Tielse Watersportvereniging De Waal
Tielse Watersportvereniging De Waal is a traditional watersports club with its own marina directly on the River Waal in Tiel, situated between Nijmegen and Gorinchem. The harbour lies only about 100 metres from the historic town centre and offers permanent berths and visitor berths with pontoons, shore power, drinking water, sanitary facilities and a clubhouse. Club life features multi-day opening cruises, information evenings on safety on the Waal, season opening and closing events, and hospitality for visiting craft. Since its founding in 1948 the club has grown from a rowing and sailing association into a well-equipped motorboat and watersports community with strong self-reliance and low berthing fees.
History
Tielse Watersportvereniging De Waal has existed since 1948. Its core values from the outset have been dynamic and enterprising. From a small group of dedicated sailors and motorboaters, members' commitment built a well-equipped association. Shortly after the flood disaster, members assisted in the affected area with their vessels. In the 1960s technicians built a slipway facility in the inner harbour. Clubhouse renovations and berth renewals were carried out in-house over the years, resulting in very low berthing rates. Originally the harbour was the starting point of the famous Waal-Merwede races; later it became a central stop at the crossroads of north-south and east-west routes. According to the 75th anniversary celebration in 2023, the club began in the inner harbour at Koos van Elk's house as a rowing and sailing association and gradually evolved into a motorboat club. Since 2000 TWV De Waal has been affiliated with the Verbond Nederlandse Motorbootsport (VNM). Around 2020 the clubhouse was transformed into a central facility with canteen, sanitary units, workshop and a terrace overlooking the Waal; the clubhouse references Koos van Elk's house and stands for hospitality. In 2023 the club celebrated its 75th anniversary with guests from the municipality and the VNM.
Information
Facilities
Marina on the Waal with about 80 permanent berths and around 10 visitor berths; alongside pontoons or finger piers, 16A shore power, drinking water on the pontoon, Wi-Fi, toilets, showers, secure access, clubhouse with terrace, waste station, harbour master on the pontoon, safety points on the pontoon; supermarkets and historic town centre within walking distance.
Activities
Annual multi-day opening cruise, trip for Stichting Vaarkracht, information evenings on seamanship and safety on the Waal, New Year reception, season opening, dinner at season close, bar duties and harbour master duties by members.
Parking
Yes, parking available
Guest berths
Yes, about 10 berths by prior notice