More and more skippers of the brown fleet are replacing the authentic wooden masts for steel ones. This is not only cheaper to maintain, but also reduces the risk of accidents due to wood rot. Last summer a teenager died when a ship’s mast broke. In 2016 and 2019 there were also fatal accidents due to wood rot.
In Monnickendam, the skippers of the Lady Frida Cornelia have a new mast installed on their ship. The skippers of the brown fleet have a lot of contact with each other and the accidents were therefore hard. “If you have the choice between wood and steel in a period where there is so much to do, there is only one choice,” says skipper Marjolein van der Heide.
Research
In 2019, the Dutch Safety Board sounded the alarm and reported that: “The current method of inspection offers no guarantee that the pylons will remain safe until the end of the validity period of an inspection certificate.” After the accident this summer, the fleet was reviewed and 39 boats were taken out of service.
Meanwhile, skippers are discussing how they can make the industry safer. The guests on the ships also have concerns. “They have heard of a terrible accident on such a ship, so that is something that is being talked about,” says Marjolein.
The old mast
As of today, the Lady Frieda no longer has to worry about wood rot in the mast and hopes for a nice, warm and safe season for her guests. Part of the old mast has been donated to the Volendam botters foundation. “And the rest will enjoy the stove this winter,” says the skipper.