Zeil- en Surfvereniging De Waolenwiert Eijsden
Zeil- en Surfvereniging De Waolenwiert Eijsden is a friendly sailing and surfing club on the gravel lake near Oost-Maarland in South Limburg, about five kilometres south of Maastricht. On the club grounds at Kasteellaan, members use open dinghies, catamarans, windsurf boards, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards; there are berths, Optimist racks and a clubhouse. The club offers sailing lessons for juniors and adults including CWO diplomas, six club races per year and the Open Hobie 14 Cup Maastricht. Notable are its history since 1980 and the 2019 land purchase that secured the club its own home in nature.
History
In spring 1980 a group of friends moored their boats on the shore of the gravel lake. For a modest fee the municipality allowed them to start a club. Word spread quickly; many sailors were glad they no longer had to use the busy River Meuse to reach the lake. By the end of the first season 25 boats had joined, and the association was founded: “Jollenhaven de Waolenwiert” was born. Housing problems arose when the province privatised the land around the lake and all clubs had to leave. From 1984 Waolenwiert could rent a plot at the marina, which proved a good location. In spring 2019 the members jointly purchased their own land; since then Waolenwiert has been the proud owner of a fine natural site in South Limburg. The municipality of Eijsden-Margraten, Stichting Waarborgfonds Sport, Rabobank, VHN Notarissen Maastricht, Jachthaven Portofino and the Sondagh family supported the purchase. Today the club organises club races, the Open Hobie 14 Cup Maastricht, junior and adult sailing courses, and activities such as participation in Rondje Texel and clean-ups on the Meuse.
Information
Youth section
Active youth section: CWO I/II/III Optimist sailing course for ages 8–14 (six lessons, four club races, theory and sailing camp), clinics and race training.
Parking
Yes, parking on club grounds