The Strontweek consists of the Strontrace (Shit Race), the Beurtveer (ferry with several ships), the Visserijdagen (Fishery Days) and the Liereliet (musical festival). The Strontweek is also known as the ‘exercise under sail’.
The week is annually held during autumn holidays and is preceded by the (shit) Supply Race with small barges. The barges carry manure from the Frisian hinterland, to be used for the Strontrace. On Friday Klompkezeilen (clog sailing) is organised for the school children of Workum.
The Liereliet takes place during the first weekend. It is a festival where musicians and singers from all over the world, sing and play shanties and on Sunday a maritime fair is held, with handicraft demonstrations.
The Strontrace starts on Monday. The idea is to make as much use as possible of sails, push poles or ‘hunting’ (pulling the boat forward from the shore). Only a map and a compass may be used for navigation. The winners receive the Silver Mush Spoon. The route goes via the IJsselmeer (Lake IJssel) and Amsterdam to Warmond. The way back is sailed via Haarlem, the North Sea Canal and the IJsselmeer, while carrying flower bulbs.
The Beurtveer is based on the old method of passenger transport around the Zuiderzee (when the IJsselmeer was still part of the sea). The ships pass several towns and villages around the IJsselmeer, taking passengers on the way. One is obliged to call at a number of places, in random order.
Fishery is practiced with ships like botters and jols, boats that were used for fishery in the past. With bottom-set nets pike perch and perch are caught and the nets are brought under sail and recovered. The fish is supplied twice a week in Workum and sold by an auctioneer.
The ships can be followed with a track and trace system. Some skippers apply the experience that they gain ‘under sail’ outside the Strontweek.