The Nations Cup will be held this year will be held in Medemblik, this is one of the regular Solo venues I haven’t been able to attend at this point due to other commitments or work.
The turn out from the Dutch contingent at the yearly event held at Medemblik is excellent and with some seriously talented Solo sailors it always makes for a fantastic event.
The event is held at the Regatta Center, similar to Weymouth, with a dedicated race team to manage the racing it’s very professional in approach. The Regatta Center is a 15 min walk from the centre of Medemblik which has a variety of pubs, restaurants and hotels.
Car parking is also available at the center.
Places to Stay
There is no normal camping at the Regatta Center Medemblik but staying with a tent, caravan/camper is possible. The fee for camper/tent per night and must be booked and paid in advance. There is power, showers, toilets and water in Regatta Center Medemblik. There is camping available at Lodge61 which is 200 metres from the Ijsselmeer. There are tents and lodges for up to 6 people for families and groups. Those can reserved so they are situated together…..if required.
It seems a few of the UK contingent stay in Hotel Medemblik in the centre of town which also look a good option.
The area has plenty to do for people that aren’t sailing too. Train rides, boat trips on the Ijsselmeer and of course you could always have a trip into Amsterdam. Personally if you aren’t sailing, I would absolutely recommend a trip to Enkhuizen, it’s steeped in history and beautiful for a wander round. There is also the Zuiderzeemuseum there which I personally found fascinating.
Travel
Ferry:
There are a few options here, Dover to Calais and Dover to Dunkirk.
It’s a long drive from Calais, 5hrs on a good run…..can take 6 – 7 though.
You could also do an overnight crossing from Harwich to the Hook of Holland.
The drive to the club with this option is approx. 2 hrs.
Worth a look early as they usually have some January discount offers on.
Eurotunnel:
Folkestone to Calais, which is obviously much quicker.
It seems that the sailors who usually attend like to take the ferry over to arrive a day or so early, keen to practise no doubt for the Friday racing, and then take the train home on Sunday so they don’t miss another days work on Monday.
It can still be cold so winter kit still advisable for sailing. The expectation at this point is possibly 50/60 Dutch sailors and 20/30 from the UK.
*Thanks to Chris and Nigel for helping me put together the info from their experience of doing the event for years.
Would be nice to get a really good turnout from the Midlands team as I know a few have mentioned doing the trip during the 2022 season.
If you need any help or further info let me know I will try and help if I can.
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