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Brandaris Race 2025
Sailing trip on the Dutch Klipper "Boekanier" from Harlingen to TerschellingI'm one of the loyal "repeat offenders" of this event. I usually have two days of vacation left for the long journey and I'm always eager to sail between Harlingen and the island of Terschelling. This enthusiasm is especially heightened when there are up to 80 flat-bottomed boats on the water. This year, there were unfortunately significantly fewer, but still a lot. Looking back over the last 10 years, the chances of finding a suitable ship have also diminished. In 2025, only 39 boats were classified in the race. I can only speculate as to why. My boat for 2025 was the "Boekanier", which perfectly suited my interests.
Brandaris Race 2025: fast Dutch Klipper ready for the regatta!
Joint journey along the Pollendam to the starting point
Regatta for Dutch Klippers of the so-called Brown Fleet
Dutch Klipper "Eensgezindheid", winner of the Brandaris Race for many years
Brandaris Race - sailing regatta in the Wadden Sea
Sailing ships at the sailing regatta in the Dutch Wadden Sea
The regatta itself had to be modified tooo. In the autumn, there apparently was a serious maritime accident off Harlingen involving a traditional sailing vessel. Until the investigation into the cause is complete, navigation along the Pollendam off Harlingen is only permitted with engine assistance until the Blauwe Slenk is reached. The actual regatta then starts from there.
The "Boekanier" isn't a particularly fast ship. The crew sails at a rather leisurely pace, which I found very pleasant. While a regatta implies pursuing a sporting goal, that doesn't necessarily mean competing for victory. The faster ships were already somewhat ahead at the start. From a distance, however, one could still see the sometimes enormous sail area they had hoisted: a magnificent sight! We let ourselves be passed a bit in the regatta fleet. First, the smaller but faster Dutch Klippers overtook us, then the few tjalks participating this year. Finally, I saw the few keelboats taking part in the regatta too.
Dutch Klipper on the Wadden Sea off Harlingen
Sailing regatta on flat-bottomed ships
Preparation for the sailing regatta on the Wadden Sea
Sailing in the Brandaris Race
Brandaris Race from Harlingen to the island of Terschelling
Relaxed sailing on a flat-bottomed ship
We had a moderate breeze for the regatta only, but sailing was possible, and the course was such that there was a need for tacking. I hadn't experienced that very often before, and those who went out on the water to see the ships were in for a treat. Glorious sunshine and the excellent service from our crew made the day a truly memorable experience.
The favorites won. For years, these have been "Eensgezindheid", "Aldebaran", "Eendracht", or "Eenvoud". The "Boekanier" also finished the regatta successfully. After maneuvering into the harbour, which took quite a while, there wasn't much time to explore the island. I made a quick trip to the Kaapsduin before dark, a brief visit to the prize-giving ceremony, and a look at the regatta results, then back on board. The weather turned unpleasant. The return trip to Harlingen was under engine power. I was feeling rather deflated. I didn't have any time in Harlingen either. Because the accommodations there were too expensive, I immediately continued on to Groningen. I had planned to walk through the city on Monday, but the constant rain made it unpleasant.
Dutch Klipper "De Zeven Wouden" at the Brandaris Race 2025
Tacking in the Brandaris Race 2025
Glorious sunshine at the Brandaris Race 2025
Dutch Klipper "Najade" at the Brandaris Race
Regatta field off Terschelling at the Brandaris Race 2025
Side by side, flat-bottomed ships at the Brandaris Race
My conclusion: This was my first time sailing on the "Boekanier", and I can easily imagine doing it again in the future. The circumstances surrounding my trip haven't become any easier, and we'll see how the economic situation for traditional sailing vessels in the Netherlands develops. I'm also ready to try something new.
Famous sailing regattas for flat-bottomed sailing ships in Holland
If I've frequently participated in the Brandaris Race on sailing ships, it's because the event aligns with my personal interests and availability. Of course, there are other events, some of which I also find exciting and attractive.
