This may be De Zwart’s first time here, but it is not new that people are looking at his ship. “I thought it would be fun to participate in an event. Then I ended up in Dieverbrug.” The Lock Days are held there every year, during which all kinds of old ships also moor at the lock. “Everyone there said they were going to Meppel.” That’s how he came across the Grachtenfestival.
He looks around the canals for a moment. Meanwhile, the old engine of his boat is running. “I asked the organization if I could get a spot on shore, so that I could exhibit the old machine. And look here. Everyone actually likes to see and hear it running.”
In addition to the fact that there are more ships, the organization has also created a play area for children. Bleekerseiland has been transformed into a large playground. Chairman Arnold Schuurman stands at the tip of the peninsula. Behind him, De Vereeniging III sails for its umpteenth tour.
“I now have a view of one of our major investments. We have turned the Meppel tower into an air cushion. The kids are now crawling on it,” he points out. An air cushion has also been made from a Meppel mill.
A new tradition has also been born for local residents. “This morning we sat in the Grote Kerk for the first time with the skippers and all the local residents. We had a lovely meal there with about 150 people. So we had breakfast. It was immediately a common comment: ‘next year again’. So we’re keeping breakfast.”
Also returning next year are Hans de Zwart and Harm Piekema. “This is very beautiful,” says Piekema. “The people I speak to who are there for the first time all love it. They all want to come again next year. Isn’t that great!?” De Zwart confirms it. “If I haven’t sold the boat in the meantime, I will come back here next year. Guaranteed.”