Meedener Watt (Groningen Wad)
Meedener tidal flat · Groningen Waddenzee · outer Wad anchorage
53°23.0'N 06°45.0'E
Depth
1–3m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
80m on mud/sand in 1–3m at HW. THIS POSITION DRIES AT LW — set anchor alarm AND plan departure for HW -1 to avoid grounding outside the channel. Soft mud — gentle drying conditions for flat-bottomed or bilge-keel vessels.
Setting Your Anchor
- Check tidal height for your arrival time — many Groningen Wad anchorages dry at LW
- Plan arrival at HW -2 hours or better for all tidal locations in this region
- Daylight navigation only in all Wadden and Ems channels — no exceptions
- Set your anchor alarm immediately after anchoring — the tide will drop while you sleep
About This Anchorage
The Meedener Watt is a typical outer Groningen tidal flat — part of the UNESCO Wadden Sea World Heritage Site. The name 'Watt' (cognate with 'wadden') refers to the tidal flats that define this coastline. This is an experience anchorage for Wadden veterans: drying out on a remote tidal flat with nothing but seabirds, seals, and the sound of the tide for company. The flat exposes at LW to reveal an extraordinary landscape of channels, mussel beds, and bird life. Spoonbills, avocets, oystercatchers, and knots feed on the flats. This is not an anchorage for first-time Wadden visitors — it requires careful tidal planning, up-to-date chart knowledge, and a vessel capable of taking the ground safely.
Protected From
S · SW · SE
Exposed To
N · NW · W
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free tidal flat anchorage
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: UNESCO Wadden Sea heritage area — no disturbance of birdlife; keep 500m clear of seal haul-out areas; no anchoring in nature reserve closures; current Waddengids essential; daylight navigation only.
Hazards
- !DRIES AT LW — flat-bottomed or bilge-keel vessels only; fin-keel vessels must depart before LW -2hrs
- !Remote location: no assistance available within 10nm; complete self-sufficiency essential
- !No marked approach channel — requires experienced Wadden navigation using current Waddengids and updated electronic charts
- !Exposed to N and NW — only suitable in settled S or SE conditions; leave before any northerly is forecast
- !Eelgrass (Zostera) beds in area — avoid anchoring over seagrass; significant fines apply for damage
Skipper's Tips
- →The experience of watching the tide retreat across the flats from your boat is one of the most memorable in Wadden sailing
- →Bring a tidal atlas and spend the ebb walk exploring the flats — boot-suction mud is part of the experience (rubber wellies essential)
- →The bird populations at LW on the flats are extraordinary — bring binoculars and a bird guide
- →Always plan departure at HW -1 or better — the channel back to the main Wad fills slowly and can catch you
- →Only attempt this anchorage after several seasons of Wadden experience — it is rewarding but unforgiving of mistakes
Facilities
No facilities. Nearest port: Eemshaven (10nm). Complete self-sufficiency required.
Nearest provisions: Eemshaven (10nm)
Best Months & Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
June–August only. Experienced Wadden sailors only. No facilities. Exceptional wildlife experience. Plan carefully with Waddengids and local knowledge.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
In the Groningen Wad and Ems estuary, anchor drag on a drying tidal flat can leave you stranded at low water. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
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