We left Ouddorp after being stuck for 3 days because of the strong winds. Although in fairness the wind hadn’t died down much, it was just we were getting a bit stir-crazy. So we left in 30 knots of wind but even though we were being pinned onto the pontoon, we soon sprung off and once out it was fine.
The great thing about the Grevelingenmeer, and in fact most places in Holland, is that there is very little fetch so the waves never amount to much. However, the bad thing is that you have to get into box berths and with strong winds, they are never easy. But in this case, we headed for one of the public mooring spaces and they are just pontoons and we chose a protected one so mooring was a piece of cake.
As I’ve said before it costs virtually nothing to stay here as we pay €12.50 for a 7 day mooring ticket.
About Ossehoek Island
Ossehoek Island is a peaceful, nature-focused spot in the Grevelingenmeer, located in the province of Zeeland, Netherlands. It’s one of the many recreational islands that make this area so popular with sailors looking to escape the bustle of marinas and enjoy a night at anchor surrounded by nature.
Here’s what makes Ossehoek appealing for sailors:
Location
- Coordinates (approx.): 51.726° N, 3.962° E
- Ossehoek is located in the southern section of the Grevelingenmeer, east of Brouwershaven and not far from islands like Stampersplaat and Dwars in de Weg.
Mooring & Anchorage
- Free mooring is available, as is common on the Grevelingenmeer’s natural and artificial islands.
- There are simple wooden jetties where you can tie up.
- If the jetties are full or you prefer solitude, you can anchor nearby. The seabed is typically muddy or sandy, providing decent holding.
- Maximum mooring is generally 24 hours.
- No booking or payment system — it’s first come, first served.
Facilities
- None — Ossehoek is completely uninhabited and has no toilets, water, or electricity.
- There may be a small picnic table or trash bin depending on maintenance, but don’t count on it.
- Visitors are expected to leave no trace. Fires and barbecues are usually not permitted due to conservation rules.
Atmosphere & Surroundings
- The island is mostly natural and undeveloped, with low vegetation and open grassy areas.
- It’s peaceful, quiet, and often used by nature lovers, birdwatchers, and sailors seeking tranquillity.
- At night, it’s beautifully still — just the sound of water and the occasional bird.
Good to Know
- The Grevelingenmeer is non-tidal, so it’s ideal for anchoring and novice sailors.
- Nearby islands like Mosselbanken, Stampersplaat, and Dwars in de Weg offer similar experiences if Ossehoek is full.
- Use ANWB Waterkaart, Navily, or Navionics for up-to-date charts and island locations.
In Summary:
Ossehoek is the kind of anchorage that rewards those who enjoy a bit of wild sailing life, no shore power, no showers, just your boat, the stars, and a slice of Zeeland’s quiet natural beauty.
Would you like a recommended route to or from Ossehoek based on your sailing plans?