Vlootdag Harlingen, SATURDAY 13 APRIL 2024

On Saturday, April 13, 2024, the Harlingen Sailing Fleet will celebrate, after two years, the annual opening of its new sailing season again! This day, the Harlingen Vlootdag, is organized by the Verenigde Bruine Zeilvaart Harlingen (VBZH) in cooperation with BENG-evenementen and the Municipality of Harlingen, Welkom aan Zee.

Visitors to Fleet Day can enjoy the ever-present nautical atmosphere in the beautiful seaport town of Harlingen. It is a celebration for everyone, from young to old! The festivities will take place in and around the Zuiderhaven seaward side, with lots of music, a large colourful market, children’s games, demonstrations and old crafts.

This year the theme of the Fleet Day is “sea heroes”. On the ship “de Zeemeeuw” , a living work of art by a well-known “old master” will be depicted. There will also be a fun contest linked to this, more on that later!

The Harlingen sailing ships, moored at the quay, will hold “open ship”. So you can take a look at the ships from the inside. On board the ships are also exhibitions, demonstrations, coffee shops, tastings and much more. You will soon find out what there is to do.

The Harlingen sun ferry “Jonge Seun” is deployed between the Zuiderhaven seaside and city side to make a fast connection for you between the center and the event.

As every year, there is also an official opening moment. Around noon there will be a gathering at the town hall for invited guests and our chairman will give a brief summary of how we have fared over the past two years. Afterwards, the invited guests will walk across the colourful market, board the stevenklipper de Rode Swan, where tasty snacks and a drink will be waiting. When the Rode Swan passes through the Zuiderhaven, the season is officially opened!

A wonderful day out in Harlingen. Come along and enjoy the nautical atmosphere in this beautiful old port town on the Wadden Sea.

Vlootdag Harlingen: Saturday 13 April 2024, from 11.00 – 16.00 hours