history
Welcome aboard one of the oldest sailing barge of the Brown Fleet in the Netherlands.
The “Zuiderzee”, build in 1884, was originally used as a freighter. In 1978 the vessel was bought by the legendary “Rooie” (red) Gerrit , founder of the Brown Fleet. The ship was rebuilt to serve as a passenger carrier, a charter so to speak. The exterior of the ship has not changed much over the years, but where once potatoes and other freight was stored, now there are sleeping quarters, a living, a toilet and a well equipped galley.
For any given trip we set sail from the historical centre of Muiden, which is about a 20 minute drive from Amsterdam.
After a warm welcome by skipper Olaf accompanied by a cup of fresh coffee, we will sail past the beautiful and ancient “Muiderslot” castle, before we start our crossing of the former Zuiderzee (south sea.)
Before we pass the island of Pampus, the 1st mate will have revealed several secrets on how to tie a good knot and what it takes to put a reef in the main sail. Under his or her professional guidance the sails can now be raised.
The noise of the engine stops, only the sound of the waves hitting the ship, the wind pushing us forward and the cry of a seagull remain.
For whom?
Raising the sails, be at the helm, play a game, read, do nothing, sunbathe, swim, some fishing, stroll through old ports, have a drink in and old pub, dancing in the Hole of Holland, endless catching up, in short, something for everybody.
The Zuiderzee is an ideal place for recreation with (groups of) friends, families or colleagues.
And because of the inevitable relaxing effect and necessary teamwork an ideal location for trainings for small groups.
Also special activities like for instance a painting class or a cooking workshop are among the possibilities.
One way or another, doing nothing, doing a lot, or somewhere in between, but best of all….
Undescribable!
Skipper
the ship
The “Zuiderzee” is one of the eldest barge of the fleet and was launched in 1892.
By the end of the 1920’s, this beautiful “dektjalk” from Groningen was no longer profitable as a freight ship and during the depression years it was used by a sailing pedlar as a commercial barge. In the 1950’s, this sailing monument escaped general unrigging because it served as a privat yacht.
In 1978, the tjalk was rigged again and equipped for cruising.
On board you will find an attractive guest room, which is very cosy because of its remarkable characteristic atmosphere, and a fully-equipped kitchen. The former cargo hold can accomodate maximum 12 people (sleep).
