The origin of the Grevelingenmeer
Together with other estuaries such as the Haringvliet and the Oosterschelde, the Grevelingen used to form the mouth of Rhine, Meuse and Waal in the North Sea. The difference between low tide and high tide amounted to about 2.5 metres. On February 1st in 1953, during a violent storm, the dykes in the south-western part of the Netherlands broke. Large parts of Schouwen-Duiveland and Goeree-Overflakkee were flooded.
To prevent such disasters in the future the Delta project was executed. Part of this project was the construction of the Grevelingendam (finished in 1965) and in May 1971 the Grevelingen lake was cut off from the North Sea by the construction of the Brouwersdam.
Because of these dams the tidal movements have disappeared. Nowadays the water level is fixed at 0.20 metres below NAP (Normal Amsterdam Level), as a result of which shallow parts, which previously were only uncovered during low tide, remained uncovered permanently. During the period after 1971 government funds have been used to refurbish the area, and it was transformed into the beautiful scenic and recreational area that it is today. Since 1978 the Grevelingenmeer has been connected to the North Sea again by means of a sluice in the Brouwersdam. This allows the water in the Grevelingen to be refreshed permanently with salt water from the North Sea.
Thanks to the dams the Grevelingenmeer came into being. It has a total surface area of 11,000 hectares, 4,000 of which is less than 1.50 metres deep. In addition the disappearance of the tidal movements has caused 3,000 hectares of land to be uncovered permanently. The larger part of this land has become a nature reserve. Mostly along the two dams about 300 hectare of land has been transformed into a recreational area.
Every water sports enthusiast, beginner or experienced, can feel rejuvenated in this vacation paradise. Beaches, islands, diving, surfing and sailing schools and rental companies, natural parks, cosy terraces, bungalow parks and camping grounds ranging from small to large make the Grevelingenmeer an active area where there is still place for quiet. Sailing and motor yachts enter the lake through the Grevelingen lock at Bruinisse. After one day's sailing, you can dock at one of the harbours (for example: Scharendijke) or moor alongside one of the islands, which the kids will certainly enjoy immensely.
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About Jonkers Yachts 
