Sailing on the Trouwe Hulp
Traditionally, skûtsjes were used to sail the Frisian inland waterways. The Trouwe Hulp also sails frequently on the Frisian lakes and canals from its home port in Boornzwaag (near the picturesque water sports village of Langweer). A unique sailing area is the Alde Feanen National Park. This lowland peat bog area surrounds the village of Eernewoude and offers a varied landscape featuring lakes, reed beds, and swamp forests. This diversity supports a rich variety of plants and animals. The ultimate form of relaxation here is watching the sun rise or set while lying on one of the many uninhabited islets!
But the Trouwe Hulp also sails with you across the IJsselmeer and the Wadden Sea. Running aground is no problem at all due to the ship’s shallow draft. On a trip across the Wadden Sea, you can therefore also sail to Terschelling or Vlieland.
Skipper Reitse sails his Trouwe Hulp primarily across the Frisian Lakes. Because they are beautiful. The ship is traditional and fits perfectly with the captivating surroundings. The atmosphere on board is friendly; having fun is the top priority. Back-to-basics sailing is the way to go. This way, you’ll discover small islands, Frisian towns, and the diversity of their inhabitants from the water. Surrounded by the skipper’s hospitality, who is happy to work with the group. Anyone who leaves the ship after a week, weekend, or even just one day will feel rejuvenated.
Your stay on the Trouwe Hulp
The Trouwe Hulp’s current sailing characteristics are strongly influenced by its original rigging plan. This makes the ship a relaxed sailor. And because the mast is positioned far forward, there is plenty of space on deck to lie down and sit on the softly padded hatch cover.
The crew of the Trouwe Hulp
In the late 1990s, skipper and owner Reitse quit his job at an insurance company and followed his passion: sailing with guests on the Trouwe Hulp. He knows the Frisian waters like the back of his hand and loves to share the most beautiful spots he knows with his guests. He also enjoys handing over the helm so you can experience the freedom of sailing for yourself.
Layout
Below deck, the spacious day cabin is a pleasant place to relax. Here you’ll find a long table with enough room for 8–12 people. Through the large 2.4-meter-wide windows, you have a beautiful view of the water and the surroundings. Nothing is as relaxing as waking up with a cup of coffee or tea and watching nature come to life.
The kitchenette features three burners, a refrigerator, and plenty of dishes, cutlery, and pans. Thermoses for coffee and tea are provided on board. The sleeping area is located in the bow of the ship. Here you will find 4 double beds and 5 single beds. Additionally, 3 more people can sleep on the couches in the day cabin. The ship’s maximum capacity depends on the composition of the group. Please contact us regarding this.
History of the Trouwe Hulp
The skûtsje Trouwe Hulp was launched in October 1926 at the Wolthuis shipyard in Sappemeer. The ship was intended for cargo transport under sail, particularly on the inland waterways of Friesland. However, it was also used on the Zuiderzee.
The Trouwe Hulp is one of the last authentically rigged skûtsjes, as its mast is still fore-and-aft.Incidentally, the Wolthuis shipyard, where the Trouwe Hulp was built, is now a historic museum shipyard. This shipyard in the Groningen Veenkoloniën is well worth a visit.
