Publication date: 03/20/2025
This nautical event is the revival of an old event that has existed for some twenty years, and which was created on the initiative a major business school in the city of Brussels.
At the time, it was already a gathering of boats and their crews in the Netherlands. It took place over several days, with the aim of encouraging professional exchanges between former students.
In the years that followed, between 2015 and 2020, the gathering took place almost every year – notably on the Lemmer lake in Friesland, in the Eastern Scheldt, or at the start of Bruinisse.
Then, from one edition to the next, the event attracted less commitment. In recent years, it has had to be cancelled twice, due to the COVID health crisis and a storm… before finally being abandoned altogether in 2023.
So Vanessa, Catherine, Vincent and Serge – four enthusiasts who had been involved from near and far in previous editions – set themselves the challenge of taking over the organisation: together, they were going to revive the event and launch The Grand Armada!
Since the decision was taken, they have been working hard, supported by a large community of participants who did not want to see the event disappear. And now the news is in: thanks to them, the first edition of The Grand Armada will indeed take place, on the third weekend of September this year.
All boaters are invited to take part in the festivities over three days: Friday 19, Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September 2025.
The event is open to individuals and companies, participating with their own yacht or with a charter boat. It is open to both working and retired people, and to all nationalities: Belgian, Dutch, German, French, etc.
“The Grand Armada remains first and foremost a nautical networking and teambuilding event, organised by and for sailing enthusiasts, whether novices or experienced sailors”, say the organisers.
3 days of fun for boaters on the Grevelingenmeer
Flotilla sailing, more than a regatta
For this first edition of the event in its new version, the meeting point is at the beginning of the weekend, late Friday afternoon, the Dutch port of Jachthaven Bruinisse – in Zeeland.
More than just a regatta, the four organisers wanted to offer a fun and friendly atmosphere for all to enjoy:
From Saturday morning to Sunday afternoon, the crews will be invited to sail in a flotilla to Port Zelande, a dozen nautical miles away. They will have to follow a specific circuit, take in special sailing areas and stop off at some of the most beautiful islands in the Grevelingenmeer.
As far as real-time organisation is concerned, Serge explains: “Thanks to a community application, we’ll be able to locate the boats, check that everything is going well for each crew and check that the various stages are being completed correctly.”
A competition between the crews of The Grand Armada
The organising committee has come up with several nautical tests and trials, underway or in port, to stimulate everyone’s competitive spirit. “This will allow us to assess the qualities and skills of each group while having fun, and then reward the best performing crews,” explains Serge.
A highlight: Saturday evening
After the first day’s sailing, the Saturday evening in particular promises to be a memorable one: “the organising team is planning a networking event with cocktails, a meal in the restaurant and dancing with a DJ!”
The Grand Armada 2025 fleet
Between 10 and 15 ships are expected to make up the fleet of The Grand Armada 2025. Most of the boats will be between 30 and 50 feet long. “With 6 to 8 crew members per boat, that’s around a hundred participants,” says the co-organiser.
How The Grand Armada will unfold
“Join us for an unforgettable weekend in the heart of Zeeland. Our meeting point is at Jachthaven Bruinisse on Friday evening. We’ll hoist the sails and set off as a flotilla on Saturday, bound for Port Zelande!“
Serge, the co-organiser of the event
The event programme
| Day | Programme |
|---|---|
| Friday 09/19 |
|
| Saturday 09/20 |
|
| Sunday 09/21 |
|
Taking part in the boat show
Registration for The Grand Armada 2025
At the time of writing, crews and boats can still register for the event.
There are two registration options, with or without catering and, if required, assistance in finding the right boat. In all cases, the registration fee always includes access to a welcome pack, the various activities organised, the networking cocktail and the big party on Saturday evening.
Hire a boat for The Grand Armada
While it is possible to take part in the event aboard one’s own vessel, boaters are advised that they can also hire a boat. In Zeeland, there are several ways to hire a boat!
At the port of Jachthaven Bruinisse you can find rental company Aquavitesse, which is a partner of the Port Adhoc group.
Boarding as a crew member
You don’t want to take part in the event as skipper, either on your own boat or on a charter boat?
Don’t forget: several established groups are regularly looking for participants to complete their crews. Even amateurs are welcome!
For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.
