Den Helder prepares for the EOC Traditional Ships Fair

“It will again be a great party for everyone who loves nautical crafts, beautiful ships and high-profile events” says Michiel Tegelberg, foreman of the fair at Willemsoord in Den Helder.

Zeepost spoke to him and Paul Schaap about the event’s history and future.

Tjeerd de Groot, the brand new chairman of the Association for Professional Charter Shipping BBZ opened the fair. He hopes for great contacts with and between his supporters and the foundations/associations and private owners.

Beautiful locations

The upcoming edition again has more elements compared to last year. The Traditional Ships Fair is not only the place for inspiration and information for charter shipping and nautical heritage, but certainly also a meeting place for everyone with a nautical heart. This is where professionals, volunteers and numerous organisations meet. Virtually the entire south side of Willemsoord is participating: from Theatre de Kampanje, the crafts tent, the Medemblikker shed and other workshops of the museum port, to the Town Hall in building 66 Visitors to the fair can also visit both the Lifeboat Museum ‘Dorus Rijkers’ and the Naval Museum free of charge.

Two icons

Very nice is that this year, two icons of this sector will be put in the spotlight.

Wim de Bruijn was not only the ‘founding father’ of the TSB, but of course also the man behind the Spiegel der Zeilvaart, publisher, newsmaker and advocate. He produced dozens of books, most of which concerned water sports and especially the traditional brown fleet. Round and flatboats were his passion and his life. He owned several of them himself. After an eight-week illness, Wim de Bruijn passed away on Saturday 5 July this year. Wim will be honoured and remembered in various ways at the fair.

During the fair, the Natural Sailing Foundation will pay attention to the 2009 deceased writer and sailor Hans Vandersmissen. In 1977, he was one of the founders of the Dutch Circle of Drascombe Owners (NKDE) and was the initiator of the Natural Sailing Foundation. He himself was the proud owner of a Drascombe Cruiser named Pride of the Fleet. This boat will also be on display. In addition, presentations on his maritime activities will be given in Building 66 on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 November.

Theatre programme

The ongoing theatre programme, in the Wim de Bruijn theatre renamed for this fair, full of panel discussions, presentations, films and lectures has quickly become a successful part of the EOC Traditional Ships Fair. Presentations are open to all visitors.

Friday: Opening and BBZ – Extreme weather!
On Friday 7 November, the programme will be created in close cooperation with the BBZ. The focus will be on preparing for and dealing with extreme weather at sea. Among other things, attention will be paid to the Gallant and Bayesian accidents, and what lessons other heritage ships can learn from them. The various resources for weather forecasting will be discussed, and how to prepare for more severe weather during and prior to the voyage. In the afternoon, the BBZ will hold its Annual General Meeting of Members.

Saturday: LVBHB – Up to here and now beyond!
On Saturday 8 November at 3.45pm, the LVBHB will host an interactive presentation in the fair’s theatre. The theme is: Until here and now further!
The LVBHB offers a varied programme including a film about sustainability and sailing heritage, and the film Spankracht, about the restoration of the Hoogaars Atalante.
An extra hour will be dedicated to the memory of fellow fair initiator, heritage expert, writer and publisher Wim de Bruijn, who passed away some time ago.
Important is the topic of safety and how the safety impulses of the BBZ can be applied to the entire sailing heritage, which will be addressed in the afternoon.
Also a refreshing presentation on the restoration and habitation of sailing heritage by young people, and the preservation of maritime crafts.

Sunday: EZS – Sustainability
On Sunday 9 November, the programme is put together in close cooperation with the Enkhuizer Zeevaartschool. Also on Sunday, sustainability is the main theme. Besides a lecture by captain Andy Manser of the Stad Amsterdam on the sustainability of the Clipper, there will be a focus on sustainable cargo sailing under sail, technological developments for sustainable sailing, climate-neutral ocean crossings, etc.
The afternoon will end with the traditional networking drinks.

History

Besides current and future themes such as electric sailing, ecology and the situation of the Dutch waterways, it is also good to reflect on the origins and growth of the TSB. Michiel Tegelberg: “It started with the initiative of Wim de Bruijn and Thedo Fruithof aimed at creating a meeting place for all lovers of classic ships, in addition to magazines and books. After a somewhat unfortunate relaunch at the RAI during the Hiswa, the fair moved to Den Helder under the inspiring leadership of Jet Sluik. This relaunch was a success though and partly due to the support of the Municipality of Den Helder, insurer EOC Scheepsverzekeringen and Stichting Museumhaven Willemsoord. After the corona period, however, Sluik had to devote all her time and attention to the charter ship Tecla, and the organisation was taken over by the current organisers.

Young people attend fair for free

As in the previous edition, young people up to 18 years of age who are interested in nautical heritage will again be allowed to visit the EOC Traditional Ships Fair free of charge. The reason for giving young people free entry is to also introduce them to and enthuse them about the restoration and preservation of nautical heritage.

Information: Traditional Ships Fair.
Photos: Paul Schaap.