For an overview of our inland CWO sailing lessons, we kindly refer to our webpage CWO Sailing lessons rearing CWO 1, 2 and 3.
Sailing weekend Bon Chance – August 2013
Dear Jasper en Liesbeth,
Here are a few photos from our weekend on Bon Chance.
Here you can see we were completely at ease in one of the most empty locks I have ever been in. Whilst everyone else was asleep… sun rise over the lake at Stad aan ’t Haringvliet.
Sheer concentration
All the very best, and thank you for one of the most memorable weekends ever.
Simon and Jorien
Sailing lessons May 2012
Dear Jasper,
I really enjoyed my first sailling and your company. I think we had a very good time and many new experiences.
Here are a few photos that prove it 🙂
With best regards to you
Dejan
CWO Sailing lessons – October 2011
Dear Jasper, thanks again for the wonderful sailing classes ! We really enjoyed learning with you and look forward to continuing! have a good winter!
Alexandre and Stelios
CWO 1 Sailing lesson- September 2011
To be well prepared and qualified for a sailing trip at the IJsselmeer (one if the biggest freshwater lakes in Europe) together with a friendly relationship, I finally had a long-cherished wish coming true: to obtain a CWO sailing diploma. On the internet I found Demarage Sailing School and after twittering around if anyone had experience with this sailing school, I received enthusiastic responses. I quickly registered for the course, because the sailing trip was planned to take place within two months. Mid June I started  my introductory sailing lesson, and a great introduction it was. Not only regarding the sailing experience, but also because of having great fun with co-student Lineke and CWO instructor Jasper, who is a driven sailing instructor with a grood sense of humor and excellent cooking skills as well. It was not really a punishment to stay on the water for a couple of days. And whether you like it or not:you will learn to sail and it worked ! Meanwhile I completed the CWO 1 sailing courses and sailed two trips on the IJsselmeer, and am I glad that I followed the sailing lessons at Demarage. Jasper, many thanks and I see you at the next course. Regards Harald.
Sailing Adventure along the Northsea Coast – August 2011
Day 1: Ostend – Dunkirk
Having only sailed on inland waterways and after passing my CWO1 exam at Demarage Sailing Centre, I must confess that this tasted for more. After consultation Jasper of Demarage Sailing School, I decided to take a journey of four days sailing along the Dutch and Belgium coast. When the time came, on Thursday August 4, I drove to Ostend. In Dinteloord I first picked up Fred, a co-student who I had already met during my previous CWO sailing lessons and together we hit the road to Ostend. We left Dinteloord about half past eight to embark around ten o’clock in Ostend. Fortunately we stopped underway for a cup of coffee anticipating that we would sail immediately after arrival, and yes, bags and sailing gear were barely on board and the engine was started. We set sail and under reasonable conditions were sailing towards Dunkirk, enjoying coffee and cake on board. We were four people on board: Jasper, instructor of Demarage Sailing Centre, Fred, Peter and Dick. Of course was the lunch again very tasteful and we lacked for nothing. Together with Peter, I practiced the principles of coastal navigation It means constantly knowing where you are, what direction you should go and look at the map to find the cardinal buoys you should see on your course. By the time we approached Dunkirk, we reached a narrow channel with shallows waters on both sides where you really must take care to avoid grounding; good and accurate navigation was important. After making a succesfull passage we arrived at Dunkirk at about four in the afternoon. The Demarage moored at the pier and passes were arranged for the showers. Unfortunately you can only shower once, according to the harbor master instructions. The strategy for the next day was discussed with everyone and we came to the conclusion that given HW (high water) time, we should leave the next day at six o’clock in the morning to take full advantage of the tide flowing in the right direction. Good food in the evening and then to my cabin for a good night rest
Day 2: Dunkirk – Breskens
Wake up call at five in the morning, early but nice, and after a delicious breakfast of eggs and bacon we left the port of Dunkirk around six. Immediately began navigating because of the narrow channel we had to pass through again. It’s also great to sail away at dawn. Given the fact that we could sail a broad reach course Jasper decided to use the spinnaker, which was new for me: many lines and very hard work. Moreover, you must be highly concentrated to avoid making mistakes, so again a new experience. Unfortunately, one of the students went seasick and therefore we made his day a bit easier. A delicious lunch was served on the boat because the plan was to sail in one go to either Breskens or Flushing. We found out via the VHF, that Flushing was already fully booked; as such we headed for Breskens. It is great to sail for about twelve hours straight with a spinnaker sail. After arriving in Breskens we got a nice berth on the North side of pillar two. Neatly berthed the boat and enjoyed dinner in the restaurant at the marina. This time there was an opportunity to take a shower twice, so the day could not go wrong. Later that evening there were more boats with the same idea and before we knew it, we were completely enclosed.
