From its origins rooted in the spirit of do-it-yourself boat building to its modern embrace of sustainable construction and high-performance designs, Waarschip Werft has carved a unique niche in the global yachting landscape. This Dutch shipyard, known for its distinctive wooden boats and comprehensive kit offerings, has consistently appealed to sailors who appreciate robust construction, strong sailing characteristics, and a timeless aesthetic.
Waarschip Werft was founded in 1968, emerging as a pioneering force in the sailing world by catering specifically to the home builder. Its initial vision was to make boat ownership accessible to a wider audience, providing meticulously designed plans and pre-cut kits that allowed enthusiasts to construct their own sturdy sailing vessels. This approach democratized yachting, fostering a deep connection between the builder and their boat. The early models, characterized by their robust plywood "clinker" construction, were a testament to the founder's belief in durable, capable yachts that could withstand challenging conditions Overview. Clinker construction, also known as lapstrake, involves overlapping hull planks, a method renowned for its strength and distinctive appearance.
History and Evolution
From its inception, Waarschip's history has been marked by a steadfast commitment to wooden construction, even as the marine industry largely transitioned to fiberglass. This dedication to wood, particularly marine plywood, became a hallmark of the brand. Over the decades, Waarschip refined its construction techniques, incorporating modern advancements such as epoxy coatings to seal the wood, ensuring longevity and durability.
A significant aspect of Waarschip's evolution has been its dual role: not only providing kits for passionate amateur builders but also constructing fully finished boats in their own shipyard. This allowed the company to maintain high-quality standards and experiment with new designs. While the original company structure has seen changes, the "Waarschip Werft" name continues to operate in Delfzijl, Netherlands, under the stewardship of Truus Nijdam and Louis Hijlkema, maintaining the brand's heritage. The shipyard has also embraced composite construction for some of its newer monohull and multihull designs, showcasing an adaptation to modern materials while upholding its core values of performance and durability.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Waarschip has cultivated a reputation for producing seaworthy, fast, and stable yachts known for their attractive design and ease of use. The company's design philosophy centers on creating boats that offer genuine sailing pleasure and an intuitive ownership experience. Waarschip yachts are particularly known for their strength and ability to perform well in various conditions, including demanding offshore races.
A signature characteristic of Waarschip's construction is its emphasis on sustainable building practices, utilizing FSC-certified wood in some of its latest models, such as the W36. The use of wood, combined with advanced epoxy techniques, provides a unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern resilience. This approach not only results in boats with a timeless appeal but also contributes to their sustainability.
Over the years, Waarschip has collaborated with talented naval architects to bring their designs to life. Notably, Peltzer designed the Waarschip 1010, while Willem Akkerman and Klaas Kremer were instrumental in developing the popular Quarter Tonner (Waarschip 725) in the late 1960s.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Waarschip's history is rich with iconic models that have left a lasting impact on the sailing community, particularly among those who value hands-on boat building.
One of the most significant and successful models is the Waarschip 740. Known for being a good sailor and a safe, stable boat, the 740 was widely offered as a kit, allowing many individuals to build their own capable 24-foot wooden sloop. Its ease of handling on inland waterways also contributed to its popularity.
Other notable models and series include:
- Waarschip 570, 660, and 700: These smaller cruising models offered sophisticated, cozy designs and excellent sailing characteristics, filling various niches for day sailing and comfortable cruising. The Waarschip 700, for instance, is noted for its high stability.
- Waarschip Quarter Tonner (725): Developed for the highly competitive Quarter Ton Cup, this light and rigid cabin sailboat gained popularity for its beautiful lines and strong racing results.
- Waarschip 1010 and 1076: These larger designs, like the 1010 designed by Peltzer, are known for their modern lines and focus on performance, with the 1076 proving its mettle in tough ocean races like the OSTAR.
- Waarschip 40 "LD" and 40 CR: These models were designed with principles focusing on long sea sailing, sometimes with minimal crew, and feature slender waterlines and moderate widths for speed and stability.
- Waarschip 1220/43: Currently the largest in the Waarschip series, this model exemplifies the brand's commitment to strength, seaworthiness, and speed in a larger package.
- Waarschip W36 Worlds Edition: A more recent performance-oriented model, the W36 has achieved racing success, including first place in two-handed races, and is highlighted for its carbon-neutral construction using FSC-certified wood, making it one of the few fully reusable vessels.
Waarschip's legacy is defined by its commitment to wooden boat building, its empowerment of amateur builders through kits, and its consistent delivery of yachts that combine performance with a timeless aesthetic.
The Builder Today
Today, Waarschip Werft continues to operate from Delfzijl, Netherlands, under the management of Truus Nijdam and Louis Hijlkema. The company maintains its core identity of building high-quality wooden yachts, while also embracing innovation. They offer a range of options, from providing materials and parts for existing Waarschip owners and home builders to constructing complete, ready-to-sail yachts.
The modern Waarschip portfolio includes distinct lines such as the "Cruiser line" for comfortable sailing and the "Regatta line" for performance enthusiasts. In a nod to contemporary demands, Waarschip Composites also produces high-performance monohulls and multihulls, including catamarans and trimarans, showcasing their versatility and forward-thinking approach.
Waarschip boats continue to appeal to sailors who value durable, attractive, and capable yachts with a focus on sustainability and a unique build heritage. The ownership experience is often characterized by a strong sense of pride, whether the boat was factory-built or lovingly constructed from a kit. Waarschip's enduring presence in the marine industry is a testament to its timeless designs and the lasting appeal of well-built wooden boats.
