Price
from € 249,-
Bontekoerace 2026 — Sail Along from Hoorn on the IJsselmeer
3 days (Fri–Sun)
Price
from € 249,-
Child: € 195,-
Boarding
Friday 23 October 2026, Hoorn
Disembarkation
Sunday 25 October 2026, Hoorn
The Bontekoerace is one of the finest sailing races on the IJsselmeer, sailed from the historic VOC town of Hoorn. The race has been held since 1992 on the last full weekend of October and began as a small-scale alternative to the Muider Hardzeildagen, which had grown too crowded. The race is named after Willem IJsbrantsz. Bontekoe, the famous Hoorn seafarer who sailed the world's oceans in the 17th century. Every year some 30 to 35 historic ships — clippers, tjalken, schouwen, botters and kwakken, with around 500 people aboard in total — gather in the harbour of Hoorn for a weekend full of sailing spectacle. Hoorn provides an unrivalled setting for the Bontekoerace. The historic harbour, the VOC warehouses and the charming old town make the weekend complete. After the races on Saturday there is ample opportunity to explore the town and enjoy its lively nightlife. Aboard the clipper Johanna Engelina you sail as an active crew member in the Bontekoerace. Together with skipper Laurens and the regular crew you help hoist the sails, trim the sheets and navigate the IJsselmeer. The Johanna Engelina has a strong track record: in 2019 we took 3rd place in the Bontekoerace. Sailing experience is not required — everyone is welcome on board, from beginners to seasoned sailors. The Bontekoerace aboard the Johanna Engelina is fully catered: all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), coffee, tea, soft drinks, beer and wine are included. The combination of racing on the IJsselmeer, the historic atmosphere of Hoorn and the good company on board makes the Bontekoerace one of the highlights of the sailing season. Book your place aboard the Johanna Engelina for the Bontekoerace 2026!
Highlights
Programme
Boarding in Hoorn
Welcome aboard the clipper Johanna Engelina in the historic harbour of Hoorn. Meet skipper Laurens and the crew. Preparation for the Bontekoerace.
Bontekoerace day 1
The first racing day of the Bontekoerace on the IJsselmeer from Hoorn. A thrilling race with 30+ historic ships. In the evening, enjoy the historic old town and the nightlife of Hoorn.
Bontekoerace day 2 & prize-giving
The second racing day of the Bontekoerace. Finish and festive prize-giving in the harbour of Hoorn.
Previous Results
2025: to be updated · 2024: to be updated · 2019: 3rd place
Map: route, parking & practical info
IJsselmeer, Waddenzee & Noordzee — afhankelijk van weer en wind
Frequently asked questions
When is the Bontekoerace 2026?
The Bontekoerace 2026 is sailed from 23 to 25 October from the historic VOC town of Hoorn. More than 30 clippers and tjalken take part in this sailing race on the IJsselmeer.
Why is it called the Bontekoerace?
The race is named after Willem IJsbrantsz. Bontekoe, the famous Hoorn seafarer who sailed the world's oceans in the 17th century. The Bontekoerace is sailed from his home town of Hoorn, with the historic VOC harbour and old town as its backdrop.
How long has the Bontekoerace existed?
The Bontekoerace has been held since 1992 and began as a small-scale alternative to the Muider Hardzeildagen, which had grown too crowded. It has since become a fixed season closer for the traditional charter fleet (the "bruine vloot"): every year some 30 to 35 ships take part — clippers, tjalken, schouwen, botters and kwakken — with around 500 people aboard in total.
Do I need sailing experience to join a sailing race?
No, sailing experience is not required. Skipper Laurens gives sailing instruction beforehand and divides up the crew. Aboard the clipper Johanna Engelina you sail as a full crew member: hoisting the sails, handling the sheets and — if you dare — taking the helm. The regular crew guides you through every manoeuvre.
What is included in the price of a race weekend?
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), coffee, tea, buttermilk, soft drinks, beer and wine are included, as are the professional skipper and crew and sailing instruction. You bring your own sleeping bag and waterproof clothing. Duvets (€ 25,-) and towels (€ 10,-) are available for a fee.
Where do I sleep aboard the Johanna Engelina?
You sleep in one of the 10 authentic ship's cabins (two- and four-berth) with hot and cold running water. The ship has 3 showers, 3 toilets and an atmospheric saloon. There is room for up to 33 guests on multi-day trips.
Can I book as an individual or only as a group?
Sailing races aboard the Johanna Engelina can be booked individually, per person, from € 249,- p.p. Children up to and including 16 years sail along for € 195,-. So you don't have to organise a group — you meet your teammates on board.
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