Authentic, but different.
The Willem Jacob is a remarkable clipper, built in 1889.
On deck, the ship stays true to its origins, focused on sporty sailing. Below deck, you’ll find a comfortable accommodation with a fireplace, plenty of daylight, and cozy seating. In recent years, the ship has been fully restored.
The Willem Jacob still features her beautiful wooden hatch cover from the days when she carried cargo. The hatches are made of weathered, grey wood – perfect for sitting, walking, or simply lying in the sun. There is ample space. On the aft deck, you’ll find comfortable benches where you can quietly and safely enjoy life on deck. The skipper stands at the wheel here and is happy to explain everything about the ship and what’s happening around you.
The deckhouse – the roef – has regained its wooden side panels, restoring its original look. Most of the spars are made of wood, while in 2023 the wooden mast was replaced with a steel one.
The interior makes the difference.
Inside, a bright and inviting accommodation awaits you. The interior was designed by Welmoed Bogers. In the winter of 2010/2011, the living space was extended into the foredeck, creating a 50 m² dayroom. The former cargo hold is now fully available to guests.
There are benches along the sides, while the rest of the interior can be arranged flexibly – for meetings, lunches, dinners, receptions, or presentations. A partition wall can be placed midships. On both starboard and port sides you’ll find comfortable, ergonomically designed benches with sturdy tables. Against the bulkhead you’ll find the ship’s library, stocked with books about sailing and maritime history. A cozy fireplace adds warmth and atmosphere, with flames visible through the glass. Large skylights let daylight stream in. Up to forty people can dine together in the dayroom. Central heating ensures a pleasant temperature, and after sailing, the fireplace can be lit.
The galley.
On the port side you’ll find a spacious galley with a six-burner Boretti gas stove and an electric oven. Crockery is securely stowed, and there are enough pots and pans on board to prepare delicious meals. Two refrigerators, a double sink, and a generous worktop complete the space.
Clean & comfortable.
On board there are two modern toilets – one in the foredeck and one at the entrance to the dayroom aft. No complicated systems, just the comfort of home. The foredeck toilet also includes a shower and a small washbasin.
Rest & relax.
In the forward section of the hold, up to 22 bunk beds can be set up using a clever system, with a partition separating the sleeping area from the dayroom. If catering is not required, a two-person cabin is also available, bringing the total to 24 beds. Overnight guests also have access to a shower in the foredeck.
Inspired design.
Designer Bogers drew inspiration from the ship’s robust exterior. The plating is visible, and the graceful lines of the hull return inside. With plenty of white, accented by red and black, the interior feels light and modern. Generous skylights flood the space with daylight.
Guests book a voyage with us because it’s fun, inspiring, and a chance to step away from the fast-paced world. That’s why we restored the ship’s exterior to its original state – giving you the opportunity to glimpse life as it was in 1889, and to draw inspiration from it.
The interior is built for comfort: light, airy, and modern in design. The galley is fully equipped for real cooking. The ship has been finished entirely with FSC-certified and locally sourced wood. The onboard technology supports life at sea: engines are installed to minimize noise, and large batteries – charged by 15 solar panels – mean the generator is seldom needed. All equipment has been carefully chosen for energy efficiency.
A ship is only as strong as its crew.
That’s why I believe it’s essential to have an experienced and welcoming crew who ensure a safe and enjoyable voyage. Since 2003, I have been the owner of the Willem Jacob – or rather, the ship owns us. Built in 1889 and restored for eternity, she will outlive us all. We are only passing caretakers, proud to sail and preserve such a magnificent vessel.
For the first ten years, I sailed almost exclusively as skipper myself. In recent years, we have built up an experienced team to share the responsibility of the ship. This gives me the chance to continue developing as a captain and trainer – and also, occasionally, to take a little rest.
