Catpoint
Catpoint is the active catamaran association at De Punt near Ouddorp, directly on the Grevelingenmeer in the Netherlands. Founded in 1990 as a self-managed non-profit club, it offers around 90 berths, its own harbour, a clubhouse with terrace, changing rooms, showers, toilets and kitchen on a securely fenced site. The programme includes roughly 14 club races and cruising trips each year, youth days and the Grevelingen Regatta, all organised by members for members. For children, the club provides Optimists, Lasers and Hobie boats free of charge, focusing on fun on the water rather than formal racing training. Distinctive features include its low-budget approach, a lively community and the location on the wide Grevelingenmeer, ideal for both sporty and relaxed catamaran sailing.
History
Catpoint's roots go back to 1986–1990, when John Moret and Ad Pols kept their catamarans on the Grevelingen and initially stored them in the harbour at Den Osse. There was no catamaran club on the Grevelingen at the time; the idea of starting one developed in the following years, and after intensive lobbying a catamaran club was included in the zoning plan for De Punt. John and Ad then had four catamarans at De Punt; within a month there were already about 20 boats. After disputes between the municipality of Goedereede and the nature and recreation authority, catamaran storage was approved; until then the club was called 'Catamaran Club de Grevelingen'. Catpoint was officially founded on 6 June 1990; the first board consisted of A. Pols, J. van Beest, R. Hirschmann, J. Moret and D. Radelaar, and on the same day the sublease of the site was issued. In 1993 the De Punt zoning plan was amended to allow a clubhouse; the clubhouse was built in 1994–1995. In 2001 the eastern part of the site was expanded and a fence permit obtained; in 2002 came the use agreement for the eastern section, relocation of the harbour breakwater and the last known revision of the house rules. A locker extension was added in 2003, harbour dredging and artificial grass in 2009, and a rescue boat purchased in 2011. In 2015 the Punt-West bungalow park was built and Catpoint's approach route now runs along the Twins. The current beach regulations and privacy policy were adopted in 2018, the current house rules in 2019. A new boat house was built in 2022; in 2024 the Twins beach area was adjusted and a new car park added, along with a new 30-year lease agreement. In 2025 Catpoint celebrated its 35th anniversary. Honorary members for special merit are J. Moret (co-founder, board member 1990–2000), A. Pols (co-founder, chairman 1990–2000) and J. van Beest (co-founder, secretary 1990–2000).
Information
Facilities
Approx. 90 berths (8 for fast monohulls), own harbour, fenced site, clubhouse with terrace, changing rooms, showers, toilets, kitchen, locker per berth, mast racks, motorboat/RIB for activity support, AED in the clubhouse
Activities
Club races (Sundays), cruising trips (Saturdays), youth days, Grevelingen Regatta and Grevelingen Cup, maintenance day, boat rigging and de-rigging weekends, Round Texel race, club BBQs and social club activities
Youth section
Free use of 2 Optimists, 2 Laser RS Cubas, 1 Laser and 1 Hobie 13 for members; focus on fun and introduction rather than formal racing training; wetsuits, water shoes and life jackets available to borrow; one or two youth days per year
Parking
Yes, parking on site
Guest berths
Yes, in summer after contact