30-04-2021 | With his 52 years of age, he now belongs to the target group himself. Klaas Bosch is one of the skippers and owner of the beautiful tjalk Spes Mea. For some ten years now, he has been happily guiding sailing trips for the over-50s. But who are they exactly? And what do they need? We ask him.
As free as a bird
The idea of sailing trips for 50+ arose when Klaas saw in his sailing schedule that he still had some midweek vacancies. Who has the opportunity to go away for a midweek without worrying about things like school holidays? Parents whose children have left home and retirees, Klaas thought. "What I noticed later was that many grandparents do take holidays into account because of the grandchildren," he laughs. So it's sometimes a bit of a puzzle with the calendars. But it goes well. We always have people of various ages on board.
A variety of sailing enthusiasts
Our guests often had a boat of their own, which they got rid of because of its maintenance. They didn't feel like it anymore. Sometimes the person who took care of the boat has died, and the partner who stayed behind ends up alone. I see couples, singles, groups of friends, but also several generations traveling together. Once there was a grandson of 18 who took his grandfather with him. They both thought it was wonderful. I also see children who go with a parent, for example, because he or she is no longer able to walk. This always makes for a very varied group.
Cosiness
In general, social people sail with us who are well aware that they are making a group trip. They really choose to do so. Soon after boarding, there is a lot of conversation and the atmosphere is good. I sometimes have to work hard to be able to tell my welcome speech on Sunday evening.
Extra comfortable
For these trips, we increase the level of comfort just a little. For example, by taking fewer people along, so that there is even more space on board. People sleep in cabins with a maximum of two people. An enthusiastic cook sails with us, who enjoys preparing delicious meals. Often, it is a three-course meal, and I always pour a good glass of wine for the guests. In the harbor, I make sure the ship is moored in such a way that we can easily get on and off. Helping with sailing is of course allowed, but not required.
Highlights
In general, guests like to have shorter sailing days, so that there is more time to visit harbors, go cycling, or walking. We make an indicative route in advance, which can always be a bit different because of the wind. But I always do my best to be able to fall dry with the group. That is just such a special experience. The cook always goes out to look for cockles, which the guests can help with. That really is a highlight of the week.'
Nature and tranquillity
What strikes me is that the over-50s on these trips are very interested in the scenery. Sometimes they know a lot about nature, for example about birds. Sometimes they even know more than I do, which is great fun for me. I love to have those conversations. They are great trips for me to guide at all times.
Would you like to know more about wonderful sailing holidays for people over 50? Take a look around, compare the routes and choose your trip.