Traditional Boat Show was a success

With a large number of presentations, several new exhibitors and ample numbers of visitors, the Traditional Ship Fair has once again proved itself as the place where sailing heritage gathers every year.

The EOC Traditional Ship Fair (TSB for insiders), which was held for the eighth time last weekend at Willemsoord in Den Helder, has become quite settled. Traditionally, many conservation associations present themselves at the fair, flanked by suppliers of marine equipment, nautical books and maritime clothing, to name a few. The sustainability of ships also receives attention, with suppliers in the field of economical boilers and electric propulsion.

Wim de Bruijn theatre

In addition to the exhibition hall, Willemsoord also has a fine theatre hall with adjoining foyer. For the occasion, the hall was named in tribute to the recently deceased fair founder, former editor-in-chief of the Spiegel der Zeilvaart, writer and book editor Wim de Bruijn. He was put in the limelight by three old friends. The audience was particularly struck by the cheerful presentation by Theo Kampa, who together with Wim photographed countless ships on and around the water. For his talk, Theo had brought along a selection of beautiful photos, which showed how skilfully Wim could bring him in their editorial boat close to the approaching ships.

Learning from each other

Both the BBZ and the LVBHB and the EZS used the Wim de Bruijn theatre for a day of meetings and presentations. The BBZ had chosen ‘extreme weather’ as its theme this year, and asked questions about future policy at the Members’ Meeting. The LVBHB devoted sessions to special crafts, asking what charter shipping and the heritage sector can learn from and offer to each other. Among the topics discussed was the database ‘Upkeep‘, which can be used by heritage owners and foundations to compile their own rigging book, and also immediately house all other vital parts of the ship. It was developed by an association that manages a heritage vessel itself, and would like to share it with others. Interest was immediately expressed from the Botterstichtingen; interested parties can contact the LVBHB.

A new generation

Following this, the young people took the floor. LVBHB veteran Bart Vermeer has set himself the goal of getting as many young people as possible interested in a heritage ship, and he seems to be succeeding quite well. Several youngsters gave an appearance with the ship crafts they practise and the ships they manage. A rather negative exposition from the audience, as if young people no longer feel like dealing with old boats for all sorts of petty reasons, was contradicted by the young people themselves with fire, passion and cheerful enthusiasm, making it abundantly clear that there is no reason for gloomy defeatism.

Sustainability

On Sunday, the Enkhuizen Nautical College (EZS) dedicated sessions to sustainability, with presentations from a good number of sailing cargo initiatives, a story about how the clipper Stad Amsterdam aims to become the most sustainable tall ship in the world, and a fascinating exposé by EZS lecturer and naval architect Thomas van ES, who is working on a climate-neutral superyacht at Dijkstra Naval Architects, among other companies. Apart from obvious applications like hydrogenerators and solar panels, there appear to be many other possibilities for generating energy while sailing, which can then be used for on-board electricity.

If you want to see the presentations of the Enkhuizen Nautical College, you can find them here

Source and image: own newsgathering.