Friese Yachts racing near Sneek N Netherlands 2004

It is said that there are more types of Dutch sailing fishing boat and general cargo boat than the total of all the other types in the world put together. Every coastal town and village had its own variant of boat. Many types are seen here racing together in a meer or lake near Sneek, Friesland.

Many of these original boats are more than a century old. They are lovingly restored and owned into concert grand piano condition. In other words they look too perfectly varnished in natural wood finish to be allowed to get wet.

As it is they are raced with relish even in strong winds without quarter for their competitors as the near collision in this picture shows.

Most boats from around the world are known by their rig, such as lugger, ketch, schooner, barquentine, ship, etc. Not so Dutch craft. They are mainly known by the town they originate from. Most of the small boats have a single mast and the distinctive curved gaff to give the main sail the ability to catch the wind as high up as possible often over the dykes.

The boats in this race are either fishing boats others are farmers cargo boats. The latter carried live stock or straw or manure. The boats in the picture may include botters, boiers, balazers, punters, lemstraaks and schokker. I am sorry I cannot tell you which is which and neither can many experts, who often argue about it.

You might like to compare the Friese Yachts with the Beer Luggers racing Devon 2000 or the East Coast Colne Smack Match off Brightlingsea, Essex, 2001. That would make an attractive collection for display on your wall.