UNDER CONSTRUCTION
Sail Through History on a living monument.
Experience the timeless beauty of the Netherlands from the deck of a certified heritage sailing ship.
Step aboard the Verbetering
Step aboard The Verbetering, a rare Frisian Aak and authentic piece of Dutch maritime history built in 1916 by the renowned Barkmeijer shipyard. As one of only seven specialized aaks ever crafted in Dokkum and Stroobos, this vessel represents a refined, lighter evolution of the classic Hasselteraak, distinguished by her sleek riveted iron hull and a subtle, elegant flat half-round rub rail that speaks to her bespoke craftsmanship.
Authentic family-led crew
Century-old Barkmeijer heritage
Historical Verification
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR BEST OFFER
Route 1
Zaandam-Purmerend
Enjoy a unique polder cruise from historic Zaandam to the heart of Purmerend.
Route 2
Volendam-Marken
Discover the historic harbors of Marken and Volendam from the Gouwzee.
Route 3
Forten Tour
Enjoy a unique polder cruise from historic Zaandam to the heart of Purmerend.
Exclusive Trip
The Crew Of The Verbetering
A Legacy at the Helm: The Jacobs Family
For the Jacobs family, the helm (tiller technically) has been a familiar friend since childhood. Today, we sail as one—a father and his three sons, blending century-old maritime tradition with modern-day vision. At the center of our crew is Baltazar, our Captain, whose decades of experience and steady hand guide every voyage. On deck, Egon serves as our skilled Helmsman, navigating the currents with precision, while Fiete, our dedicated Shipmate, ensures the vessel and her rigging are always in peak condition. Behind the scenes, Lowie acts as the digital mastermind, bridging our historic heritage with the modern world to bring our story to you.
Together, we don’t just operate a ship; we invite you into a family legacy of passion, craftsmanship, and a deep-rooted love for the open water.
Proven Success
Our voyage during Sail Amsterdam 2025 was an absolute highlight. The Verbetering stood proud among the world’s Tall Ships, offering our guests a front-row seat to the magic. It was a week of perfect winds, heritage pride, and unforgettable memories on the IJ.
What our customers are saying...
FAQ
Is the ship safe for children and seniors?
Yes, The Verbetering is a stable, wide-beamed vessel. We take great pride in maintaining a safe environment for all ages. We provide life jackets for children and adults, and our crew is always there to assist with boarding and moving around the deck.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety is our top priority. If the Captain determines that conditions (like heavy storms or extreme wind) are unsafe, we will contact you to reschedule your trip or provide a full refund. A bit of light rain usually won't stop us—the ship has sheltered areas to keep you dry.
Can we bring our own food and drinks?
Absolutely! You are welcome to bring your own picnic or drinks to enjoy on deck. We only ask that you be mindful of glass bottles and ensure all waste is disposed of in the bins provided to keep our heritage ship clean.
Is there a toilet on board?
Yes, The Verbetering is equipped with a clean, functional marine toilet for the comfort of our guests during longer voyages.
Can we book the ship for a private event?
Absolutely. The Jacobs family loves hosting birthdays, small weddings, or corporate team-building days. We can customize the route and duration to fit your family or company needs.