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Without the past, no future

Barentz has its roots in Holland and the very name of our founder is linked to Willem Barentsz who tried to find the seaway over the North Pole at the end of the 16th century and gave his name to the Barentz Sea, north of Spitsbergen.

Holland and water are closely linked and the country counts among its great shipping traditions Skûtsje Silen. A skûtsje is a freight boat that was build in the north of the Netherlands at the beginning of the past century. Around 1.200 ships were build at the time. Today some 80 ships are still sailing and these skûtsjes are at the heart of a tradition in the Friesland province.

Every year in Friesland boat races are organised which draw thousands of people to the Frisian lakes, the so called skûtsje silen. These freighter sailing ships sail heated battles on the lakes in a series of matches and the winner gathers eternal fame.

Maintaining these beautiful ships, who are part of our heritage and who formed truly sustainable transport modes, is an important job. Logistics is a key factor in Barentz and hence we gladly sponsor the foundation that owns the skûtsje “Nieuwe Zorg”. At its home base Eernewoude, next to the skûtsje museum volunteers put endless hours in the up keeping of the ship. Every year a number of times they demonstrate the agility of the boat and the skills of the skipper to Barentz guests. If you are interested to sail along, just let us know.