Stavoren

About This Anchorage

Stavoren is the oldest city in Friesland — the legend of the Lady of Stavoren (Vrouwe van Stavoren) is the most famous Dutch maritime legend, telling of a wealthy merchant woman who ordered wheat thrown into the harbour in arrogance; the wheat grew into a sandbank that choked the harbour and ruined the city. The sandbank still exists (de Vrouwezand). Stavoren's importance now lies as the gateway between the IJsselmeer and the Frisian lakes — the lock (Staverse sluis) connects the open IJsselmeer to the extensive canal and lake system of SW Friesland. The Enkhuizen–Stavoren ferry runs in summer (passenger and cycles, 90 minutes) — a classic IJsselmeer crossing without sailing. The harbour town is small and tranquil after the busier west coast IJsselmeer ports.

Hazards

• !W and N exposure across IJsselmeer (15km fetch at Stavoren) — outer anchorage uncomfortable in W conditions
• !Enkhuizen–Stavoren ferry — large vessel manoeuvring in harbour; keep clear of ferry berth
• !Stavoren lock waiting times — peak season (July–August) can be 1–2 hours; plan accordingly
• !Vrouwezand sandbank outside harbour entrance — check ANWB waterkaart for current buoyage

Skipper's Tips

• →The Stavoren lock (Staverse sluis) is the gateway to the Frisian lakes — timing the lock with other yachts and the duty officer on VHF 22 saves waiting time
• →The Enkhuizen–Stavoren ferry is a classic IJsselmeer experience — take it one-way with bicycles and sail back; the 90-minute crossing shows the full width of the lake
• →The Lady of Stavoren legend (Vrouwe van Stavoren) is carved in relief on the harbour wall — a striking reminder that arrogance has maritime consequences
• →Stavoren is the best departure point for the Frisian lakes circuit — lock through to Sneek (14nm) and explore SW Friesland from here
• →The sandbank (Vrouwezand) outside the harbour is the stuff of legend — visible at low lake level; the historical sandbank that ruined the city

Nearby Anchorages