Day 3: Breskens – Walcheren Canal – Veere lake – Zierikzee
The following morning this produced beautiful discussions since not everyone was willing to make room for us to leave the harbour as they should, at least according to the rules. Jasper asked a number of boats to make room for our departure, and after about thirty five minutes we could sail away, thanking everyone nicely. Diagonally crossing the Westerschelde by engine towards the channel of Walcheren, nice to have a relaxing sailing day after pretty heavy sailing yesterday. When passing a bridge, unfortunately the yacht in front of us did not follow the boat in front of him close enough, which resulted in closing of the bridge right in our faces, so we had to wait for about one hour. The rest of the day through the channel of Walcheren, the Veere lake and then finally sailing to Zierikzee. We considered to set course to Neeltje Jans but everybody was a bit tired so we all called it a day. Also taking in consideration that we already been ten hours on the road. It later appeared that this was a good choice. That evening we enjoyed a dinner in the local Italian restaurant, really a must.
Dag4: Zierikzee – Dinteloord
Unfortunately already our last day. After breakfast the weather forecast was predicting 7Bft winds, supporting our decision the previous day not to sail to Neeltje Jans. After the Zeeland bridge we put up our sails on and had some nice sailing back with peak speeds of some 8 – 8.5 knots. Later we sailed totally down wind and it was very hard not to gybe accidentally, so I learned a lot that day. Jasper, thanks a lot for the many moments of fun and very informative days, it was fantastic to sail four days from Ostend towards Dunkirk by sea and via Breskens and inland waterways back, we had very good weather and learned a lot and it was a really good experience. Greetings, Dick
CWO sailing at Demarage Sailing School or an introduction to sailing at sea.
Last year, it was somewhere in May, I sat down in the sun on a terrace at  Scheveningen beach. The sun did its best to unwittingly change every single body part exposed to the sun into a cheerful red color. With a stiff breeze in the background, I stared out over sea and let my thoughts go to the well-known emptiness which gazing can cause . There was a  yacht sailing at sea. She looked small, but that may have been the distance. The yacht sailed with her sails taut in the wind, it looked as if the ship was struggling to keep straight up and make progress against the waves. Water exploded on the deck when the bow of the yacht crashed in a reluctant wave. Spectacular. That’s what I would also like to do , I thought through the emptiness
May 30, 2011 – Willemstad – Hot and sunny – Westerly Wind 2 to 3 bft
I signed up for a three-day sea sailing course to obtain the CWO 1 certificate at Demarage in Dinteloord
With a freshly acquired sailing virus, partly caused by a sailing trip on a traditional sailing yacht through rough weather a few months earlier, I found myself on the quay side, looking with awe at the size of the yacht that would be my home for the next three days. From a distance they seem so much smaller. We will make this journey with three sailing ships and eleven crew members. Â A mix of instructors, enthusiasts and students . Demarage is our yacht, skippered by Jasper as an instructor and Aad, Rein and me as crew and student. After a strong cup of coffee all ships left shore and headed for Hoek
of Holland. We had no wind at the start, so we let “Herr Otto’s invention” do the work. We enjoyed the beautiful weather on  calm  water. The atmosphere is fine on board and the first jokes and comments are made . We have an extensive lunch while sailing and it tastes excellent. Meanwhile we come close to Hoek of Holland and we are sailing using  the Genoa. After some digging through maps and water almanacs, it appears that without consultation the port authorities we may take to sea. The waves begin
to swell in the harbar entrance . Once we are out we put up the mainsail and stop the engine. The silence is only broken by sound of the waves, wind and our own interruptions: Â we are sailing at sea. I stand at the helm as we sail along the terrace where I sat one year earlier . I was right and would get it even more! The wind direction is between reach and broad reach and our speed is about six knots direction Scheveningen. Sun, wind and water, we get as red as lobsters. In Scheveningen we are stared at by a fleet of sailing yachts, waiting for the start of their sailing regatta the next day . The hunger begins to rise and we all go on to the promenade,
we find a nice restaurant looking out over the sea, and enjoy a good evening meal . We decide to sail with an expected NW wind force 4 a 5 bft, to IJmuiden the next day.
