Nederlands NL

Nautical measures

During the festival (30 November 2023 t/m 21 January 2024) there are adjusted sailing rules in place, so please read them carefully! The route map (€ 7.99) can be downloaded via the free festival app. You can also find the information about the artworks and artists there.

PREPARE WELL

You can find the route map in our festival app. Here, you don't only find the route and artwork descriptions, but also the nautical rules. The sailing direction is counter clockwise.

FESTIVAL APP

NAUTICAL INSTRUCTIONS

1. The IJ

Boats with an exemption for the IJ sail via the IJ.

Boats without an exemption for the IJ sail via de Haarlemmersluis.

Pleasure boats better not sail via the IJ. With dense fog and less than 1000m visibility you cannot go over the IJ. 

The IJ at night requires extra skill and experience for crew and and vessel.

2. DOSING PLAN BLUE LAMPS

At Brouwersgracht - Herengracht the boats coming from the IJ and Haarlemmersluis rejoin. To make the zipper merging run smoothly, dosing lamps have been placed at CS, Droogbak and Westerdok.

BLUE LAMP ON: stop, wait until blue lamp is off.

BLUE LAMP OFF: continue sailing.

3. MERGING BROUWERSGRACHT - HERENGRACHT

Zipper merging goes one by one, alternately. The nautical rule 'big goes before small' is not applicable here.

4. Advice Singel - Droogbak

Compelling advice to not sail from het Singel through the Haarlemmersluis towards Droogbak during festival hours (4.30-10/11.00 p.m.)

5. MUSCLE BAN

On the Brouwersgracht and entire Herengracht a muscle ban is in place: sailing with vessels powered by muscle strength is prohibited. Only exception is Kanovereniging Zeeburg for 2 days a week.

On the other parts of the route, sailing with such vessels without professional guidance is advised against. With regards to safety, supping is strongly discouraged!

6. ENTRY BAN KEIZERSGRACHT - REGULIERSGRACHT

There is a ban on entry from the Keizersgracht via the Reguliersgracht to the Herengracht, during festival hours (4.30 - 10/11.00 p.m.)

7. SPEED & OVERTAKING BAN
  • Sailing speed on Brouwersgracht and Herengracht is 5 km/h
  • Other parts of the route is 6 km/h, or as indicated
  • Sail at an even speed without breaking and accelerating too much
  • Prevent using your bow thruster as much as possible
  • Do not overtake unnecessarily
  • Do not lay stil at artworks
  • Do not lay stil at the Seven Bridges
8. WHISPER ROUTE & PRIVACY
  • Take the neighborhood into account.
  • Prevent noise disturbance of your guests.
  • Amplified music on board is forbidden.
  • Take residents into account (on the house boats), respect their privacy (do not take pictures!).
9. AMBIANCE

The ambiance on the water is very positive, which is important to residents and visitors. Communicate in a courteous and professional way to keep it this way.

10. IMPEDIMENT 8 DECEMBER

On 8 December 2023 there is a blockage on the Oosterdok due to festivities of 100 years NEMO. This means NO sailing is possible between 6.00-7.30 p.m. between Marineterrein and the point of NEMO.

GENERAL ADVICE:

  • Make sure you enter the waters well-prepared
  • Download the route map and festival app
  • Follow the instructions above
  • Make sure your boat is properly lit
  • Supping in winter is strongly discouraged