The Onverwacht (in English: the Unexpected), built in Zwartsluis in 1908, is a charming clipper barge. After her working days as a freighter, she was converted to a house boat. In the nineties, again in Zwartsluis, she was renovated to be a charter vessel. In all these years, the ship only had three owners. And that shows!
Feel at home
On deck, the Onverwacht is one of the most traditional sailing ships of the Netherlands. Below deck there’s a homey and hospitable accommodation, equipped with modern day comfort. If you enter the ship for the first time, you will feel at home in five minutes.
Set the sails!
The Onverwacht is a smooth sailer and lies stable in the water, even when the conditions are a bit more rough. This feels nice and safe. Home port Makkus is the perfect base for trips to the Wadden!
Green Key
Sinds 2009 the Onverwacht has a golden Green Key certificate. This is a quality lable for sustainability. Together with four other ships, the Onverwachts belongs to a select group of ‘green’ ships. Meet Hans and Maria
Owners and skippers couple Hans Vriesema and Maria Kirchhofer are very experienced in sailing with guests. Just like the name of the ship says, they cherish the unexpected. Wind and weather determine the destination of the trip. Of course you and your group can share your wishes.
Hans: “Maria is good at planning and organizing. I sail, live and function mainly on my instincts and hope to inspire my guests with that. This makes the sailing beautifully balanced. The most important thing is that our guests feel at home. If we notice on the second day that the guests are sailing the ship, Maria and I take a step back. And of course we are in for a walk among the dunes or a parlor game!”