About night sailing — glossary

Discover the natural and astronomical phenomena that make night sailing on the Wadden Sea and Lauwersmeer special.

Dark Sky Park

An area recognised for low light pollution and excellent night skies. Lauwersmeer has been an official Dark Sky Park since 2016. Discover Dark Sky Sail.

Perseids

An annual meteor shower around 12 August, caused by debris from comet Swift–Tuttle. Dark skies over the Wadden Sea provide an excellent setting. Watch the shooting stars.

Equinox

The time when day and night are approximately equal in length, around March and September. Celebrate the autumn equinox.

Summer solstice

The longest day and shortest night of the year in the northern hemisphere, around 21 June. The Wadden Sea never becomes completely dark around midsummer. Join the Midsummer Sail.

Blue Moon

The second full moon in one calendar month, occurring on average about once every 2.7 years. Sail in the moonlight.

Settling on the tidal flats

At low tide, the flat-bottomed ship can rest on a sandbank until the water returns. This is a distinctive way to experience the Wadden Sea.

Night sailing

Sailing after sunset brings quiet water, darkness and a new perspective on the sky. Dress warmly and let the experienced skipper and crew guide you.