Hi, I'm Maarten. Licensed skipper and instructor for sailing and motorised ships. You'll find me very often on sailingships and the boats in Amsterdam or Haarlem, but whenever I have a little time I love to take you on a private sailing tour, either near Amsterdam (de Kaag) or on accomodated ships on the Waddenzee and Friesland.
Qualifications: KVB1, KVB2, GVB (SRB), Captain of Sailingvessels up to 500 metric tonnes (Zeilbewijs), STCW, VHF-radio, SHV, ENG1, Padi Dive Master - finishing EU-qualification for any ships.
Languages spoken: English, French, German, Dutch.
( я учусь говорить по-русски)
International experience: Deliveries in Asia, Mediterranean and Northsea
Classic Sailing Klippers
Saloonboats
Private instruction
Deliveries
Klipper de Hester, with an overall length of 45 meters is an absolute beauty. With hotel accommodation for 36 guests in 10 cabins (57 day guests), she has a modern and luxury interior.
The outdoor kitchen, jacuzi, dingy and a speedboat plus watertoys for entertainment this ship has many groups coming back every year. Book the Hester directly
The Mare Fan Fryslan is a 3- mast schooner. It serves the dutch islands with boatbiketours. Guests stay aboard in one of the luxury cabins and can discover the Netherlands like the Dutch, on a bike! Book their wonderful tours here and you may find me as a skipper.
Klipper de "Groninger" is a seaworthy klipper from 1919. In the cozy and comfortable interior there is accommodation for 12 / 10 guests. The ship has an overall length of 25 meter and includes all items needed for an extended stay.
The ship sails to the Dutch islands on the Waddenzee, and can still go on the beautiful canals and small lakes of Friesland. Book de Groninger here
I'm licensed and experienced in both the cities of Amsterdam and Haarlem, and work on both the classic ships as the modern guided tours.
I work as a freelance skipper mostly for Aemstelland, Smidtje, ABH and Flagship. During the tours I can narrate and explain in English, French, German and Dutch.
Master the art of sailing with me. I've been teaching sailing since a very young age, and know the areas of the Kaag and Friesland like the back of my hand.
During quiet times I'll gladly take small groups on interactive experience days, where you'll either improve your skills on a boat, or do an introduction on sailing. Be aware, these days are very interactive and involve opening bridges, self-commanding the boat and more. Find my full tripadvisor profile here to book a day and read the reviews.
"We spent five days with a group of parents and children aboard "De Hester" and had a fantastic time! Our biggest thanks go to the crew. Skipper Maarten and deckhand Noued really went above and beyond for us, offering advice and support. Anyone who wanted to could lend a hand, and the atmosphere was fantastic! Spoiler alert: the job of a skipper isn't as relaxing as it sometimes seems!"
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"We are now back in the states trying to get back into our routine. I enjoyed so much our day sailing in your special place. I am so thankful that my wife ran into your site in her search and were able to fit into your busy schedule.
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"I personally learned so much about the boat and sailing in tight quarters. Reminded me of our piece of the St. Lawrence River in the Thousand Islands. I also really enjoyed the technical pointers you gave me as well as the knowledge you shared with us of your personal little piece of Holland. Truly the highlight of my trip. Thank you so much for the hospitality you showed."
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"It was such a wonderful unforgettable experience. While we had limited sailing experience, Marteen taught us patiently with everything. We had a short drive and then arrived one of the most beautiful local and relaxing recreational places surrounded by local farmers and vacation houses. We were able to be quite hands on to sail with Marteen’s assistance and guidance. After passing a few bridges by lifting and passing them, you knew that could be one of the best local experience. Plus, you also have nice cookies, coffee, and snacks onboard ;) I highly recommend to whoever likes sailing or wants to try sailing with even zero sailing experience."
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"Hoi Maarten, Vandaag erg genoten van deze rondvaart met jou. Heel leuk verteld. Gezellig vooraan gezeten op het trapje. Je site heb ik doorgestuurd naar familie in Toronto en vrienden in Rostock (zelf ook schipper) Lieve groet,"
With lots of seamiles in chartered and unchartered territory, I'm available as a transfer/delivery skipper or a private captain in easier waters such as Greece and Croatia.
I have extensive knowledge of ship & engine technology, navigation, and repair/maintenance skills to provide safe and succesful passage.
View some of the itineraries I can help organize in Croatia or Greece
Contact me for any requests,
Maarten Roelofs
Van der Meerstraat 9
2023 DX Haarlem
The Netherlands
maarten.roelofs@gmail.com
Tripadvisor profile and reviews
P.I. Pantaenius 11996220-11