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.
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.
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.
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.
Zipper merging goes one by one, alternately. The nautical rule 'big goes before small' is not applicable here.
Compelling advice to not sail from het Singel through the Haarlemmersluis towards Droogbak during festival hours (4.30-10/11.00 p.m.)
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!
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.)
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.
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.