NBOC Netherlands Summer Rally 2026 – Stavoren & Enkhuizen

The fleet gathered in Stavoren – more than thirty Nelsons and around 65 participants came together for the 2026 NBOC-NL Summer Rally.

More than thirty Nelsons and around 65 participants gathered in Stavoren for the 2026 NBOC Netherlands Summer Rally. It became a weekend that showed exactly what our club is about: remarkable boats, shared knowledge, friendship and, of course, the pleasure of being out on the water together.

Friday was devoted to arriving, mooring and meeting one another. As more and more Nelsons entered the old harbour, the quays gradually filled with an impressive variety of boats from the Nelson family. A welcome drink and an informal evening together provided a relaxed start to a very special weekend.

We were particularly pleased to welcome our UK friends Paul & Gill Gamsa, Steve & Grietje Brenner and Wendy & Ron Johnson. Paul joined us as Commodore of the NBOC, while Steve attended as a representative of the NBOC Board. Their presence underlined the close and longstanding relationship between the Dutch and UK Nelson communities.

The highlight: Stavoren to Enkhuizen

Saturday brought the nautical highlight of the weekend. After the morning briefing, the fleet formed up for the crossing to Enkhuizen. Before departure, Adriaan Roossen, acting as Master of the Fleet, briefly addressed the crews and wished everyone a good course and a safe passage. His words were answered by a resounding chorus of ships’ horns from across the assembled fleet - a wonderful expression of the spirit and camaraderie of the occasion. The Nelsons then headed out together onto the IJsselmeer.

Wind, waves, dark skies, bursts of sunshine and plenty of spray provided exactly the sort of conditions in which Nelsons show their character. Seeing boat after boat driving confidently through the short IJsselmeer seas was a magnificent sight – and tremendous fun for the crews.

The fleet at speed on the IJsselmeer – a memorable sight in lively conditions.

Once clear of Stavoren, the formation was released, and the boats made their own way towards Enkhuizen. Radio contact, glimpses of fellow Nelsons between the waves and the sheer variety of boats taking part gave the crossing a real rally atmosphere.

In her element: Stern powering through the short, steep IJsselmeer waves on the way to Enkhuizen.

Enkhuizen

The fleet gradually assembled again in Enkhuizen’s historic harbour, creating an impressive Nelson gathering against one of the most attractive waterfronts in the Netherlands.

Nelsons filling the historic harbour of Enkhuizen.

The afternoon continued with an Open Boats session. Owners and crews visited one another’s boats, compared layouts, refits and technical solutions, and exchanged the sort of practical Nelson knowledge that is one of the great strengths of the club.

From the harbour we moved to the historic Drommedaris for drinks, where the local shanty choir De Sjappetouwtjes added a distinctly maritime soundtrack. An Italian-style walking dinner followed, rounding off a day that combined serious boating with excellent company.

Drinks at the historic Drommedaris, accompanied by the local shanty choir De Sjappetouwtjes.

Twenty years of NBOC-NL

Sunday morning’s AGM marked another important moment. NBOC-NL celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. The initiative to bring Dutch Nelson owners together was taken twenty years ago by Adriaan Roossen and Sjors Dotinga, and the club has since developed into the active community represented by this weekend’s remarkable turnout.

At the AGM, Adriaan Roossen and Floor Heijn handed over their board responsibilities to Sjaak Wijma and Arnoud Tempelman respectively. Andries de Nachtegaal remains Treasurer, providing valuable continuity, and Steve Brenner joins the newly elected committee as the NBOC representative.

The weekend itself was perhaps the best tribute to what has been built over those twenty years: more than thirty boats, around 65 enthusiastic participants and a club that is very much alive. The new board intends to build on that foundation, with heritage, knowledge and friendship at its heart. Maintaining and strengthening our relationship with the UK NBOC will be an important part of that.

Changing of the guard at NBOC-NL: Adriaan Roossen and Floor Heijn hand over their board responsibilities to Sjaak Wijma and Arnoud Tempelman.

Looking across the North Sea

The AGM also included a first exploratory discussion about a future joint Summer Rally with our UK members. One idea is to make Ramsgate the meeting point, followed by a cruise together along the English east coast and its rivers.

There was considerable enthusiasm for the idea, although at this stage it is deliberately an initial exploration rather than a fixed plan. The NBOC-NL Board will now gauge interest among its members and discuss the possibilities further with Commodore Paul Gamsa and our UK friends.

After such a successful weekend in Stavoren and Enkhuizen, the prospect of Dutch and British Nelsons cruising together is certainly something to look forward to. Most of all, however, this rally belonged to everyone who took part. The boats provided the spectacle; the enthusiasm, contribution and friendship of all the crews made the weekend.