Publication date: 08/27/2025
Enthusiasts who sail with their dogs
For these sailing enthusiasts, there is no question of heading out to sea without their favourite pet: they are sailors who enjoy sharing their time on board with their four-legged friends, and they have become used to it. Their dog is an integral part of the crew, whether on a motorboat or a sailing yacht, and he too enjoys – in his own way – the moments spent on the water.
Throughout short or long cruises, whether sailing or moored, the dog provides a constant, often joyful presence, which somewhat changes the atmosphere on board, as well as the boaters’ habits. Often, bringing a dog on board encourages the owners to slow down, to observe more closely… and to go out walking on land, even in bad weather.
For these reasons, for many dog owners, it is no longer conceivable to set sail without their animal. At Jachthaven Bruinisse – a Port Adhoc marina on the Grevelingenmeer in the Netherlands – they find a warm and peaceful place to moor, where four-legged sailors are also very welcome.
On the pontoons of Bruinisse, many boaters share their boats with their dogs: little by little, these cheerful companions have taken over the pontoons, and it is not unusual to hear friendly barking at the passage of a walker, or to see a curious nose poking out of a porthole.
Owners and their dogs enjoy the marina during long weekends, full seasons, or even for an entire year. The organisation and facilities are designed to ensure that the stay and use of the marina are comfortable for everyone, and there are also wonderful destinations to discover in the surrounding areas by boat.
Walks and facilities: welcoming dogs at the Jachthaven Bruinisse
In Bruinisse, the Port Adhoc teams have worked hard to adapt the spaces of the marina and make the welcome just as pleasant for dogs as for their owners. The main goal is clear: that the animal is recognised, respected and fully integrated into the life of the port.
Dog walks and needs in the marina
All the lawns lining the quays of Jachthaven Bruinisse are accessible to animals: they can be walked there, accompanied, at any time of day. Owners regularly find plastic bag dispensers and bins along the way to help them manage their dog’s needs.
Dogs quickly feel at home, and thanks to these facilities, their owners have no particular difficulty in behaving responsibly: indeed, our port staff note a great respect for the spaces and for other boaters.
Dedicated water bars for companions
The marina’s managers have also chosen to install water points for dogs at several locations throughout the marina. Our teams ensure that the bowls are refilled several times a day, and animals are welcome to drink and refresh themselves – especially in summer.
A community of dog owners
In the alleys of Jachthaven Bruinisse, many boaters walk their dogs. This creates opportunities for easy exchanges: Jachthaven Bruinisse benefits from a living port community and vibrant social life.
The walks of boat owners and their pets often extend beyond the marina, for example along the shores of the Grevelingenmeer.
Life in the marina and on board with a dog: Bobby, Bor and Tommie as examples
Three dogs are well-known sailors at Jachthaven Bruinisse: Bobby – a cocker spaniel, Bor – a boxer, and Tommie – a dachshund. They sail with their respective owners on three boats that are regularly moored in the marina.
Bobby, a sea dog at Jachthaven Bruinisse
Well-known on pontoon I, Bobby enjoys trips at sea with his owners, departing from Jachthaven Bruinisse. He walks easily along the wide side decks of his boat, without any fear of falling into the water. He spends much of his time on the bench in the cockpit, where his owner has set up a basket and a blanket for him.
As a fully-fledged crew member, Bobby enjoys calm sails on the Grevelingenmeer. He is always happy, afterwards, to put his paws back on solid ground at Jachthaven Bruinisse.
Bor, the sailing boxer of Marja and Jan
Bor, aged 5, also has his habits. On board his boat, he chooses different spots – inside or outside – and his owners always make sure he is comfortable and safe.
The boxer has complete sailing equipment: a lifejacket, a cushion for sunbathing, toys, special shoes to protect his paws from the grates in the locks…
He also has his own inflatable dinghy so that, when necessary, he can reach the shore.
