Lemsteraak Lemsteraak 't Noorderlicht Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Sailing 't Noorderlicht is an exercise in traditional seamanship assisted by modern mechanical advantages. As a flat-bottom vessel, it lacks a fixed keel, relying instead on massive oak leeboards to provide lateral resistance when sailing upwind. These leeboards must be raised and lowered on each tack, a process that, on a vessel of this displacement, is usually managed via hydraulic winches.

The sail plan is a classic gaff rig, featuring a curved gaff that allows for a massive amount of sail area aloft. While the boat’s displacement-to-length ratio is high, the hull’s flat bottom allows it to reach hull speed quickly in a breeze. Handling is characterized by a "stately" feel; the boat tracks remarkably well due to its long, straight "skeg" and heavy displacement, but it requires anticipation during maneuvers. According to technical assessments from the SSRP, the modern Hoek-designed hulls, like that of 't Noorderlicht, feature optimized underwater lines that significantly reduce the turbulence common in older barge designs, allowing for surprising pointing ability for a vessel without a keel.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of 't Noorderlicht is a masterclass in space optimization, taking advantage of the Lemsteraak’s immense beam. The "Roef" or cabin house provides significant headroom, a luxury not found in the "Visserman" (fisherman) variants of the same hull. The layout typically features a sprawling main saloon finished in high-gloss mahogany or white-washed oak, often accented by traditional delftware or brass fixtures.

Sibling models built on similar hulls—such as the 14.5-meter and 16.5-meter Hoek designs—offer varying cabin configurations. While 't Noorderlicht is optimized for owner-operated luxury with a master suite and guest cabins forward, larger variants sometimes include crew quarters in the bow. The galley is typically u-shaped to remain functional at an angle, though these boats rarely heel more than 15 degrees before the leeboards lose efficiency. The integration of modern climate control and maritime electronics is done discretely to preserve the 1800s atmosphere of the wood-paneled interior.

Popular Mentions & Media

As a prominent member of the Dutch "Ronde en Platbodem" fleet, 't Noorderlicht is a frequent participant in the Klassiekerrace and the Admiraliteitszeilen, prestigious gatherings of traditional Dutch sail. The Lemsteraak class itself gained international recognition as the vessel of choice for the Dutch Royal Family; the De Groene Draeck is perhaps the most famous sibling of the class. 't Noorderlicht is frequently cited in Dutch nautical publications like Spiegel der Zeilvaart as a benchmark for the "Roefuitvoering" Lemsteraak, representing the transition from working craft to high-end yachting.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners of a Lemsteraak of this caliber must focus on specialized maintenance areas unique to Dutch traditional craft:

• Leeboard Integrity: The oak leeboards are subject to immense stress and rot. Inspect the stainless steel pivot points and the "strijkklampen" (rubbing strips) for signs of wear or structural movement.
• Mast Step and Tabernacle: Since these boats are designed with a "strijkinstallatie" (mast-lowering system) for bridge clearance, the tabernacle and its associated hydraulic or manual rams must be inspected for hairline fractures in the steel.
• Steel Hull Corrosion: Despite high-end paint systems, the "bilge-water" areas in flat-bottom boats can trap moisture. A professional ultrasonic hull thickness test is mandatory, especially around the internal tankage.
• Teak Deck Seaming: These vessels often feature thick teak decks over steel. Check for "tenting" or failing caulk lines, as moisture trapped between the teak and steel can lead to rapid, hidden oxidation.

Community & Resources

Owners of 't Noorderlicht are supported by a robust network of traditional sailing organizations. The Stichting Stamboek Ronde en Platbodemjachten (SSRP) provides a rigorous historical record and technical archive for the boat. For racing and social events, the Vereniging van Eigenaren van Lemsteraaks (Lemsteraak Owners Association) is the primary body, organizing regattas that test the performance of these heavy-displacement yachts against their peers.

The Verdict

The Lemsteraak 't Noorderlicht is an uncompromising vessel for the sailor who values tradition, craftsmanship, and the ability to explore shallow-water estuaries where keelboats cannot venture.

Pros:

• Shallow Draft: Capable of "drying out" on the sand during low tide due to its flat bottom.
• Craftsmanship: Exceptional woodwork and steel joinery that represents the highest tier of Dutch boatbuilding.
• Stability: High initial stability and a heavy, comfortable motion in a seaway.

Cons:

• Maintenance: High-maintenance requirements for the exterior varnish, steel hull, and complex rig.
• Crew Demands: Requires an experienced crew or sophisticated hydraulic systems to manage the leeboards and gaff rig.
• Windage: The high "Roef" and traditional rigging create significant windage, making docking in crosswinds challenging.