Why the Dutch Keep Running Aground for Fun

by Maya & Aladino, Sailing Magic Carpet | Visit Partner Page

Nov 17, 2024 — Running aground is every sailor’s nightmare... Except in the Netherlands, where it’s an art form and a celebrated tradition. On a multi-day expedition aboard Maud, a 13-meter traditional Dutch sailboat, we discovered why the Dutch deliberately beach their boats, transforming this "sailing faux pas" into a unique adventure.

A Sea That Disappears

The Wadden Sea, in northern Netherlands, is a shallow tidal wonderland. At low tide, much of it turns to sandbanks, leaving traditional keel boats helpless. But Dutch flat-bottomed boats, like Maud, are designed to embrace these conditions. Their shallow draft and flat hulls allow them to glide over shifting sands, nose right up to beaches, and dry out gracefully when the tide retreats.

For sailors like us, who instinctively avoid grounding at all costs, this was a paradigm shift. Yet, watching the tide retreat and reveal our sandy surroundings was oddly exhilarating.

The Joy of Drying Out

Drying out has become a beloved pastime for Dutch sailors. The process is simple: sail until the keel kisses sand, toss an anchor, and wait. Once grounded, the fun begins. Without the need for a dinghy, crews explore sandbanks, forage for mussels, and enjoy the surreal beauty of walking ashore from their boat.

Evenings bring a peaceful magic to this experience. On Maud, we savored pesto pasta while soaking in the serenity of a hazy horizon—what the Dutch charmingly call "sea smoke."

Wildlife Encounters and Dutch Ingenuity

The Wadden Sea is famous for its wildlife, especially seals lounging on the sandbanks. Sailing past them, just meters away, felt like a privilege.

Equally fascinating was the Dutch approach to anchoring—minimalistic and confident. With a bit of rope and a basic anchor, we learned that every holding ground in the Wadden is a good one. This relaxed approach mirrored the laid-back spirit of Dutch sailing culture.

The Final Challenge: Locks and Traffic

Our journey ended with a quintessential Dutch experience: navigating a crowded lock. Dozens of boats jostled for position in a chaotic ballet that was both stressful and entertaining. For seasoned Dutch sailors like our captain, Hoob, it was business as usual. For us, it was a thrilling reminder of how uniquely Dutch this sailing culture truly is.

A Sailing Style Unlike Any Other

Dutch sailing is a harmonious blend of water and land, tradition and practicality. It’s unlike anything we’ve experienced in our rocky, deep waters of British Columbia. The flat-bottomed boats, tranquil drying-out sessions, and easy connection to nature left us enchanted.

This isn’t just sailing—it’s a lifestyle perfectly tailored to the Netherlands’ shallow seas and rich maritime heritage. For sailors willing to embrace a bit of grounding, it’s an adventure that stays with you long after the tide returns.