Witte Swaen heads for Sea

Building a replica is a huge undertaking in itself, but setting sail for the open sea is another challenge altogether. Is the stability up to scratch? Are the sails serviceable? How does it handle in rough seas? The first reports are now coming in from Harlingen.

Paving slabs

It is a familiar sight in Harlingen’s Oude Willemshaven: the sailing ship the Witte Swaen, an exact reconstruction of Willem Barentsz’s expedition ship, which became famous for running aground on Nova Zembla in 1596.
Last weekend, the Witte Swaen undertook its first sea trial on the open sea. It was a voyage that had been eagerly anticipated over the past few weeks. There were still some concerns about the engine, which had previously failed. How would the ship handle 1,400 paving slabs as extra ballast in its hold? And was the young crew sufficiently trained to handle all those lines on such a traditional vessel? Questions to which the trial voyage provided a clear answer. However, the voyage was also intended to familiarise the new crew with the ship. Because even if you have years of experience in the sailing world, like skipper Jacob Dam, sailing the Witte Swaen is really quite something else. “I’m used to square-rigged ships,” explains Dam. “Modern rigging is much simpler. This rigging is so labour-intensive and you need so many people to handle it, but of course that’s also great fun!”

Thorough testing

The Witte Swaen passed with flying colours. ‘A lovely ship to sail,’ was the almost unanimous verdict. As a result, the trial voyage was not only an adventure but a real celebration for everyone involved.
The aim was to put the ship through its paces. Once out on the North Sea off Terschelling with a force 4 wind, this was possible. With all five sails set, the Witte Swaen moved surprisingly fast. The ship proved to be stable enough when it was briefly heeled over sharply to one side whilst sailing on a half-wind. ‘The cups were flying through the galley,’ explained the ship’s cook. It was a real skill for the crew to quickly get the ship back on course by working the sails in unison. An instructive experience, but that was also the aim of this training session. “It was a thrill!” says volunteer Nico Huisman. For years, Huisman helped build the masts, and seeing them in action now is very special for him. “I was a bit sceptical myself that it would be possible already, but the ship has proved itself. It’s sailing brilliantly; I can only say one thing: it’s gone exceptionally well.”

Under its own power

A major advantage is that the ship can make all its crossings under its own steam, which affords enormous freedom. Even on the return journey to Harlingen, it sometimes ran on the engine, but also under sail for long stretches. Assistance from tugs is now only required when manoeuvring in a harbour. The arrival of young sailing guests is a huge boost for the Barentsz project. Not only do they bring new vigour through their actions, they are simply indispensable for keeping the ship afloat. Even in strong winds on a rocking ship, they fearlessly climbed the rigging time and again. At times, they used their mobile phones to show each other and the rest of the crew what they were experiencing up there.

Rejuvenation

The new crew is a mix of old and young: some have been involved in the construction of the Witte Swaen for years, whilst others are getting to know the ship for the first time this year. Just like 20-year-old Aron Smid. “As young people, we’ve sort of just blown in, so to speak, but we’re learning everything from the older volunteers. For example, what the best division of tasks is, and where the lines are positioned.”

Second trial sail

And now on to the next challenge. Success always leaves you wanting more. The plan was to head out to sea again over the weekend of Friday 18 September. Possibly towards Terschelling again, although a slightly longer trip to another harbour, with an overnight stay at sea, is also being considered. There’s certainly no lack of enthusiasm; if they had their way, they’d sail straight to Nova Zembla, following in Barentsz’s footsteps. Although that’s still a bit too soon, says skipper Dam. “When we were at sea, the crew were already asking if we could carry on north. But I said: let’s head back first.”

The Swaen and the Barentsz

The keel was laid in 2010. The highlight came in 2018 with the christening and launch. The peak was reached in 2021 when the stays were fitted to the lower masts and the bowsprit was also attached to the front of the ship. In 2022, all the rigging (the standing and running rigging) was fitted, totalling 4.8 km of rope. The volunteers have clocked up 38,000 hours of construction work. Together with the Batavia Shipyard, the 244 square metres of sail were sewn by hand. The international certificate of registry and certificate of measurement have been issued. The first sea trial took place in 2023. And now, in 2026, the sailing trials are taking place.

Information and photos: Expedition ship Willem Barentsz
Sources: Harlingen online and Omroep Fryslan
Video on YouTube

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