The story of this impressive two-masted schooner goes all the way back to 1965 when it was first launched as a cargo ship operating in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. Fast-forward to 2003 and the ship was completely renovated as a sailing passenger ship which, at 55 meters in length, is the largest two-masted schooner on Dutch waters! Its imposing size is set in stark contrast with its warm ,welcoming and luxurious atmosphere. Erik van Arken owns and operates the Wapen fan Fryslân, which sails the Frisian Sea Tour.
Accommodating a maximum of 36 passengers, the lower deck of this schooner has 12 identical twin cabins (8,5 m² – 91 sq.ft.). The two separate single beds in each cabin can be set together and there is a folding bed that can be used as a third bed if needed. Bathrooms with showers, basins and toilets come standard with every cabin, as does central heating, ventilation, fully functioning portholes and mini safes.
The lower deck also offers a luxurious, spacious lounge & restaurant with flat screen TV and flexible furnishing. Then there’s the large wheelhouse with stylish bar, seating area, panoramic windows offering magnificent vistas and Wi-Fi throughout. Though the middle deck is the perfect place to enjoy a lovely meal outdoors, it’s the afterdeck, with its outdoor café, draught beer tap and Jacuzzi that wins the prize for “best place to have an aperitif and watch the world go by”.
