Sailing on
the Dutch barge Gratitude

From the small town of Monnickendam, the Dutch barge 'Gratitude' sails the IJsselmeer and the Wadden Sea. The Gratitude is a cosily decorated former cargo vessel built in 1912 and is a part of the Brown Fleet.
There's loads of enjoyment to be had on the Gratitude, where you can heave to and chill out in equal measure. Together with the skipper and the first mate, youíll be setting sail and standing out to sea. You need not be an experienced sailor, but enthusiasm and high spirits are a definite plus.

Get away from the daily grind, leave the rat race back on dry land, and listen to the peaceful sound of wind filling the sails and waves slapping against the sides of the ship.

Hoist the sails, tighten the backstay, tack, close hauled, these are all nautical terms. After a day on the water it will all be second nature to you.