Kortgene (Veerse Meer)
Kortgene haven · Veerse Meer · Noord-Beveland
51°34.4'N 03°47.9'E
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
60m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
60m
60m on mud/sand in 2–4m. Non-tidal Veerse Meer. Excellent holding. Outer anchorage exposed to W and SW — use marina in westerly conditions. The lake's 22km² builds chop quickly in SW >20kt.
Setting Your Anchor
- Check tidal height for tidal locations (Hoek van Holland, Scheveningen, Biesbosch); Grevelingenmeer and Veerse Meer are non-tidal
- Plan arrival at HW for tidal locations; non-tidal lakes can be entered at any time
- In Rotterdam waterways: monitor VHF CH 67 and stay in designated small craft areas at all times
- Set your anchor alarm immediately after anchoring — before going below or sleeping
About This Anchorage
Kortgene (population 900) is on the island of Noord-Beveland, on the north shore of the Veerse Meer — one of the Netherlands' most beautiful sailing lakes. The Veerse Meer (22 km²) was created by the Veerse Gatdam (1961) and Zandkreekdam (1960) as part of the Delta Works. It is a saltwater lake (closed to tidal influence) of excellent clarity, with multiple sand beaches, nature reserve islands, and picturesque harbours. Kortgene is a popular yacht destination — quieter than the Grevelingenmeer, more intimate, and close to Middelburg (the Zeeland capital) and the historic town of Veere (one of the finest medieval harbours in the Netherlands).
Protected From
N · NE · E · S · SE
Exposed To
W · NW · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Marina approx €16–22/night; buoys available in outer anchorage areas; lake anchorage free in designated zones
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: Non-tidal Veerse Meer; speed limit 9 km/h near shore; some nature reserve islands (Middelplaten, Haringvreter) closed April–July for nesting; free anchoring permitted in designated lake areas — check current Veerse Meer anchoring map.
Hazards
- !W and NW exposure in outer anchorage — move to marina if SW gale forecast; the lake is enclosed but builds short steep seas in strong winds
- !Nature reserve islands: no landing April–July; sailing too close to nesting tern colonies is strictly prohibited
- !Speed limits strictly enforced on the Veerse Meer — water police patrol regularly in summer
- !Limited fuel at Kortgene — fuel at Kamperland (5nm) or Middelburg approaches
- !Busy lake July–August with day sailors from Middelburg and Zeeland — weekend congestion near harbours
Skipper's Tips
- →Day sail from Kortgene to Veere (8nm east on the Veerse Meer) — one of the best-preserved medieval harbours in the Netherlands; Schotse Huizen (Scottish trading houses) and the 15th-century Grote Kerk are extraordinary
- →Swim from the outer anchorage or beaches on the south shore — the Veerse Meer water is clean saltwater and excellent for swimming
- →Middelburg by bicycle from Kortgene (12km) is a superb half-day: the medieval city centre, abbey, and Roosevelt memorial are all excellent
- →The sand beaches on the south shore of the Veerse Meer (accessible only by water) are among the finest in Zeeland — take the dinghy
- →Free anchoring on the Veerse Meer is permitted in designated areas — download the current ANWB Veerse Meer anchoring map before arrival
Facilities
Kortgene has a harbourside café/restaurant and small provisions shop. Fuel at Kamperland (5nm). Full supermarket and services in Middelburg (by bicycle or road).
Nearest provisions: Kortgene village (0.2nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
May–September. One of the most popular sailing lakes in Zeeland. Excellent for families — non-tidal, warm water, beautiful scenery. Quieter than Grevelingenmeer and more intimate.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 60m
In the Rotterdam waterways and Delta lakes, shipping wash and anchor drag can push you into dangerous areas. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously.
Download Free for iOS