On a practical note, for safety reasons, Bor is attached while sailing, during manoeuvres and in locks. The rest of the time, he moves around freely. Marja and Jan often carry him, to help him get on or off the yacht – when the gangway from the quay to the boat is not in place. The owners have also equipped themselves with a removable net, which they install sometimes to port, sometimes to starboard, to prevent Bor from visiting neighbouring boats.
Tommie, the exploring dachshund
On board Horizon, Tommie is a small but energetic crew member. This cheerful dachshund recognises the Jachthaven Bruinisse car park as soon as the car stops: he leaps out of the vehicle, eager to rediscover his favourite places.
His favourite walks? A trip to the little beach, with a refreshing swim in the water, followed by a quick rinse at the sailing school’s tap. Before even getting back to the boat, he is already dry and ready for a new adventure.
On deck, Tommie prefers to sit at the stern, from where he can carefully observe everything around him. When Horizon sets sail, he puts on his lifejacket and fully enjoys the navigation. Unlike his predecessor Runner, who was sometimes anxious in the locks, Tommie feels perfectly at ease on the water.
Although small and not needing any particular adaptation on board, Tommie always has his essentials: food, chews and toys. His owners also share a few simple rules for sailing with a pet: bring a lifejacket, provide a shady spot, and make sure to go for a good walk before departure.
Our boaters’ advice for a canine cruise
Sailing with a dog, whether on a motorboat or a sailing yacht, always requires a little preparation. To ensure that your companion is always safe and feels comfortable, the Port Adhoc boaters have shared some advice below.
A suitable lifejacket
The first element concerns the animal’s safety, especially during sailing:
“For boarding the dog on the motorboat or the sailing yacht to go as smoothly as expected, it is first recommended to equip them with a suitable lifejacket – both to their size and to their weight.”
Lifejackets for dogs are easily found in specialist shops and are very useful for animals who are not entirely comfortable – whether under sail, at anchor, or in locks.
Our advice: choose equipment with a handle to make it easier to lift the dog back on board from the water, if necessary.
“Small adjustments can make the boat environment safer for your dog. For longer or rougher passages on a sailing yacht, for example, depending on the size of the animal and the risk of falling into the water, it may be safer to install a removable net along the guardrails.”
Investing in a harness attached to the boat’s lifelines is also a good idea. This way, you can fully enjoy time on board without giving up the pleasures of sailing!
A comfortable space for the sea dog
“On board, we advise you to set aside a dedicated space for your pet, where he can feel comfortable, sheltered from heeling, and protected.”
The dog must be able to identify this space as his own – for example, under the shade of a sailing yacht’s bimini, with a cushion and a blanket.
Going ashore
Each dog will have its own habits, and its own ability to stay on board a boat for shorter or longer periods.
“Plan your sailing trips and stopovers with your animal’s need to go ashore in mind – to stretch his legs, but also to do his business.”
This must also be anticipated: some anchorage areas do not always make it easy to disembark!
Mealtimes
Meal organisation is also important:
“Just as with walks ashore, it is recommended to stick to the animal’s usual routine. You can take kibble with you, ideally pre-measured into bags, to be placed in a non-slip bowl. Also make sure, just as you would for yourself, to bring a sufficient supply of fresh water.”
Taking it step by step
The first moments on board are the opportunity for your animal to get used to the boat, to settle comfortably, and to build confidence: these first steps can easily take place in the marina, moored at the quay, without setting off!
“Then, for your dog’s first sails, opt for short trips, gradually increasing the length of the cruise. At the beginning, he will also feel more comfortable on calm water, or inland waterways, rather than on a rough sea.”
Too much heeling, a sudden noise, an environment that is too hot… on a boat, as anywhere else, an owner must know their dog well, and learn to recognise signs of discomfort. Observe your companion regularly and pay attention to his behaviour: you may find that you need to adjust your sailing plans slightly for your animal’s wellbeing.
Are you considering casting off with a dog, and still have some questions about the conditions of welcome at Jachthaven Bruinisse? Contact our teams – we will be delighted to answer your questions!
