WSV Vlaardingen (Vlaardingen) Vlaardingen - Netherlands Marina in Vlaardingen, Zuid-Holland

WSV Vlaardingen marina is situated on the east side of the Oude Haven in Vlaardingen, South Holland, providing yacht berths in this historic Dutch fishing town. The marina offers convenient access from the Nieuwe Waterweg, the busiest shipping route in the Netherlands, through a well-organized lock system and bridge passages. Visiting yachts enter through the Buitenhaven and must register at Sluis Vlaardingen via VHF channel 20 or telephone 06-20 833 546. After locking through and passing both the railway bridge and footbridge, WSV Vlaardingen appears on the starboard side. The marina operates a box mooring system where guests can secure their vessels in available berths marked by green shields displaying box numbers when the harbor master is not present. Security is maintained through electronically secured entrance gates that require a TAG device for access from the street side, which the harbor master provides to visiting sailors. Departure procedures require advance planning, as boaters must contact Sluis Vlaardingen one hour before departure to request lock passage. The access tag must be returned in the mailbox at the Midships clubhouse before leaving. Navigation in this area requires careful attention to maritime traffic regulations. The Nieuwe Waterweg's status as the Netherlands' busiest shipping route makes VHF radio communication mandatory for all yachts. Traffic control centers monitor vessel movements across different sectors, and proper radio protocol must be followed. Before leaving the Outer Harbor, yachts must report on VHF channel 63 to Sector Eemhaven and clearly state their intended route. Vessels heading toward Oude Maas must register on VHF channel 61 with Sector Botlek well before crossing the Nieuwe Waterweg. Sailors planning to exit via the Vlaardingsevaart should note the significant height restriction: the fixed bridge over the lock has a clearance of only 1.70 meters, which limits passage to vessels with low profiles or those capable of lowering their masts. Marina facilities include water and electricity connections available on the jetties for all berth holders. The Midships clubhouse houses free toilet and shower facilities, accessible using the tag provided by the harbor master. The location offers excellent provisioning opportunities, with a supermarket and the Liesveld shopping center within easy walking distance of the harbor, making it convenient for crews to stock up on supplies. Vlaardingen itself is an old fishing town with a rich maritime heritage that permeates the entire community. Though the fishing industry has now completely disappeared, reminders of this important past are visible throughout the town. The Vlaardingen museum on Westhavenkade preserves and displays a significant portion of this fishing history. Moored at the quay beside the museum is the Balder, a logger that has been meticulously restored to its original condition and is open for public viewing. This historic vessel provides visitors with an authentic glimpse into the town's fishing heritage. The town features numerous beautiful old buildings that reflect Vlaardingen's historical significance as a fishing port. Notable landmarks include the historic crane positioned near the Balder, which was originally used for placing masts on fishing vessels. The Visbank represents another important piece of maritime history as the oldest fish auction and fish market building in Vlaardingen. These architectural remnants create an atmospheric setting for visiting sailors interested in Dutch maritime culture. The marina's location in Vlaardingen combines practical sailing facilities with cultural and historical attractions, making it an interesting stopover for cruising yachts navigating the Dutch waterways. The combination of modern amenities, secure berthing, nearby shopping facilities, and the town's rich fishing heritage provides visiting sailors with both convenience and cultural enrichment during their stay.