2026 Dutch Water Week - Day 4
by Dutch Water Week 5 Jun 12:21 PDT
30 May - 7 June 2026
2026 Dutch Water Week - Day 4 © Sailing Energy / Dutch Water Week
Top-level sport and relaxation went hand in hand today at the Almeerderstrand. While the preparations for the Almeerderstrand Festival created a vibrant atmosphere on shore, the first sailors headed out onto the water for day four of the Sailing Grand Slam.
By late afternoon, the last boats returned just as the Friday drinks on the beach were already in full swing. The relaxed vibe on the sand and the action on the IJmeer provided the perfect backdrop for this racing day.
Different conditions on the water demand tactical choices
After the strong winds and heavy rain of recent days, the weather showed a calmer side today. The short, steep waves made way for flatter water and a moderate breeze averaging around 10 knots. The sun was also out all day.
For 19-year-old ILCA 7 sailor Nicolaas van Nunen, these conditions created a different kind of race compared to yesterday: 'Yesterday the wind was quite strong, so it was less about thinking and more about simply sailing fast. Today, from a tactical perspective, it was much more important which side of the racecourse you chose, because the boat speeds are much closer.' He emphasized that despite the lighter wind, the conditions were wonderful for sailing.
The Almere Skyline
In the 49er class, the wind also created a different kind of race. Robert Huisman and Jorn Swart enjoyed the tactical battle, which was made extra complex by the surroundings of Almere.
'We often train on the Mediterranean, but here, it's beautiful everywhere you look: you either see the skyline of Amsterdam or the skyline of Almere. It's a great view, but it also influences the wind. It makes the breeze very shifty and unpredictable.' These conditions ensure that a lot happens during a single race, keeping the competition interesting and exciting. Currently, the duo holds second place in the provisional standings.
For the Hungarian duo Attila Tóth and Levente Borda, Almere feels almost like home: 'The water is kind of similar to Lake Balaton. The water is not so deep and the waves are kind of the same as in Hungary. We like it here and it is really fun.'
Festival vibes
As they came ashore, the sailors were greeted by the sounds of the festival. 'We suddenly came back to a nice bit of music, so that was a warm welcome,' laughs Jorn Swart.
While visitors at the Almeerderstrand Festival relax on the beach, enjoy the festival vibes and listen to music today and tomorrow, the sailors still have one final challenge on the IJmeer ahead of them. Tomorrow marks the final day of the Sailing Grand Slam in Almere.
Results from the Dutch Water Week Day 4 can be found here.