The historic ships used to be cargo ships exploited by Frisian farmers; however, with the rise of technology, these boats were not that vastly used. After World War II, people in Friesland decided to resurrect the tradition and organize yearly championships on these boats.
Event Highlights
Skûtsjesilen is a Frisian regatta with skûtsjes. The main competition in SKS Skûtsjesilen is the SKS Championship, awarded to the skipper with the fewest points. From August 3 to 16, the battle on the water resumes as SKS skûtsjes compete for the championship. The skûtsje with the lowest points after the last race is declared the champion. If there is still a tie, the order of arrival in the final race determines the winner. The races occur in different locations nearly every day, culminating in the grand finale at Sneekermeer.
Races
The program of this year's edition includes races as follows: Grou on August 3, The Veenhoop on August 5, Earnewâld 6 on August 6, Terherne on August 7, Langweer on August 8, Elahuizen on August 9, Stavoren on August 10, Woudsend on August 12, Lemmer I on August 14, Lemmer II on August 15, Sneek on August 16. All competitions start at 2 pm.
Best Ways to Watch
The races will be extensively covered by Omrop Fryslân, the broadcaster on the Netherlands Public Broadcasting network that serves the Frisian community. This coverage allows skûtsjesilen fans to feel as if they are almost on board, ensuring they won't miss any of the action. Additionally, visitors can watch the races from the shore or a tour boat.
Tickets
The entrance fee to watch the races from the shore is €3, with free entry for youths up to 14 years old. Spectators on the water can purchase a pennant for €10, supporting the SKS and the various local organizing committees.
The Origin of Skûtsjesilen
Each year, the skûtsjes captivate Friesland, enchanting sailing enthusiasts who closely follow the competition among these historic cargo ships. Skûtsjesilen is synonymous with racing traditional flat-bottomed vessels built in the early 20th century to transport peat, manure, and other goods to farms. These ships were designed to be long and flat to navigate shallow canals.
Skûtsje competitions often occurred during times of little work for skippers, as farmers were preoccupied with their tasks and had no need for transport. Innkeepers saw the potential of organizing sailing competitions, often during annual fairs, but the costs frequently outweighed the benefits.
Around 1850, water sports clubs, usually run by local notables, began organizing these events. Interest in skûtsjesilen declined with the advent of the petrol engine, leading to the rise of powered freighters and the disappearance of many skûtsjes. However, a few enthusiasts were so passionate about sailing with cargo ships that they maintained the tradition. Towards the end of World War II, a group of skûtsje enthusiasts took the initiative to restore skûtsjesilen to its rightful place on the Frisian sailing calendar.
