With so many navigable waters The Netherlands are well suited for dinghy cruising rallies.    There are many possible venues, for example:
  •  Heegermeer (Friesland)
  • Tjeukemeer (Friesland)
  • Sneekermeer (Friesland)
  • Lauwersmeer (Friesland/Groningen)
  • Beulakerwiede (Overijssel)
  • Markermeer or Gooimeer (North Holland)
  • Loosdrechtse Plassen (North Holland)
  • Randmeren (Flevoland)
  • Biesbosch (North Brabant)
  • Hollands Diep (Zuid Holland)
  • Grevelingen (Zeeland)
The Regional Secretary for the Netherlands is Hubert Bakker. If you have any questions about the rally programme,   please  email  the   Regional Secretaries, specifying your question concerns the Netherlands.
​A DCA rally is an informal meeting on the water.   'Coordination’ is limited to being a contact person and creation of an ad hoc Whatsapp group for easier communication between the participants.  Autonomy is the key word: as a participant you should make your own arrangements for launching, camping, meals etc. 
Please note that all rallies are subject to change or cancellation in the light of inclement weather, so it is vital that you check in the Forum's     Netherlands    section     for last minute changes. Contact details for the rally organisers can be found in the Forum or Journal.

2025


15 June            Lauwersmeer
In the past, fresh and salt water mixed together in the   Lauwerszee. In 1969, a dam was built to prevent floods and a beautiful new landscape was created, a true paradise for birds  - the Lauwersmeer.
Note that Saturday 14 June is no more on the table and there is also  an event of   Natuurlijk Varen in the same weekend. 
Contact Hubert if you are interested to come on 15th June.

27-28 September                 Lauwersmeer   
 A return visit to the Lauwersmeer if there is  sufficient interest.  Feel  free to   suggest   another venue or volunteer as a contact person!
The following Raids may also be of interest:

​5-7 Sep     Raid Extreme

​On 6 September 2025 we will again hold the 'Raid Extreme' on the Lauwersmeer, a former estuary in the north of the Netherlands.   This is a single day challenge for sailing, rowing and paddling boats. The total distance is around 40 miles. 

Starting at sunrise   you sail and row to reach as many checkpoints as you can.   Arrive on Friday, sail your guts out on Saturday, relax on Sunday.    
​10-14 Sep      Dorestad Raid
Full details can be found  here:    www.natuurlijkvaren.nl/dorestad-raid-2025-2/​