Sailing from Hellevoetsluis to Ooltgensplaat
After returning from the UK, we left Hellevoetsluis and made our way to Ooltgensplaat. Updated March 25
Departing from Hellevoetsluis, you’re starting in a harbour that feels like a proper sailing hub, busy, efficient, and full of life. After slipping your lines and heading out past the breakwaters, you ease back into the Haringvliet with open water ahead and endless sky. Whether it’s a breezy beam reach or something more upwind, the Haringvliet usually serves up decent conditions.
Once clear of the harbour entrance, you set your course eastward across the Haringvliet. Keep an eye out for the sluices at Haringvlietdam to port and the low shape of Tiengemeten to starboard as you cruise past — both are familiar markers that tell you you’re in the heart of Dutch inland sailing country.
As you approach the Krammersluizen, you’ll want to listen on VHF channel 20 and time your approach. Commercial vessels often take priority, but the wait is usually short, and the lock is well managed. Once through, you’re now in the Volkerak, a slightly more serious body of water, with a touch of tide and current, and plenty of barge traffic to keep it interesting.
From here, you turn south-east, and it’s not far to Ooltgensplaat, one of those little harbours that surprises you with its charm. The approach is via a marked channel that branches off from the Volkerak. It’s narrow and peaceful, with reeds lining both sides and the village church spire poking up ahead as a friendly landmark.
About Ooltgensplaat
This tiny little harbour is a delight if you want some peace and quiet. It is situated up a tight little canal and when I say tight I mean tight. However, a 2m draft boat should just about make it.
There’s not much in the village but there’s a good supermarket about 5 mins walk from the harbour. No restaurants to speak about. There is one on the quayside but apparently if he has 2 tables in one night he might not open for another two so he can recover.
In the village apart from the supermarket, there is a bakery, and a few cafés. It’s not touristy, which adds to the appeal, just a slice of local Dutch life, where everything feels well cared-for.
It is very reasonable here with a price of just €13 per night but electric is on a meter system taking €1 coins that don’t last long if you heat up your water.
There is also a reasonable wifi from the harbour office. according to chatGPT (March 25) The harbour is modern, with finger pontoons, good shore facilities (showers, water, electricity), and a calm atmosphere that makes it a perfect overnight stop or base for exploring the area.