Volendam Botters
Sailing on the Volendam kwakken is possible for everyone. A lot is possible: from 'simple' sailing trips to complete packages.
The association
In 1993, the wreck of a wooden botter, a Volendam Kwak, ended up in the hands of a few enthusiasts. These had set themselves the goal of restoring it and thereby reviving the village's rich sailing and fishing history. That enthusiasm led to the formation of a volunteer club and, in 2011, to the Vereniging Behoud de Volendammer Botters. The association now has six botters and its members take care of their restoration, maintenance, management, operation and a sailing course. The aim is to give this sailing heritage a face and to preserve them as 'pearls' for the home port of Volendam. To this end, since 2022 the association also has a shipyard where restoration and maintenance take place.
Operation and rental
The four Volendam...
The association
In 1993, the wreck of a wooden botter, a Volendam Kwak, ended up in the hands of a few enthusiasts. These had set themselves the goal of restoring it and thereby reviving the village's rich sailing and fishing history. That enthusiasm led to the formation of a volunteer club and, in 2011, to the Vereniging Behoud de Volendammer Botters. The association now has six botters and its members take care of their restoration, maintenance, management, operation and a sailing course. The aim is to give this sailing heritage a face and to preserve them as 'pearls' for the home port of Volendam. To this end, since 2022 the association also has a shipyard where restoration and maintenance take place.
Operation and rental
The four Volendam Kwakken are available for hire for day trips from the home port of Volendam. At additional cost, boarding is also possible in the ports of Edam, Monnickendam or Marken. The ship is rented with the two-man crew and a maximum of 12 guests can join. Arrangements are possible, with, for example, a visit to Marken, a tour of an eel smokehouse, a visit to the shipyard or museum in Volendam.