Goedereede (Grevelingenmeer)

Setting Your Anchor

1. Check tidal height for tidal locations (Hoek van Holland, Scheveningen, Biesbosch); Grevelingenmeer and Veerse Meer are non-tidal
2. Plan arrival at HW for tidal locations; non-tidal lakes can be entered at any time
3. In Rotterdam waterways: monitor VHF CH 67 and stay in designated small craft areas at all times
4. Set your anchor alarm immediately after anchoring — before going below or sleeping

About This Anchorage

Goedereede is a medieval fortified village on the north shore of the Grevelingenmeer — the largest saltwater lake in Western Europe (56 km², formed by the Grevelingendam closure in 1971). The 14th-century Lievevrouwetoren church tower is one of the most prominent landmarks visible across the lake. The Grevelingenmeer is the finest sailing lake in the Netherlands: non-tidal, clear saltwater (the only saltwater lake of this size in Western Europe), excellent holding throughout, and a variety of interesting harbours and anchorages. The lake was sealed from tidal influence by the Brouwersdam (1971) — the water is still saltwater but now lake-calm without tidal complexity. Goedereede village has preserved its historic character remarkably well.

Hazards

• !Exposed to S and SW across the open Grevelingenmeer — 56km² of open water creates significant chop in any SW gale; use marina in SW winds
• !Limited fuel at Goedereede — fill at Stellendam before heading east on the lake
• !Nature reserve sand islands in the lake: no landing April–July for nesting terns and other birds; approach only for viewing
• !Speed limit 9 km/h near harbour — enforced; open lake is 20 km/h
• !Limited facilities compared to Bruinisse or Zierikzee further east

Skipper's Tips

• →The Lievevrouwetoren (church tower without a church — destroyed by a storm in 1578) is one of the most atmospheric monuments on the Dutch coast; the tower has been a sailors' landmark for 600 years
• →The Grevelingenmeer is the best sailing lake in the Netherlands — plan a 3–5 day circuit: Stellendam → Goedereede → Bruinisse → Zierikzee → Herkingen → back
• →Kitesurfing and windsurfing are very popular on the Grevelingenmeer — the lake's fetch and non-tidal conditions make it excellent; yachts should be aware of water sport activity
• →The sand islands in the middle of the lake (Stampersplaat, Veermansplaat) are remarkable bird sanctuaries — visible from the boat without landing
• →Swim from the outer anchorage — the Grevelingenmeer is saltwater and clear; excellent swimming

Nearby Anchorages