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Professional sailing in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands the traditional professional sailing business is once again important. In the course of only a few decades an almost extinct business has begun to flourish again. In the 50s and 60s some enthusiasts started the restoration of old discarded sailing ships. In order to cover the cost they took groups of people on trips for a fee. In this way the public gradually discovered a new leisure activity and more and more sailing ships could escape oblivion and become seaworthy again.
Today, hundreds of classic, though comfortable and well–equipped sailing ships sail the Dutch and European waters. Every year they carry hundreds of thousands of people on holiday trips. The sailing skippers not only sail their ships, but they are also businessmen operating a modern tourist trade. They are adapting to today's demands without losing sight of their very old sailing traditions. The Dutch fleet of sailing ships which operates professionally numbers about 550.
Most ships still retain their traditional character, while some are also built on modern designs. The ships can be chartered by groups or individuals for short or long trips: from a single day up to holidays of some weeks. Every ship has a permanent crew of two or more. They sail the ship with the assistance of the passengers.
The facilities on board are modern, comfortable, and suitable for a longer stay.The level of comfort can be classified on a scale ranging from one to five stars. About 40% of the passengers come from the Netherlands. The remainder come from countries like Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Spain and France.
The most important waters in the Netherlands are the IJsselmeer and the Waddensea. In the high season many ships go further afield to Northern, Western and Southern Europe.
The total turnover in the professional sailing business amounts to about 51,4 million Euro's. It offers jobs to over 1250 people. In addition this business indirectly stimulates employment in shipyards, shipbuilding and sail–making firms, charter agencies, and not least in the retail and catering business. Vereniging voor beroepschartervaart (BBZ)
The interests of professional sailing are promoted and protected by the BBZ, formerly the Belangenvereniging Beroeps Zeilschippers (Professional Sailing Skippers Association), now given a more comprehensive name, after the motorcharter union has joined with the BBZ.
The BBZ was founded in 1979 and aims to promote the interests of its members to ensure the best possible conditions for conducting their business in national and international waters. In addition the BBZ seeks to improve the nautical–technical circumstances under which professional sailing has to operate.
The BBZ offers an opportunity for structured consultation between professional sailing skippers and various other parties involved, such as charter agencies, tourist organizations, aquatic and consumers' organizations, the authorities, nautical bodies and ecology groups.
The BBZ acts as a medium for its members whereby it keeps them informed of economical, social, nautical and legislative developments pertaining to professional sailing. Important areas of attention for the BBZ are sailing territories, harbour facilities, training and safety regulations.
For further details about the BBZ feel free to contact the secretarial office.
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