The Hollandia

The Hollandia was built in 1901 as a sailing cargo ship, converted in 1973 into a traditional sailing ship with passengers. After several renovations, we can say, without any doubt, that the Hollandia is one of the most elegant ships in which you can sail.

Thanks to its design, its relatively shallow draft and its sailing characteristics, improved year after year, the Hollandia is excellently equipped for a wonderful adventure, especially on the Waddenzee, that incredible sea that attracts us like a magnet.

In relation to the space that our guests have for their stay on board, we are proud to say that all the people with whom we have sailed have felt at home. The Hollandia has 6 cabins for 16 people in total, 2 toilets, 1 spacious shower and a large space to cook and enjoy the company of your family and friends.

The sailing season with guests begins in April and ends in October. We would like it to be longer, but the weather does not make it pleasant.

Before and after the normal season, we compete and enjoy with colleagues in different regattas, like "Slag in de Rondte", "Beurtveer", "Pieperrace" or "Waddenrace"; where we test the limits of the ship and our endurance capacity during nonstop sailing journeys. The rest of the year, we dedicate to tune up the ship for the next season: repairing, rebuilding, painting, adding improvements... And of course, to enjoying a well-deserved rest.

The crew

Hello! My name is Evelien and I am your captain and host on board. Those of you who already know me, know of my passion for sailing, wind and water.

It all started when I was looking for a change in my life after graduating as a goldsmith. This was in 1996; then I started sailing as a sailor on different ships, and discovered my passion. The way from there to study to become a captain was really short. After obtaining the documents that accredited me to be a captain, and after a year on the "Vrouwe Johanna", I had no doubt that this was going to be my way of life, so in 2000, when I heard that the Hollandia was for sale, I did not think for a moment and I jumped into the pool, the sea in this case.

More than 20 years have passed since then, during which I have been feeding more and more my desire to sail every day, and trying to transmit this passion to all the people with whom I have had the honor of sailing. Maybe I did it, but that's not for me to say...

Working on a ship is not easy for a single person, so we have a sailor on board, who guides the maneuvers and navigation actions that must be carried out on deck, instructs the guests and ensures that the work is done safely. He or she is the hands and eyes of the captain on the bow deck and, even more, students of the best sailing school that can exist: the sea. As captains, we consider that it is our task to give the sailors the opportunity to learn and gain experience on the way to become a captain, and on that road the Hollandia is a good training ship, practical and maneuverable, and has a captain capable of releasing the rudder.

And you? It may sound crazy to you, but once you're on board, you can also be a part of the crew. Transmitting the magic of sailing to you is our greatest concern, and what better way to achieve this than to make you participate in what happens on the Hollandia from the moment we leave harbor. All our knowledge is at your disposal in the event that you want to actively join in this adventure, although, of course, if you just want to relax and enjoy yourself, we will be happy to make your trip the most pleasant of trips.

It goes without saying that children or people with mild disabilities are also welcome on board. If you inform us in advance, we can prepare the ship to make their stay as comfortable and safe as possible.