Pieperrace 2027 — Sail Along from Volendam on the IJsselmeer

The Pieperrace is a prestigious Volendam sailing spectacle, organised by the Stichting Pieperrace on the southern IJsselmeer off the coast of Volendam. The race has been held since 1983 — the 40th edition was on the programme in 2026 — and counts towards the IJsselmeerbokaal. This race for traditional sailing ships keeps alive the memory of how the Volendam kwakken (large botters found only in Volendam) were used during the Dutch famine winter of 1944 to sail potatoes (piepers) across from Friesland. The potatoes were destined in part for the hospitals of Amsterdam. The Pieperrace combines this remarkable history with a weekend full of sailing excitement on the IJsselmeer. By tradition, the Pieperrace is the opening race of the new season. On Saturday the first race is sailed on a course off the coast of Volendam, with more than 30 traditional flat-bottom ships on the start line: tjalken, skûtsjes, clippers and fishing vessels. The start and finish lie just off the Volendam harbour, so spectators on the dike can follow the entire race — complete with a scoreboard and a master of ceremonies. On Sunday a second race follows over a slightly shorter course, so that everyone can still make it to the festivities and the prize-giving. If you let this weekend pass you by, you'll have to wait until October to race again. Aboard the clipper Johanna Engelina you sail as a full crew member. Together with skipper Laurens and the regular crew you help hoist the sails, work the sheets and — if you dare — take the helm. No sailing experience is needed; Laurens gives sailing instruction beforehand and divides up the team. During the race you feel the tension of a real starting gun, the tactical interplay of wind and tide, and the satisfaction as the Johanna Engelina works her way through the fleet. After the finish on Saturday there is time to explore Volendam or simply enjoy the company on board. The atmosphere aboard is unique: swapping stories on deck, savouring a good glass of wine in the wooden saloon and sleeping in an authentic ship's bunk. The Johanna Engelina offers berths for up to 33 guests in cosy two- and four-person cabins. All meals — breakfast, lunch and dinner — are included, as are coffee, tea, soft drinks, beer and wine. You need to bring your own sleeping bag and waterproof clothing. Duvets and towels are available for a small fee. The Pieperrace from Volendam is the perfect way to open the sailing season aboard a historic clipper.