Sailing Directions

The Veerhaven is a tidal basin located along one of Europe’s busiest rivers. Nevertheless also small vessels and yachts can reach the Veerhaven safely. Navigation and traffic on the river is regulated by the Inland navigation police regulation (Binnenvaart Politie Reglement) and the Vessel Traffic System (VTS) of the Port of Rotterdam. For your own safety it is important that you are aware of the regulations. Information about the VTS can be found at the website of the Port of Rotterdam

Location

The Veerhaven has an open connection to the river. When arriving directly from sea there are no obstacles like bridges and locks. 

Sailing directions

While following the river stay close to your starboard shore. You may use your sails on the river, but tacking s not allowed and you need to have your engine ready for immediate use.

If you have a VHF listen to the radio traffic on the VHF-kanalen of the VTS. Click here for a PDF-map with the VTS sectors and their VHF channels. When nearing the Veerhaven from the west announce your intention to cross the river to enter the Veerhaven to VTS Sector Maasbruggen VHF channel 81.

When approaching the Veerhaven be aware of the ebb or flood current, which in front of the Veerhaven may run up to 1.5 kts. Also be aware of the fact that the flood current runs from about 2 hours before High Water Rotterdam till abut 1 hour after. Slack water is very short if it exists at all. In the entrance of the Veerhaven there may be a noticeable eddy. Larger vessels are recommended to approach against the current.

Be aware that (small) vessels may be leaving the harbour. Also there is a watertaxi service to Hotel New York on the opposite side of the river and to the upstream Leuvehaven. The watertaxi berth inside the Veerhaven is usually hidden by moored vessels on the east side inside the entrance. Smaller vessels coming from the east may be tempted to keep the easterly, green harbour light on their port side. Given the current and the lack of overview we strongly recommend against doing so.

Inside the Veerhaven we would appreciate if you keep your speed limited to about 2 kts. Depending on the actual occupancy of the Veerhaven vessels up to 20 – 25 meters can turn inside the harbour.

Veerhavenkaartje

Wind information

Below you find the actual wind direction and force at the Lekhaven, 3 km west of the Veerhaven.

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Tidal information

Below you find the actual tidal level at the Parkhaven, 1 km west of the Veerhaven.