Wassersportverein Hetlingen e.V.

Wassersportverein Hetlingen sits idyllically amid nature on the right bank of the Unterelbe, between port-hand buoys 112 and 114 at Elbe kilometre 649, surrounded by miles of sandy beach. The marina has around 40 summer berths with water and electricity hook-ups, and the whole site is under video surveillance.

The entrance, protected by two staggered sheet-pile walls, is about 12 metres wide; watch for wash and eddies from passing large ships, and it's wise to wait around 5 minutes for the water to settle before entering. There are normally 2-3 guest berths available. With a tidal range of up to 3.5 metres, boats drawing more than 1.20 m or longer than 14 metres must arrange arrival details by phone with the harbourmaster beforehand. The guest fee is €2 per metre of boat length per night plus €2 for electricity, water and other costs; showers cost €1 via coin meter, and day visitors staying more than 2 hours pay a flat €5. The harbour can only be reached from land on foot or by bike; by car you can get to within about 800 metres of the club grounds.

Ashore you'll find toilets and showers in the mobile sanitary building, separated for men and women. The clubhouse 'Reuse', a converted site trailer, has a kitchen and seating area and serves as a dry refuge in bad weather. There's a large covered barbecue area for socialising, plus a playground with a swing and plenty of room for young sailors to run around.