Staande Mastroute: A Scenic Inland Journey from Rotterdam to Lelystad
The Netherlands, with its intricate waterways and maritime culture, offers a unique experience for boat owners. One of the most captivating routes is the Staande
Mastroute to Amsterdam (engl. Fixed Mast Route / Standing Mast Route) – a passage through the inland, allowing sailboat masts to remain upright thanks to a network of lift and swing bridges. This article chronicles a journey from Rotterdam to Lelystad via Amsterdam, exploring the beauty, challenges, and peculiarities of this inland route.
While it is possible to sail from Rotterdam to Lelystad or further north via the North Sea, the unpredictable weather often makes the inland route a safer and more scenic alternative. The Staande Mastroute showcases the diverse natural beauty of the Dutch countryside and urban landscapes, allowing sailors to traverse waterways without lowering their masts.
The decision to opt for the Fixed Mast Route was pragmatic for us. Having endured stormy nights on the North Sea, we wanted to avoid rough conditions and explore the calmer, more controlled waters of this inland journey. Despite being unprepared, with little prior research and no onboard radio, we set out on this route, learning and adapting along the way.
Embarking on the Fixed Mast Route
The day began smoothly, departing from Watersportvereniging IJsselmonde and passing the Algerabrug within the first few kilometers. The initial stretch of the Staande Mastroute to Amsterdam offered calm waters, a welcome contrast to the unpredictable North Sea. Alongside, the tranquil Dutch countryside unfolded – a visual treat that offset the pressures of keeping to our schedule.
As the day progressed, the challenges of navigating numerous bridges became evident. While the Julianasluisbrug presented no issues, the Gouwespoorbrug required a two-hour wait before opening. Shortly after, we encountered the Amaliabrug, where delays again tested our patience. Lacking a VHF radio, we relied on alternative methods to communicate with bridge operators, often resulting in confusion and extended waiting times.
Despite these hurdles, we managed to cross several other bridges, including the Kerkweg-Oost Brücke and the Boskoop Bridge, without significant delays. By evening, we reached the Braassemermeer, a peaceful lake where we briefly sailed with all sails up towards the end of the day. This moment of tranquility felt like a reward for the day’s trials, but with daylight slowly fading, we chose to continue onward, passing the Leimuiderbrug and Aalsmeerderbrug before staying near Amsterdam Schiphol Airport for the night.
During this leg of the journey, we traversed the following 15 bridges:
- Algerabrug
- Julianasluisbrug
- Gouwespoorbrug
- Amaliabrug
- Kerkweg-Oost Brücke
- Boskoop Brücke
- Goudse Schouw Brücke in Alphen aan den Rijn
- Swaenswijkbrug
- Alphensebrug
- Koningin Julianabrug
- Dr. Albert Schweitzerbrug
- ’s Molenaarsbrug
- Woubrugsebrug
- Leimuiderbrug
- Aalsmeerderbrug
The second day greeted us with a misty morning as we approached Bosrandbrug, the first bridge of the day, which opened without issues. Our spirits were high, but as we neared Amsterdam’s outskirts, new complications arose. The critical motorway bridge on the A10/A4, the gateway to Amsterdam, operated on a severely restricted schedule. To our dismay, we discovered that it only opened on weekends during the night, and we had arrived on a Tuesday.
Adding to our troubles, we learned that a special permit, required to traverse Amsterdam’s canals, needed to be ordered days in advance and was delivered by post – a new process we hadn’t accounted for. With limited options, we deliberated over whether to leave the boat in a local harbor or attempt a workaround. Ultimately, we decided to lower our mast to proceed under the closed bridge.
As first-time sailboat owners, lowering the mast was a daunting task. Although our engineering background gave us confidence, the lack of experience made it an intricate endeavor. After a full day of effort, we successfully secured the mast, allowing us to navigate under the bridge early the next morning.
Passing through Amsterdam with a lowered mast was a mesmerizing experience. The city’s iconic canals, flanked by historic architecture, offered a unique perspective. Traveling in a convoy of boats, we followed a bridge operator who cycled ahead to open each crossing, creating a seamless journey through the heart of the city.
Once through Amsterdam, we navigated the Oranjesluizen and ventured onto the Markermeer, a vast expanse of water leading to Lelystad. With the mast securely fixed on deck, the crossing was straightforward, culminating in our arrival at Lelystad, where we moored the boat.
Key Takeaways from Navigating the Fixed Mast Route
The Staande Mastroute to Amsterdam is a sailor’s dream, blending natural beauty with Dutch ingenuity. However, it demands thorough preparation. For those considering this journey, here are some key takeaways:
- Plan Ahead: Research bridge schedules and obtain necessary permits in advance. (Check out this *.pdf file with details)
- Bring a VHF Radio: Essential for communicating with bridge operators.
- Allow Time: Enjoying the route requires a leisurely pace.
- Embrace Flexibility: Expect delays and adapt to unforeseen challenges.
The route is as much about the journey as the destination, so patience is key. There will be delays at times, and every bridge seems to have its own rules, but that’s all part of the charm.
Most of all, enjoy it. Just be prepared, stay flexible, and soak it all in.
Follow this link to read more about Part II of the “Fixed Mast Route”, completed by Anne-Mon.