A weekend of cruising, exploring and enjoying the Wadden Sea
At the end of August, seven No Limit boats gathered in Den Helder for a special weekend on the Wadden Sea. Among them was the new No Limit 1320. From Den Helder, the journey took the group via Vlieland and Terschelling to Harlingen.
It was a weekend that brought together cruising, nature, speed and good company, with the Wadden Sea as the backdrop.
On Thursday, 27 August, the participants gradually arrived at Willemsoord Marina in Den Helder. Located on the former naval base, the marina provided the starting point for the weekend.
After arriving, there was time to explore Den Helder. The Naval Museum and the Rescue Museum, both located on the Willemsoord site, offered a great opportunity to get into the maritime spirit of the weekend.
In the evening, the group gathered at the Marine Yacht Club. Over drinks, the first stories were exchanged and everyone looked ahead to the following day's journey. A dinner together followed, setting the tone for the weekend.
On Friday morning, the boats were ready for departure. At around 10:00, the group set course for Vlieland.
The route took them across the Wadden Sea, via the Scheurrak-Omdraai and the Inschot. The first part of the journey crossed the Texelstroom, where there was plenty of opportunity to enjoy the open water and the speed of the No Limits.
Once the route reached the Scheurrak-Omdraai and the Inschot, the character of the journey changed. Here, the focus was on the tranquillity and nature of the Wadden Sea, while taking other water users into consideration.
Vlieland was reached during the afternoon. After mooring, there was time to explore the island independently. In the evening, the group gathered for dinner at De Dining, right by the marina.
Saturday began with a special excursion. At 10:00, the group was picked up by the Vliehors Expres for a drive across Vlieland's expansive beach. For around two hours, the island was experienced from a completely different perspective.
After returning to the marina, it was time for the next leg of the journey. Around 13:00, the boats set course for Terschelling. The crossing is relatively short, but offers beautiful views of the Wadden Islands from the water.
After arriving at the marina in Terschelling, the afternoon was free. Time for a walk, a visit to the village or simply relaxing by the water.
In the early evening, the group travelled by taxi to De Drie Grapen for dinner. Afterwards, everyone was brought back to the marina.
On Sunday morning, those interested could join a guided tour of the Bunker Museum on Terschelling. The museum tells an interesting part of the island's history and provided a fitting addition to the weekend.
Around 14:00, it was time for the final leg. From Terschelling, the boats headed towards Harlingen via the Slenk and the West Meep.
After arriving in Harlingen, the group continued into the Noorderhaven, where the boats found their berths for the final evening of the weekend.
That evening, the programme concluded with a dinner in Harlingen. Afterwards, participants were free to head home or stay a little longer and enjoy their time in Harlingen.
From the historic harbour of Den Helder to the wide beaches of Vlieland and the distinctive atmosphere of Terschelling, the weekend offered a wonderful combination of cruising, exploration and relaxation.
The route across the Wadden Sea also highlighted the diversity of the Dutch cruising grounds. Open water, dynamic tidal areas, islands and atmospheric harbours alternated throughout the weekend.
With seven No Limits, including the new NL1320, it was a memorable journey through one of the Netherlands' most spectacular cruising areas.
Three days, three destinations and plenty of Wadden Sea adventure. watch the aftermovie here