Nil Desperandum

Sailing on a beautiful three-mast schooner!

50 passengers
30 beds

About the ship

The Nil Desperandum (do not dispair, Lat.) is a magnificent 119 year old three-mast schooner. Built in 1894 as a ‘clipper’, it was mainly used to transport goods across the lakes, coastal waters, canals and rivers. The goods were carried in bulk, such as potatoes, turf or coal. Because of the growing importance of road transport (after WW II), many ships were doomed to the scrap-yard and most of the once gigantic fleet are lost now forever. During the past thirty years many of the left over hulls were rediscovered and renovated. Some were restored to their original beauty and can be admired in museum harbours (for instance in Amsterdam). Many, however, were turned into comfortable, environmentally friendly means of transporting paying guests. Old times are revived and once again these gracious ships adorn the Dutch waters, carrying on the tradition of the Netherlands as a sailing nation. Around 1990, the Nil Desperandum joined the fleet as it was renovated into a luxurious sailing ship. From early spring, until late in autumn it can be admired as it carries passengers who have felt the need for a comfortable mix of activity and relaxation, which is sailing on a Dutch traditional barge.

Sailing area

  • IJssel- Markermeer
  • Waddenzee en Friese Meren

Departure harbor

  • Enkhuizen
  • Makkum
  • Harlingen
View calendar...

Specifications

  • 3x shower
  • 3x toilet
  • Central heating
  • Hifi
  • Microphone
  • TV
  • Warm water
  • 50 passengers
  • 30 beds
  • 2 person cabins: 8
  • 4 person cabins: 3

Themed trips

Did you know you can sail with a group trip, take part on a themed trip or use one of our ships as a hotel?

Pieperrace 2024

Type: Group trips
From: Volendam - 05-04-2024
To: Volendam - 07-04-2024
Price: €255,00

At the 5th of April until the 7th of April is the Pieperrace again! This is a sailing competition between old historic dutch ships on the Markermeer near Volendam. To come sail with us, you don’t need any experience. You only have to take you’re good mood with you! Form more info, check our website. See you then!

Oldy Tour

Type: Group trips
From: Stavoren - 30-06-2024
To: Stavoren - 05-07-2024
Price: €555,00

Enjoy a wonderful sailing trip on the Nil Desperandum from Stavoren together with other seniors. For more info, check your website. See you then!

Waddenweek 2024

Type: Packages
From: Stavoren - 09-08-2024
To: Stavoren - 16-08-2024
Price: €755,00

From the 16th until the 22th of July we organise a Waddenweek on board the Nil Desperandum. During this trip we sail 7 beautiful days on the Waddenzee and we enjoy this special area that’s been listed on the UNESCO world heritage site since 2009. For more info, see our website. See you then!

Individuel tour Oktober

Type: Group trips
From: Stavoren - 04-10-2024
To: Stavoren - 11-10-2024
Price: €755,00

Enjoy a wonderful sailing trip on the Nil Desperandum from Stavoren together with other individuals. For more info, check our website. See you then!

Brandarisrace 2024

Type: Group trips
From: Harlingen - 18-10-2024
To: Harlingen - 20-10-2024
Price: €255,00

At the 18th of Oktober until the 20th of Oktober is the Brandarisrace again! This is a Sailing-competition with historic ships to see who is the fastest from Harlingen to Terschelling. To sail with us you don’t have to have any experience! The only thing you have to take with you is a good mood. For more info, check our website. See you then!