sailed on a so-called trapezoid course, a variant of the Olympic regatta course.

Depending on weather conditions, the vessels sail the course over one or two laps. The different classes sometimes sail along different sides of the trapezoid but come together again towards the finish.

This creates a lively regatta scene: vessels cross paths, positions change, manoeuvres follow in quick succession and the tension remains palpable right to the end.

This second day of racing demands different qualities from the Drie Steden Race. Now it's more about quick reactions, good sail trim, clear wind, tacking at the right moment and direct comparison with other vessels.

— ACTIVELY SAILING RATHER THAN JUST WATCHING —

You don't need any regatta or sailing experience to join this weekend. The crew will explain what's happening on board and involve you according to your level of experience.

What matters most is that you want to participate actively. During a regatta, teamwork counts: setting sails, handling lines, staying alert, passing on commands and responding together to what's happening on the water.

It's not about already knowing everything. What's important is attentiveness, team spirit and enjoyment of being part of the crew. Precisely because many tasks come together during a regatta, a strong shared experience quickly develops on board.

— HANDICAP AND FAIR RACING —

In the Enkhuizer Klipperrace, the vessel that crosses the finish line first is not automatically the winner. The sailed time is corrected according to the handicap of each vessel.

This is important because clippers can differ significantly in size, rigging and sailing characteristics. The handicap system gives different boats as fair a chance as possible.

For crew this makes the regatta particularly exciting. You're not just racing against the boats immediately around you, but also against calculated time. Every tack, every routing decision and every minute can count in the end.

— ENKHUIZEN AND THE ATMOSPHERE OF THE KLIPPERRACE —

Enkhuizen is one of the most traditional sailing towns on the IJsselmeer. The historic harbour town provides a fitting backdrop for this regatta weekend: old ships, narrow harbour basins, maritime atmosphere and many people who come to the town because of the Klipperrace.

After racing day, gathering ashore is also part of the weekend. On Saturday evening the celebration takes place at De Nieuwe Doelen in Enkhuizen, with live music, skipper's meeting and prize-giving.

So you experience not only the races on the water, but also the special atmosphere of a regatta where traditional sailing, sporting ambition and conviviality come together.

— WHO IS THIS REGATTA WEEKEND SUITABLE FOR? —

This voyage suits you well if you:

• you'd like to experience a real traditional sailing regatta
• you want to help out actively on board
• you fancy teamwork, manoeuvres and regatta atmosphere
• you're not looking for a classic quiet weekend trip
• you'd like to experience the IJsselmeer and Enkhuizen in a special way
• you find traditional clippers and historic sailing fascinating
• you'd like to get a taste of regatta sailing even without prior experience

Sailing or regatta experience is not required. An active attitude, attentiveness and enjoyment of joining in together are more important.

— REGATTA PROGRAMME —

Saturday:

08:00 – Skipper's briefing / palaver with information and instructions for the day's regatta
10:00 – Planned anchor start of the Drie Steden Race in the Krabbersgat
19:00 – Latest finish time
20:00 – Celebration begins at De Nieuwe Doelen in Enkhuizen with live music
21:00 – Skipper's meeting
22:00 – Prize-giving for the Zilveren Klipper, Zilveren Schaal and Zilveren Fles
01:00 – Celebration ends

Sunday:

08:00 – Skipper's briefing / palaver with information and instructions for the day's regatta
10:30 – Planned start for B class
11:00 – Planned start for A class
16:00 – Latest finish time
16:00 or one hour after the last boat to finish – informal prize-giving at De Nieuwe Doelen

— INCLUDED IN THE PRICE —

• Accommodation on board Kaat Mossel
• Complete set of bed linen
• Full board with galley participation
• Drinks
• Harbour fees and tourist taxes
• Engine hours

— NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE —

• Transfer to and from the departure harbour
• Towels
• Insolvency insurance via guarantee fund GGTO: €9 p.p.
• Travel and cancellation insurance

— GOOD TO KNOW —

The Enkhuizer Klipperrace is an active regatta weekend. Programme, start times and courses sailed may be influenced by weather, wind and decisions of the race committee.

This trip is ideal if you want to combine traditional sailing, regatta atmosphere and active sailing. It is less suitable if you expect a quiet weekend with a fixed tourist shore programme.

A detailed trip description and further information about the vessel, the regatta, accommodation and life on board can be found on the Rederij van Linschoten website.

If you have questions about the trip, suitability, travel to Enkhuizen or the regatta weekend schedule, we are happy to advise you personally.