Sailing on the Markermeer
The Markermeer is a large sailing area, with plenty of room to roam for a sailing ship like the Catharina van Mijdrecht. The ever-present and mostly westerly wind ensures that we can sail almost every day. Most ports are located on the sheltered west side, so that we can sail comfortably even in more blustery conditions. In summer the temperature of the shallow water rises quickly, inviting us to take a refreshing dip.

Origins
This unique sailing area came very close to becoming another polder. The reclaimed ‘Markerwaard’ already appeared in the original plans for the Zuiderzee Works by Cornelis Lely, in 1891. After the 1976 construction of the Houtribdijk between Enkhuizen and Lelystad, the IJsselmeer was divided into a northern and a southern part. This dike was the first step in preparation for land reclamation. However, due to changed insights and protests from the population, the reclamation was postponed. It was not until 2003 that the decision for an open Marker Lake was finalized.

Geography
The Markermeer spreads across an area of 700 km². . With an average depth of only 3 metres, it is relatively shallow. At Lelystad in the southeast, it is the deepest with 4 metres. The lakebed also differs from that of the IJsselmeer. Because there was less flow here even before the dike, the bed is smoother and consists mostly of sludge. As a result, waves on the Markermeer are calmer .

IJmeer
Southwest of Marken, the Markermeer turns into the IJmeer. Here, between Amsterdam and Almere,  urban development is still taking place. Amsterdam has built the new IJburg district here, directly in the water, and Almere also has plans to expand further into the water. There is also still talk of a future bridge to connect the two cities.

Ports
The following ports are located on the Marker- and IJmeer (clockwise from Monnickendam): Monnickendam, Marken, Volendam, Edam, Scharwoude, Hoorn, Wijdenes, Broekerhaven, Enkhuizen, Lelystad, the Blocq van Kuffeler, Pampushaven, ’t Hooft, Muiderzand, Muiden, Pampus, IJburg, Amsterdam, Durgerdam, Uitdam, de Nes.