Ship & safety

Discover Willem Jacob, our historic sailing ship, and learn about onboard facilities, crew training, inspections and safety.

Equipped for night sailing

Navigation lights, VHF radio, GPS and electronic charts, autopilot, AIS transponder, anchor and windlass, first-aid equipment and lifejackets for everyone — each fitted with a light that activates automatically on contact with water — are carried aboard.

Comfort aboard

The 50 m² saloon, designed by Welmoed Bogers, has comfortable seating and flexible tables for meals or meetings. The fully equipped galley has a six-burner Boretti cooker, electric oven, two fridges and a double sink. There are two toilets, a shower, central heating and a fireplace.

Maintenance and inspections

The spars are maintained and inspected every two years by a shipwright and certified inspector. The ship visits the yard every other year; ultrasonic hull measurements are taken every five years. The underwater hull was renewed in 2007. Automatic lifejackets are tested annually, and every lifejacket carries a light that activates automatically as soon as someone falls overboard. Gas and electrical installations are inspected every three years.

Experienced crew

Skippers and permanent crew have basic safety or emergency-response training. Skippers have at least 360 days of practical sailing experience and trained at the Enkhuizer Zeevaartschool, studying navigation, meteorology, stability, maritime law, manoeuvring and medical care.

Certification

The ship holds the required passenger-vessel and rigging certificates. Gas systems, electrical installations, fire extinguishers, AIS and lifejackets are regularly checked. Willem Jacob is listed by ILenT among certified historic sailing passenger ships for inland waters.