Pieper Race in Volendam in April
The Dutch open their annual sailing season with the Pieper Race. This regatta for flat-bottomed sailing vessels starts and finishes in Volendam and takes place on the Markermeer. Sailing is held over two days, usually on the first weekend of April. Recently, between 30 and 40 sailing vessels in 7 different classes have participated. The name Pieper Race originates from a relief shipment of Frisian potatoes (aardapplen, "piepers") delivered by fishing boats from Volendam during the winter of 1944 to a hospital and the suffering population of Amsterdam during the German occupation.
Pieperrace – Volendammer zeilspektakel van allure!
Klipper Race in Enkhuizen in October
The competition season opens in autumn with the Enkhuizen Klipper Race. Sailed over a weekend in October, the Klipper Race consists of the Three Cities Race on Saturday, followed by a race on an Olympic course on Sunday. For the Three Cities Race, the sailships, anchored in the Krabbersgat near Enkhuizen, start and round at least two of the three buoys off the coastal towns of Medemblik, Stavoren, and Urk. The finish line is in the Krabbersgat again. The triangular or trapezoidal course for Sunday is also laid out off Enkhuizen and must be rounded three times. Between 30 and 40 clippers have participated in the event in recent years.
Brandaris Race between Harlingen and Terschelling in October
The Brandaris Race is a sailing regatta, which takes place on a weekend in October and is sailed from Harlingen to the island Terschelling. Around 80 sailing ships in 5 classes are participating. The event is named after the island's lighthouse, the Brandaris.
Bontekoe Race in Hoorn in October
The Bontekoe Race takes place at the end of October off Hoorn in the Markermeer. A triangular course is sailed on both weekend days. There are three classes, and approximately 20-30 ships participate. The name Bontekoe comes from a Dutch seafarer, merchant, and travel writer who lived in Hoorn in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Stront Race between Workum and Warmond in October
The Stront Race is an event where a cargo of fertiliser, and on the return journey flower bulbs, are transported as quickly as possible from Workum to Warmond using both sail and muscle power. The ships must sail once via Enkhuizen and once via Lelystad. The race is divided into three classes and typically involves between 10 and 20 sailing vessels. The race gets its name from the fact that cow dung was formerly used as fertiliser.
Beurtveer between Workum and Amsterdam in October
The aim of this race is to cover the distance between Workum and Amsterdam and back as quickly as possible, calling at the ports of Medemblik, Lemmer, Lelystad, and Enkhuizen. Approximately 15 to 20 sailing vessels participate in the regatta, which lasts several days. The name Beurtveer is derived from the Dutch word for ferry service and refers to former ferry services that were important for transporting people and goods across the waterways of the Netherlands.
Slag in de Rondte in the Wadden Sea in November
The Slag in de Rondte - Regatta takes place in November in the western Wadden Sea. The harbour of Harlingen is the start and finish. Within five days, participants must call at as many of the ports as possible: De Cocksdorp on Texel, Vlieland, Western-Terschelling, Ameland, Schiermonnikoog, and Noordpolderzijl. Usually, no more than 10 sailing vessels participate. The event is often held in conjunction with the Waddenrace. The regatta's name refers to the rough conditions encountered during the race.
Slag in de Rondte (Uit Wikipedia, de vrije encyclopedie)
Wadden Race in the Wadden Sea in November
The Wadden Race is a regatta held in November in the western Wadden Sea, taking in the ports of Den Oever, Oudeschild on Texel, Oost-Vlieland, and Western-Terschelling, which must be visited in any order. The harbour of Harlingen is the start and finish. Usually, no more than 10 sailing vessels participate. The Wadden Race marks the official end of the annual sailing season.
Waddenrace - Zeilwedstrijd over de westelijke waddenzee
If you know of and would like to recommend other sailing events, I would be happy to hear from you.