h.dirix
Skûtsjes in the bitter cold........
Every year "the skûtsjes" keep the Dutch province of Friesland under spell. Every respected town or city takes part in this saiing competition.
Skûtsjesilen is synonymous with racing sailing with old cargo ships, flat bottomed boats at the turn of the last century to bring peat, manure, soil and other cargo to the farms.
As a result, the ships had to sail through shallow waters and were therefor built long and flat with movable swords on either side of the ships.
Lowering the swords into the water prevented the ships from drifting sideways.
During windy days, very high speeds achieved in this race and it can sometimes be hard.
To sail well with such a ship, a trained crew and great helmanship are rtequired....
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Skûtsjes in the bitter cold........
Every year "the skûtsjes" keep the Dutch province of Friesland under spell. Every respected town or city takes part in this saiing competition.
Skûtsjesilen is synonymous with racing sailing with old cargo ships, flat bottomed boats at the turn of the last century to bring peat, manure, soil and other cargo to the farms.
As a result, the ships had to sail through shallow waters and were therefor built long and flat with movable swords on either side of the ships.
Lowering the swords into the water prevented the ships from drifting sideways.
During windy days, very high speeds achieved in this race and it can sometimes be hard.
To sail well with such a ship, a trained crew and great helmanship are rtequired....
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA