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Dutch flotilla set for civic visit to Wisbech

Wisbech is rapidly gaining a reputation among the boating and yachting fraternity as an excellent port of call and place to berth as a result of the £47 million regeneration of the Nene Waterfront in the heart of the town.And, the Dutch have heard on the grapevine that Wisbech is an interesting destination with an improving yachting harbour, which will include berths for 128 boats and the building of a state-of-the-art yacht maintenance and boat-lifting facility at Crab March.The flotilla will arrive in Wisbech on Monday 22nd May and the following day they will be given a guided tour of Wisbech Museum with a presentation on the history of the Fens and its drainage by Dutchman Corneluis Vermoyden 300 years ago. They will also be treated to a civic reception and buffet at the Wisbech Town Council Chamber.They will also be given a tour of the Fens, including a tour of the Elgood’s Brewery and gardens and of Peckover House. They will also be encouraged to make use of the Hudson Leisure Centre gym and pool, to sample real ale at the Rose pub and to call in on the Octavia Hill Museum.

The marketing of Wisbech as a yachting destination and permanent berth for boats is setting the scene for the economic resurgence of the economic fortunes of Wisbech and the Fens. The new state-of-the-art yacht berths and facilities are setting the tone for the massive mixed-use housing and business development that will transform the derelict centre of the city over the next two years.Cllr Mac Cotterell, Portfolio Holder with responsibility for the port, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Dutch sailors and we hope their visit will become a regular annual fixture. It goes to show that the resurgence of Wisbech is generating interest beyond our shores, which is tremendously exciting.”