Yerseke

Yerseke

The cosy fishing village of Yerseke sits on the series of impressive lagoons and sheltered waterways that make up the bulk of Zeeland where rivers such as the Rhine and Schelde drain, and is one of the best spots for sampling sublime native seafood on the North Sea. As it's in the heart of the region, found between Middelburg and the North Brabant border, Yerseke makes a faultless starting point for a sailing trip across the region's islands and peninsulas, taking in breezy destinations such as Tholen, Beveland and Walcheren in the picturesque Scheldt Estuary.

For experienced boaters travelling from the UK, it's a short trip to Zeeland crossing to Calais from Dover, to follow the inshore fairways north to the West Schelde.

Hiring A Boat In Yerseke

A healthy selection of boat hire options exist in and around Yerseke, but food lovers, in particular, should use Yerseke as a base from which to sail and explore the waterways of Zeeland, sampling prized native lobster species, alongside north sea fish and oysters. Hire a motor yacht for convenient sailing over the lagoons, or choose a sloop if you intend to sail along the peaceful shores of the national parks.

Modern mooring options are available in most small villages and towns, with space for larger vessels in Middelburg and Veere.

Explore Yerseke By Renting A Boat

Yerseke is the seafood capital of Zeeland. Here fresh fish are brought in from the North Sea, while oyster farms line the Oosterschelde estuary and the Grevelingen lake, and daily fishing trips show visitors around the working harbour. Spring travellers can sample the Oosterschelde lobster (Eastern Scheldt lobster), a genetically unique variety of lobster only found in Zeeland with a characteristic blue banding, often used to identify it, alive, before serving. *Tip: it's only available between April and July*. The little village also has a great collection of restaurants including Oesterput 14, perched over a set of oyster tanks. Frugal travellers should pick their own oysters in Goes and St. Annastrand for free straight from the beaches (with a limit of 10 kilos).

Yerseke's colourful history is entwined with the sea and can be explored via exhibitions and installations in the Oosterschelde Museum. While just outside of the village, the Yerseke Moer is an excellent spot for birdwatching from one of several walking and cycling trails. Culture lovers should hire a yacht or a cabin cruiser and spend a few days exploring the towns and villages of Zeeland. Head south from Yerseke and sail along the Walcheren Canal to pretty Middelburg to see historic canalside houses, cobbled alleyways and stunning gothic architecture. Berth overnight in the Binnenhaven, where tall Flemish houses line the atmospheric quays before continuing to the attractive harbour at Veere.

In August, Yerseke hosts the vibrant Mosseldag (or Mussel day) celebration that sees the fishing village transformed into one of the country's biggest regional seafood festivals, with fresh mussel (known locally as Zwart Good) harvests and other seafood specialities sold from cheerful markets and aboard fishing boats touring the lagoons. Free trips over the Eastern Scheldt are available for the duration of the event which comes to a close with a fireworks display in the evening.

Best Areas To Hire A Boat In Yerseke

Yerseke's charming streets are often filled with a bounty of seafood produce, making it ideal for foodies, while Stavenisse and Kortgene both offer good access to Oosterschelde.

Yerseke

Yerseke's charm is very much of the sea, with a tradition of oyster and mussel farming that brings visitors from across the world. Hire a yacht here and sail along the coastline, sampling seafood across the Delta Region, and tour the restaurants of Middelburg and Goes.

Stavenisse

Conveniently located at the very top of Tholen island, the compact and beautifully maintained village at Stavenisse makes an ideal base for sailing along the Oosterschelde and from here it's a short sail along a breezy mile-long canal to Zierkzee.

Kortgene

Just north along the Veerse Meer from Yerseke, Kortgene offers convenient access to the National Park Oosterschelde but is equally good for sailing west along the Veerse Meer to visit Middleburg via the Walcheren Canal.

Types Of Boats To Hire

Most boating in the Netherlands takes place on the inland waterways: canals and rivers, making cabin cruisers and motor yachts a popular choice, but in Yerseke, the open waters of the vast lagoons are better suited to sailing.

Cabin Cruiser

Cabin cruises are ideal for languorous days exploring the canals and coastline of the Delta Region. Fixed berths open up the opportunity for extended sailing trips and unplanned adventures, while their ease of handling means even the most novice of boaters can safely take the helm.

Yachts

Bareboat and fully manned sailing yachts are available in and around Yerseke, as well as small motor yachts for sailing across the Delta Region.

Sloop

Open sloops are ideal for sailing along the rustic banks of the Zeeland peninsulas, mooring with a view of the vast delta or in one of the idyllic national parks.

Do you need a licence to hire a boat in Yerseke

For the most part, boaters won't need a license when hiring a boat in Yerseke, with the exception being when hiring a 20-metre plus yacht or a speed boat that can travel over 20km/h.

For the occasions when you do need a license, non-Dutch nationals can use their ICC (International Certificate for Operators of Pleasure Craft) or equivalent with the relevant categories validated -- including the Code Européen des Voies de Navigation Intérieure (CEVNI) if you intend to navigate a large or fast vessel through Zeeland's inland waterways.

Best Times To Hire

Summers in Zeeland arrive with a healthy gust of North Sea wind but are otherwise moderate with warm days perfect for sailing, swimming and other warm-weather activities. Spring and autumn, while pleasant enough can be hindered by long rainy days, and the winters, though milder than other parts of the Netherlands are cold and wet, making them less than ideal for sailing.

How much does it cost to hire a boat

Motorless sailing yachts start in Stavenisse from as little as €100 per day, with more impressive, fully equipped vessels (with space enough for nine sailors) starting from €2600 per week. Tenders tend to be more suitable for day trips and are often bookable by the hour, but it makes more sense to book for three hours or more, with attractive, part-covered vessels beginning at €163 for three hours on the water.