De Drait

Jachthaven De Drait is a large, modern marina on the edge of Drachten in Friesland, with more than 650 berths spread across open moorings and partly covered boathouses fitted with solar panels. The marina has direct access to open water with no bridges or locks, making it an easy gateway to popular sailing areas such as Grou, Sneek, Lemmer, Leeuwarden and Groningen. You can also moor alongside a three-metre-wide concrete quay with sturdy mooring bollards suited to boats of 5-30 metres, while the wide floating pontoons take boats from 3-20 metres.

On site you'll find a chandlery, technical service and a crane for launching and hauling out, plus a trailer slipway. Almost all the jetties have water and electricity points, the quay berths have 16-amp power columns (32 amps available on request), and the marina offers free wifi and free parking for boat owners. There is also a coin-operated washer and dryer, and the marina's own fuel dock on the water sells both petrol and the eco-friendly GTL diesel.

The marina sits in green, peaceful surroundings close to the Drachtster Bos and Slingepark, ideal for a walk or bike ride, and it's an easy cycle into the centre of Drachten. Supermarkets are about 1,500 metres away, and right by the quay berths the De Drait Fish & Chips Imbiss is open Thursday to Monday, serving fresh fish, chips, ice cream and coffee with apple pie.