Event
Past
Muider Hardzeildagen 2026 — Sail Along Around Pampus and Muiderslot
2 days (Sat–Sun)
Price
from € 299,-
Child: € 195,-
Boarding
Friday 23 October 2026, 8 pm, Muiden harbour
Disembarkation
Sunday 25 October 2026, 4 pm, Muiden harbour
Since 1977 the Muider Hardzeildagen have been the festive close of the Dutch sailing season for traditional ships. The event has seen legendary editions — in 1987 no fewer than 185 ships appeared on the start line — and lives on as a convivial race for charter ships, where the reunion atmosphere ashore is every bit as important as the battle on the water. On the last weekend of October, tjalken, botters, skûtsjes, clippers and other historic sailing ships gather in the harbour of Muiden for two days full of exciting races. The races of the Muider Hardzeildagen are sailed around the island of Pampus on the Markermeer and IJmeer. The setting is unique: on one side the historic fortress island of Pampus, on the other the imposing Muiderslot. Nowhere else in the Netherlands do you race with such a spectacular view. Aboard the clipper Johanna Engelina you experience the Muider Hardzeildagen as an active crew member. Together with skipper Laurens you sail in the races, helping to hoist the sails and trim the sheets. Sailing experience is not required — everyone is welcome on board, from beginners to experienced sailors. After the races on Saturday there is a big party with a prize-giving in the marquee by the harbour of Muiden. On Sunday the last races of the season are sailed, followed by the festive season finale. The Muider Hardzeildagen aboard the Johanna Engelina are fully catered: all meals, coffee, tea, soft drinks, beer and wine are included. Children up to and including 16 years sail along at a special rate. The 2026 edition is fully booked. Join the waiting list for 2027 and you will be the first to hear when registration opens.
Highlights
Programme
Race day 1 — Muider Hardzeildagen
Start procedure around Pampus at 10:20. Racing on the Markermeer and IJmeer within sight of Pampus and Muiderslot castle. Last finish time around 16:00. In the evening a big party with prize-giving in the marquee at the harbour of Muiden.
Race day 2 & season finale
The final racing day of the Muider Hardzeildagen. Start procedure at 10:20. Finish time around 15:00. A festive end to the season and prize-giving.
Map: route, parking & practical info
IJsselmeer, Waddenzee & Noordzee — afhankelijk van weer en wind
Frequently asked questions
Are the Muider Hardzeildagen 2026 already fully booked?
Yes, the Muider Hardzeildagen 2026 aboard the Johanna Engelina are fully booked. Join the waiting list for 2027 and you will be the first to hear when registration opens.
When are the Muider Hardzeildagen 2026?
The Muider Hardzeildagen 2026 are sailed on 24 and 25 October from the harbour of Muiden. By tradition it is the festive close of the Dutch sailing season for historic ships.
Where is the race sailed?
The Muider Hardzeildagen are sailed around the island of Pampus on the Markermeer and IJmeer. The setting is unique: on one side the historic fortress island of Pampus, on the other the imposing Muiderslot. Nowhere else in the Netherlands do you race with such a spectacular view.
What is the history of the Muider Hardzeildagen?
The Muider Hardzeildagen have been sailed on the last weekend of October since 1977. The event grew explosively: in 1987 no fewer than 185 ships appeared on the start line. After that it continued as a convivial race for charter ships — more a reunion of skippers, crews and regular guests, although there is genuine competition on the water.
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,- p.p.) and towels (€ 10,- p.p.) are settled on board.
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 € 299,- 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.