May 31, 2011 – Scheveningen – Clouddiness – Wind North West 4 to 5 bft
After a comatose sleep because of too much fresh sea air, and a very tasteful breakfast, we leave for the port exit. The harbor is known for its high and steep waves in the harbor entrance with Nortwesterly winds.
The bow of our boat is sometimes more under then above the water. We turn to sea. Now, wind force 4 to 5 bft is not so much you think. It’s a strong wind on a bike or a wind where you just have to check your the ropes of your tent . At sea it is a bit different. Soon the ship is heeled at an angle of 30 to 40 degrees. The whole boat is lifted and turned by a swell of 1.5 to 2.0 meters. Sitting on board, you look down to the water level on lee, keeping the best possible grip to the boat, trying to avoid a three meter dive. A trip to a cabin to fasten a table turns into a roller coaster ride. In any amusement hall they
would earn a fortune with it. This is indeed spectacular. The size of the ship appears smaller as the seas rises. Suddenly the sun shines through the clouds, just as the sister ship passes at about fifty meters to leeward . A beautiful sight of a large sailing boat that ploughs through the waves. Everyone is impressed and it is becoming a bit quiet on board. After six hours toiling at sea, we arrive at the port of IJmuiden. Everyone is exhausted and very impressed by the journey. Still with cramps in my hands from the time that I spent at the helm, I lie down on the bench in the cockpit and count the gulls. After a pleasant evening and a good meal at a beach restaurant it is decided that the next day we will depart at 7.15, in order to take advantage of the tide. Strong coffee will be required.
June 1, 2011 – IJmuiden – Partly Cloudy – Wind South West 3 It’s an early wakeup this last day. We will sail directly back to our homeport Dinteloord, so we will have to cover quite a distance. After a
substantial breakfast I am all ready for a long day. Soon we notice that the wind and waves are a lot less strong than the day before. Despite the spectacle of yesterday, everyone is relieved that the sea winds have calmed down a bit. Once we have left the harbor entrance we put the sails up. Soon the speed goes up and we are looking at a watery sun. The Demarage sails calmly on the small waves and uses every breath of wind to move forward. The weather is getting sunnier, unfortunately the wind is getting less and less. The atmosphere on board is relaxed and we approach a sun-drenched
Hoek of Holland. The difference with the previous day could not have been greater. The journey is almost dreamy. Warm sun, calm sea and a cool breeze. Just before we get home we can still hoist the sails on the Haringvliet. With a downwind course we head straight for Dinteloord. After nearly twelve hours sailing we enter the harbour of Dinteloord, Our heads completely turned read, and tired, but with the answer to the question: Â it was indeed spectacular! Paul de Ruiter
CWO sailing lessons Practice May 2011
Three satisfied students working hard on their second lesson to achieve their CWO Part I.
Ron and Brian Pim
CWO sailing lessons
Well, there you are on Saturday morning at nine o’clock at a place called Dintelsas. The beginning of our introduction course with Jasper which on June the 5th will lead to achieving our CWO 1 and 2. Fortunately, Jasper got excellent coffee and delicious cakes so we are soon really woken up. Unfortunately, our classes are characterized by poor and sometimes very bad weather. I believe on our second lesson we were rewarded with a total of 5 minutes without rain. Luckily, the day of our exam started with an eye-catching blue sky to make it up to us. That we liked our sailing courses
even with bad weather, is partly due to our positive attitude and partly due to the way Jasper transfers his knowledge to you. The main lesson we learned was not about technique but about attitude: “keep calmness and control in the boat”. When I an8d my girlfriend were on the front deck with beads of sweat on our foreheads, looking at an another boat or the shore side coming closer rapidly , Jasper always found the time to ask what we were doing rather than yelling his instructions at us. There was still plenty of time to correct our errors. This way of educating works very well in your relationship as we experienced during a weekend test in Zeeland in which we sailed on our own We have made many mistakes, but always had time to correct them in a way that we will still liked each other afterwards. In short, we not only learned a lot about the art of sailing, navigation and maneuvering, but also a lot about how to get somewhere in a calm, safe and comfortable manner. The lessons we enjoyed were very relaxing with Jasper (it is really possible) and the soup we had for lunch was phenomenal.
Thanks, Ronald and Anja