The members of Watersports Association De Nieuwe Meer in Aalsmeer said goodbye to a loyal friend this week. The historic pull ferry that has brought them to the marina for 50 years has been replaced by a brand new ferry.
Aaslmeers ferry retires after fifty years – NH Nieuws
“That old ferry actually belongs a bit to our clubhouse,” says Hans Tol, who has been a member for 34 years and has therefore made the crossing often. “It didn’t always go smoothly,” he admits. “But it was part of it.”
“Chains off, got stuck, it sank a few times. We’ve all been through it!”
Yet everyone agrees that a new ferry is necessary. “The winches [red. waar je aan draait] are no longer safe and the ferry leaked a few times when it froze”, chairman Paul van der Zande must admit. Hans has been through a lot with the old ferry, he says with a laugh. “Off the chains, get stuck, he has been a few times sunk… We lived through it all!”
The new ferry entered the water last Wednesday and was ready to sail on Friday. The first members made the crossing satisfied. “But it is quite hard work”, most think. The new ferry can still do its best to build a career that comes close to its predecessor. In 1965, she even brought Queen Juliana to the marina.
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If the new ferry hits the water this week, not even the first changing of the guard will take place. WV Nieuwe Meer is no less than 110 years old this year and the crossing was always made by ferry. At first it was a wooden ferry.
Water sports association Nieuwe Meer
WV De Nieuwe Meer has a rich history. The association was founded in 1912 and owes its name to the water of the same name in Amsterdam. As early as 1917, the association moves to the Westeinderplassen, an area that offers many more opportunities for boaters. A marina is built and in 1926 also the clubhouse that still stands today. The clubhouse, designed by architect Greiner, has enjoyed a protected status as a municipal monument since the 1980s. The association wants to renovate the characteristic clubhouse this summer. The entire history of Water Sports Association Nieuwe Meer is recorded in the book ‘t Boeiervolk. This book was made ten years ago in honor of the 100th anniversary.
What makes the launch this week extra special is that the builder of the ferry that blows the retreat is also present. Shipbuilder Piet de Bock, who is now over seventy, hangs high in the air to ensure a soft landing.
“Each ship that is newly launched always gives the builder a sense of pride”, Piet smiles. “Whether it’s a simple ferry or a mega yacht.”
The board of the water sports association secretly finds it difficult to say goodbye to the old ferry completely. For the time being, she also serves as a tow barge.