Dutch Water Week 2025 - Preview: From world-class Olympic champions to first-time paddlers

Sailing Grand Slam races in Almere © Sailing Energy

From Olympic champions to first-time paddleboarders, everyone is welcome on and around the water during Dutch Water Week 2025 in Almere. From Palma de Mallorca, passing by Hyerès and Kiel to Los Angeles, now to the Weerwater in the heart of Almere.

For five days, the youngest city in the Netherlands will celebrate sport, fun, and innovation — with water as the common thread. Young or old, beginner or pro: the joy of being on the water is the central theme.

World-class sailing with global appeal

This year, Dutch Water Week will culminate in a world first: the pilot final of the Sailing Grand Slam, complete with prize money. This international competition connects five of the world's most iconic sailing regattas:

• Trofeo Princesa Sofía 28 March - 5 April 2025, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
• Semaine Olympique Française 22-26 April 2025, Hyères, France
• Kieler Woche 21-29 June 2025, Kiel, Germany
• Long Beach Olympic Classes Regatta 12-20 July 2025, Los Angeles, USA
• Dutch Water Week 17-21 September 2025, Almere, the Netherlands

How it works

The Almere finale brings together the ten best sailors from a majority of the ten Olympic sailing, windsurfing, and kitefoiling classes for a season-ending showdown with prize money on the line.

A compact race format has been designed to thrill both athletes and spectators—on-site and online. It's fast, fair, and spectacular:

• Only ten competitors per Olympic discipline, selected through the Sailing Grand Slam ranking and a few wildcard entries for proven champions.
• A simple, easy-to-follow course—straightforward and without complex rules.
• The top sailors from the three-day qualifiers at Marina Muiderzand carry an advantage into the city-centre sprints on Saturday, September 20, and Sunday, September 21—racing right in the heart of town to decide the winners.

All are welcome - photo © Watersportverbond

Prize money

The organization expects to welcome at least six of the ten Olympic disciplines in Almere. Prize money is set at €1,500 for the winner in solo classes and €3,000 for the winner in duos.

Fun on the water for everyone

At the same time, Dutch Water Week embraces the broad, accessible water sports culture that Almere and the Netherlands are known for. No barriers, no experience required—just an open invitation to get out on the water and try something new.

For anyone with a towel in their bag, the event offers:

• Clinics in paddleboarding, sailing, windsurfing, and wingfoiling
• Skimboarding and canoe trips
• Optimist on Tour for kids up to age 12: learning to sail safely and playfully
• Open SUP races and a Friday night SUP City Tour on September 19
• Clean Up on Tour: make your own impact for cleaner water
• Water nature tours

Arno van Gerven, CEO of the Royal Dutch Watersports Federation emphasis the importance of the event for the sport.

"With the Dutch Water Week, we want to bring the world's best to the Netherlands—but also inspire all people to get out on the water. Whether you're dreaming of Olympic gold or just having fun on a paddleboard—it all starts with exploring, trying, and enjoying. Water connects us, and it all begins with the next generation."

Event website: dutchwaterweek.com